The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-24
FOUR DANCING FEET
A ROAD HOUSE DINNER.
BY JANE PHELPS



Chapter Z.
OF course Gertie told Lilly Arnold
all about it but in the telling-aitho
that was exciting-it seemed rather a
bare little tale. How could she speak
of the wonderful thrill of being near
to a man like Tom? Gertie called
him Tom as naturally as il she had
known him ali her life, and Lilly
called him Toni too. Girls in their
station, with their lack of education,
don't stand on ceremony
''Whatd you have to eat?'' Lilly
asked She was nothing il not prac-
teal where physical comforts were
concerned.
"Why, 1 don't know-ohs yes!" Lii
Iy's look of establishment Had jerked
back Gertie's wandering thoughts.
go on-tell mel amt never been
to one of them swell roadhouse
JOINTS
I'VE had-let me sea grape fruit
with a cute little red cherry on top.
He, Tom, gave me his-made me take
it," She did not add that he had told
her the color just matched that in
her cheeks. 'Then we had chicken
little bits of ones, they was broiled, he
said" It had been Gertie's first
mother invariably fried, everything.
and in the cheap places Gertie some
times ate, they did likewise. Then
we had salad, forget the name. 1t
1OOKG0 IKE CGASEyS out II wash
.'Oh, know! I've seen it on the
stands. I don't know the name" Lilly
interrupted. Tt probably is trite to
say Gertie's description. of their
luncheon had made Lilly's mouth
water.
ssThen we had ice cream. strawberry
and chocolate, and the cutest little
cakes, and oh, yes, coffee in high
glasses with whipped cream on top
and guess that's ALL
'AllL Why I amt never had such
a meal in all my life! Gee, but I'll
bet it tasted good"
Yves, it was good" Gertie said. her
mind upon what Tom had said, rather
than on food.
Gertie started to tell Lilly about the
stockings, then thought better of it.
Lilly might laugh at him for not know
ing thin stockings were stylish. She
was<great for style.
rs he going to take you out again ?"
Lilly queried. This conversation had
taken place in the dingy little room
the cabaret.
He said something about seeing
me- Gertie replied. She really
couldn't remember if it was to go rid
ing. That he wanted to see her was
enough for her.
Don't be backward with him. Din
ners is all right, but don't be afraid
to let him know you'd like somethin'
sensible instead of flowers. I'll bet
from what you say he's that kind
send you a posy and think he can take
your time"
Il love flowers" Gertie answered
She didn't add she would love a weed
if Tom sent it, but something very
like that was in her mind.
''They's all right for girls what has
everything they want, but they amt
no good for girls like US workin'
girls
Gertie thought it would be nice to-
be treated like those other girls, girls
who had everything. She did not quite
know how to say so to Lilly. She was
SO apt to make fun I
Hes educated, Lil1i" Gertie said
after a while. lawfully educated. He
talks lovely! I wish 1 was educated"
she added wistfully.
I'VE amt no time to think of gettin'
educated. It's nothing but slave all
the time, then give most of it to ma,
Just as you do That Gertie was far
more generous to her mother and the
and occasionally Scolded her for CIV
pg them so much. But as a. rule she
-ook the attitude that both gave the
same, as she now had.
81 know, Lilly, but what would ma
10 with the children If I didn't help,
and your mother too? The kids
couldn't go to school; and they amt
going to grow UP without an educa- !
ion if I can help it-like me. But I
wish shoes and things didn't cost so |
much" she sighed. Shoes is awful, /
Tim wears them out SO quick. I guess |
Boys can't help it. 7 amt findin' no |
ault with Tim, he's a good boy He's
Iellin' papers now to help. Jennie had |
% have a new dress too! The girls |
allied her rags cause her dress was
90 old. 1t wasn't ragged tho. Ma
Keeps them mended UP fine. Poor |
ma, she sure has a hard time!"
ITS tough. Gertiei amt believin'
n poor folks marryin', not If they has
hildren. The world is a tough place
or us poor folks" She waited mo-
nent, then asked:
do you suppose your Tom will be
''Your Toni" how that thrilled
Fertile.
At don't know. He's been here
vice. Maybe he's tired, and will go to
ONE other place. His friend, the New
FORK fellow, only come that one
light She didn't add that she
Tanted Tom to come SO badly it hurt.
Tomorrow-rom is still interested-)
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