The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-01-13
THE NEW
GENERATION
TROUBLED-JOAN FLIES TO HER
MOTHER.
JANE PHELPS

TROUBLED-JOAN FLIES TO HER
MOTHER.
Chapter 119.
Margaret had been really shocked
when Joan told her Dean Tenant had
kissed her-that Malcolm had seen
him. No wonder Malcolm was angry
yet she had said nothing to Joan re-
garding the matter. 1t meant abso-
lutely nothing to Joan, that she saw
at once. Margaret felt almost as Joan
habitat Malcolm should have real
lied that. Anyway she would not, give
it prominence by mentioning it again.
Joan came more often now to her
mothers apartment. Sometimes she
found her alone, and sometimes pour
ing tea for Craig Forester, chatting
about the latest novel, a new picture,
magazine story, or some bit of gos-
sip in which both were interested.
Margaret now felt bit lonely when
Joan was not with her, and encour-
aged Craig perhaps more than before.
He, sure that as soon as Joan was
married. perhaps before, he and Mar
garet could also marry, was very con-
tent, and as Joan said, ''Purred like
a big tom cat.'
zone would think he belonged
here!" she said once after he had
gone.
At like to have him here, Joan"
Margaret replied very quietly, he in
terests and entertains me-"
Margaret had been writing letters
all the morning. She had not seen
Joan for two days, and had planned
to ride down to the studio on the bus
as soon as she finishes. The doorbell
rang, and she heard a few mumbled
words as Hannah opened the door,
than Joan rushed in, her eyes red and
swollen, her cheeks flushed.
"Why, Joan, what is it?" Margaret
rose and took her into her arms, then
led her to the couch, removed her hat,
girl. Now tell me-"
"I-oh motheri" A sob interrupted,
you won't think me quite silly fool,
will you? Please say you won't" she
begged.
HOf course not, dear! Have I ever?
I'msyour mother, you know, and you
can tell me anything" She pulled
Joan's head with it's disordered curls
on to her shoulder.
Ut know-but oh Mumsiei You re-
member L told> you the other day that
it hurt to Iove-it never hurt to love
you-but I guess it's because he's a
| man that it hurts Margaret knew
she referred to Malcolm, and held her
a. bit more closely. The child was
learning-the eternal question of man
and woman had come to her. per
haps Mumsie, it was silly of me-"
! one, and now that Martha's gone there
| isn't anyone but Dean, and of course
I couldn't tell him. The rest would
only laugh at me-"
Margaret smoothed the shining
curls. and waited.
rive had an awful quarrel with
Malcolm. 1t was silly, terribly silly.
I didn't know could be so rotten or
he so stubborn. He's going to give
up his position in Wall Street. am
sure he'd be rich some day if he'd
stayed there. And he's going to San
Francisco. He had chance when
he came here, but took this one be-
cause of me. Now he's going away,
and oh. Mumsie, it hurts something
awful
when is he going dear?''
Fright away. He said he wasn't
then he said if didn't do what he
wanted me to he would co.
"You love Malcolm don't you,
Joan?"
Love himl just adore him And
I've tried my level best not to. I've
even tried to hate him these last two
days. But, Mumsie, you won't think
I'm silly goose, will you? But 1
guess I have always loved Malcolm
even when we Were just kids"
st know he has always loved you,
Joan. Now you are going to lie down
in my room, and don't worry. Every
thing will come out all right"
Margaret went to the telephone and
called Craig Forester:
Joan and Malcolm have quarreled -
Il know-Malcolm told me. That
girl of yours makes me furious Mar
garet. She's such a selfish little thing
Excuse me, Margaret, of course I'll
help you and I rather think I can.
| Oh, don't worry Her heart won't
break Mine hasn't yet, and it's been
cracked for months"
Don't be silly, Craig. Find MAI =
colin and bring him up here with you
Try and come so they can have half
an hour together before dinner
"I'Il promise if you will give me n
half hour. I'm not working for Moth
| ing"
| (Tomorrow-Malco confides in
L In i,r INn..ron.s.. \