The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-12-13
Chapters From a
Woman 5 Life
A BAD BEGINNING AND A GOOD
ENDING
BY JANE PHELPS

A BAD BEGINNING AND A COOL
! ENDING
Chapter 50.
After Claire and Mrs. Page left
sat for half an hour without moving
My nerves were all on edge. She had
been unusually exasperating and
could still hear Jennie slamming
about noisily in the kitchen, way she
had of showing her anger.
Finally with a sigh L went out to
her.
I'VE shall be alone all day, Jennie
Miss Gordon has taken Mrs. Page out
for the day.
GLORY bel I wish she'd keep her
for good! Did she take that purp
along?"
Yes I sighed again. Jennie was
repentant at once. Said she:
Now don't you go to feelin' badI !
know L got cross this mornin' but
| that old woman would make a saint
cross, and tho good Lord knows I'm
no saint. My temper gifts the best of
me when she comes round bossir'. No
girl likes company, tellin' her what to
do. Then that dog is always in her
arms, she making sick speeches~to
him. I can't abide that animal. I
can't! 1 feel like takin' off my apron
and quittin' every time she brings him
into the kitchen, CALM him pet and
darlin. and such like"
But, Jennie, she won't stay much
longer perhaps. ana Just can teach
another girl now. If you go TIL have
to go too,'' said laughing little.
q Sure now that's the queer thing
you're sayiu', you leave tool 'THould
be the grand joke on her" She
laughed heartily and L knew that for
the time my battle was won.
We worked hard all the morning I
even ate my luncheon in the kitchen
so we could accomplish all possible.
We thoroly cleaned Mrs. Pages room,
flowers on her table. I too had been
rather disa agreeable tina morning and
after all e was Walters mother.
AS we ..orked I gave Jennie some
directions about serving and dishing
the foOd--things Mrs Page had spok-
en- of and found fault with. I said
nothing of her but allowed Jennie to
think it was my own idea,
1T is just as easy to do things the
right way as the wrong when you get
into the habit / told her.
Sure it is! And l likes to do them
nice for you and Mr.. Page. He's the
one nice man in a house he is. Eve
worked where they amt SO nice and 1
know
He would feel as badly as I if. you
should leave us. Jennie" replied
trying tactfully to make the girl con-
tented until Mrs, Page left us. And
he is very fond of his mother. 1t hurts
him when you are impudent."
IT'S the Irish in me- she said with
a grin. a Int keep from gettin'
mad" rts
keep that Irish in place IL you
can" I returned, Once more things
would be serene in the kitchen-for a
little while.
About 2 o'clock was surprised to
hear Walters voice
Get your duds on and We'll take a
spin" he said coming into my room,
where with dust cap on was still
working.
"Afi right" snatched the cap off.
How comes?" asked gaiIy
81 have to go out into the country
ways. Thought you would like to go.
the mater ?''
"Claire took her out in the co9htry
this morning to see that Mrs. Ell
dredge."
Good work. Hurry now and wen
have a nice rfde.5 I won't go back to
the studio today. You need little
fun, felt SO sorry you were cheated
put of the party; have been intend
ing to make UP for it in some way. but !
today was the first chance had. It's
I glorious day" Then: "Jennfe,' he |
called, I'VE won't be back for dinner, |
Tell Miss Gordon she is to stay and |
keep my mothNr company" |
Yes, sir" Jennie answered pleas
antly.. Til do my best 10 keep her. |
And it's fine you're takih' Mrs. Page
1ut. She don't have much fun now |
adays." Her smile fairly reeked with |
mpudence but Walter only laughed |
as he replied:
hen"
Tomorrow-Another honeymoon.)