The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-20
four DANCING FEET
TOM TAKES MRS. CUMMINGS
MOTORING.
BY JANE PHELPS



To her surprise Gertie felt no real
embarrassment as she greeted Tom,
and he appeared just as usual. Sharp
eS ed Tim even could see nothing to
gibe at in their attitude toward each
other; and Mrs. Cummings sighed
with relief. Gertie's bushes had Wor-
ried her. now she laid them to annoy
aEce at Tins teasing. She would
scold him when he came back; he
mustn't tease Gertie.
Wen, young man, are you ready"
Tom had asked.
You bet 1 ann" had been the ready
response.
Then we're off. III bring him
back in about an hour. Mrs. Cum
mings, then I am going TO take you
for ride-if you will trust yourself
with me?"
Me-" Mrs. Cummings asked. pride
and utter amazement mixed in the
word.
yes. you. A spin this fine day win
do you good. Won't it, Gertie?''
of course it will Ma. She'll be
ready, Tom"
But ! amt never rode in an auto."
Always a first time for every
thing" Tom answered. You're not
afraid, are you? I'll drive slowly
There amt nothing to be afraid
of. MAJ Tim broke in And Toms
y guess III dast risk it, his
mother replied. Then to Tom: 'I'n
be all ready SOS not keep you wait
ing"
Gertfe and she watched Tom lift
Tim carefully into the car. then stood
by the window until they were out OF
sight.
Just think of him askin' me to go
ridin- an old woman"
You aren't an old woman, Ma. And
you'll enjoy it. I know. 1t was nice
OF Tom to ask you. He seems to think
OF everyone"
Not many stylish young fellows
would ask a plain body like me 1
amt never had anyone take me any
where since your Pa died-only just
you, Gertfe. Itll seem funny" Mrs.
Cummings said as Gertie hurried her
to dress so she would be ready.
Her best black dress, her Sunday
shoes, and one of Gertie's wells over
her hat was all the dressing she could
do. But her hair had to be com bed
over again altho she had supposed it
done for the day, a pair of gloves
found, a clean handkerchief. then di-
rections> for the dinner given. When
she finally declared herself ready 1t
lacked five minutes of the hour set
for their return.
You are sure I look nice enough
to go, Gertie ?" she asked after last
look in the little mirror hanging in
the kitchen.
You look real nice, Ma. Nice
CHOuSn u SO with anyone. ana you IL
see Tom will say SO. He is the motto
ing kind" Gertie replied, recalling
how Tom always talked to her. say
ing she loo'5ed well. that her hat was
becoming, or something to make her
feel good" as she expressed it.
II can't help hopin' Mrs Arnold win
see me go. She was maxim her brags
about Lilly marryin' Len O'Connor.
She said he had promised Lilly he
would get a new auto when they was
married.
Lens new auto will probably be
like the old one, just little cheap
one he can use TOT go to his work.
Toms car is different-just like Tom
is different from Len. You needn't
care whether she sees you or not.
There they are now. Go on down Ma,
I'll come too and help Tim up the
stairs" With some one to help him
and the aid of his crutch Tim could
now master the stairs. There's Mrs.
Arnold now down on the sidewalk.
She's watching Tim get out of the
car"
me get in!' and Mrs Cummings with
out more ado sped down the stairs.
leaving Gertie to follow.
Good morning, Mrs. Arnold, it's
the fine day for a ride" Gertie heard
her mother say = the watching neigh
Dor.
''Indade it is. Mrs. Cummings. TIN
do Tim good"
It's meself goin' now"
Before Mrs. Arnold could voice her
surprise. or her jealousy, Tom had
calamity assisted Mrs. Cummings into
the car. With gay goodbye to Tim
and Gertie, and a honk-honk of the
horn they were off. leaving Mrs. Ar
mold staring after them.
Me and Ma is h6vin' fine times to-
day, Mrs. Arnold Don't you wish you
was us2" Tim called as Gertie hur-
ried him into the doorway.
7 should have thought he'd taken
YOU. Gertie. instead of your ia" that
lady replied. Amt she afraid to ride
so fast? -
Nav Ma amt afraid-not with
Toni" Tim made answer. a saucy grin
on his face.
Tomorrow-NIrs. Arnold Disturbs
Tim and Gprfie