The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-07-11
-FOUR DANCING FEET
GERTIE IS MRS. TOM NORRIS.
BY JANE PHELPS

GERTIE Is MRS. TOM NORRIS.
CHAPTER "a.
The wedding was over. Gertie was
now Mrs. Tom Norris. Everything had
gone off nicely, the breakfast served
at IL o'clock a great success.
ST don't see why everybody cried"
Tim said as soon as everyone had
kissed the bride. "'Twant no flu
neral!'
at always cry at weddings. Tim
the teacher guest replied. II don't
know why, but 1 just can't help it,
well, 1 think weddings are jolly!
Gee! But you wait till you see what
were going to have to eat!'' he
smacked his lips in anticipation. Mas
been working all the morning to make
good things"
Tim was interrupted in his conf
dences by Jennie calling them to
breakfast.
Putting on airs. calling it break
fasti" Tim snorted, Il had my break
fast at o'clock"
AT noon weddings they always call
the meal breakfast, Tim the teacher
explained.
had sent a good many flowers, and
Jennie had arranged lovely center
piece, beside decorating the room.
That they were in pitchers and glasses
detracted not a whit from their beau
ty. or the family's delight in them.
They were very gay at breakfast,
Tom putting himself out to keep them
all laughing. They were to leave inn
mediateIy afterward, and both for
Gertie and her mothers sake he tried
to avoid any reference to the parting.
Tins faith in his mother as pro-
wider had. not been misplaced. and
they all ate heartily. Then came the
leave taking. Poor Mrs. Cummings
tried desperately to be brave. but in
vain. And Gertie's last glimpse of her
was with her apron over her head her
body shaking with sobs.
She'll feel better after she's had
her cry out" Jennie conforted Gertie,
wiping her own eyes as she SPOKE.
you know>Ma. She always cries. She'll
be all right soon as you're out OF
sight, and she starts clearing away"
Tim and Jennie were to go to the
station with them. The teacher prom
Used to stay with Mrs. Cummings until
their return.
"say, Gertie. how does it seem to
be married?" Tim asked as they rode
along. Father Dooley made you
promise to mind Tom, 1 heard him:
at seems wonderful. Tim" Gertie
said with a shy glance at Tom;
They had but a few moments at the
station before their train pulled out.
AS they stood at the crate for the last
words Tins young face suddenly
sohered, and he blurted out:
you'd better be good to her.
Toni then with tears running down
his cheeks. caught Jennie's hand and
hurried her thru the crowd.
Tom had laughed heartily at TINS
parting injunction, at his dread oil
having them see his tears.
isn't he a dear?" Gertie asked.
Indeed he is! Tim and 1 are the
best OF friends. yet you see no was
almost afraid to trust his precious sis
ter with me. I don't know that /
blame him. Tell me, dear. are you
happy"
AS Gertie was a happy bride. Tom
a happy bridegroom, we all know
what her answer would be. and can
easily imagine the delightful trip they
had to the ranch, Gertie's future
home.
At first Gertie had been very shy
with Tom. almost afraid to express
herself, but as the days passed she
oVercame her tiInidity ana talked of
the country thru which they passed.
of people and events in n way that
surprised and delighted him.
They would arrive at the ranch in
the late afternoon. The man would
they had a two hours" drive. AS they
drew near his home Tom talked CT 1t
to her. He told her again of the diff
ferent inmates, their idiosyncrasies,
their faithful service.
Of course the house IS yours, dear.
and any changes you want made will
be all right. But for the present
think 1t will be easier for you IL YOU
let everything go on as usual. Then
want you, your time, our honeymoon
has only begun"
IT shall be SO glad to let everything
be as 1t is Tom" Gertie replied mes
Ting her hand in his. 81 don't know
much about running a house. you
know. aftho am sure I can learn
(Tomorrow-Gertie's new home.)