The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-28
four DANCING FEET
A SERIOUS TALK.
BY JANE PHELPS

Chapter Ii.
1t was a wonderful afternoon, and
both Gertie and Tom enjoyed their
ride to the full. The girls naive re-
marks amused and interested him,
and the wonder of being beside him,
thrilled her. The flowers along the
roads. woodsy places: the smell of the
country SO new to her, delighted Gertie
and she really talked well.>
ct wish mother could live in a place
like that" she said as they rolled
swiftly along the smooth road. They
had just passed a little white cottage
set back in yard in which there were
old trees, giant ones shading the tiny
dwelling, and round, and oblong
shaped flower beds filled with old
fashioned flowers. A simple little
place, but to the tenement child.
palace.
Perhaps she can some dayi Tim
is going to be a smart fellow or I miss
my guess A boy like him is sure to
get on" Already he was making plans
to help Tim. That boy should have
an education-a good one.
"Oh, yes, Tim is smart. He sells
more papers than any of the other
boys. He is smart in school too, he
passed high in everything, and so did
Jennie" Once get Gertie started upon
this subject of family it was hard to
This time they had driven in diff
ferent direction. so when they stopped
at an inn set on a high bank over
looking the Hudson river, it meant
new fairyland to Gertie. How nice he
was to choose a different place. She
would have more to tell mother and
the children, and Lilly. They knew
all about the other place-she had had
to repeat the description of it, and her
dinner, so often.
gerbread 1 ate How about you ?"
Tom asked as the waiter stood expect
ant beside them.
I'm hungry too" she smiled up az
him.
: ''What about a. steak? A nice thick
proval, land some creamed potatoes,
new peas and. while we are waiting,
bring US some sliced oranges. Have
them cold. We will order what else
we want later
There was an orchestra playing soft
music in one of the large dining rooms
of the inn. They were to be served
on the wide porch facing the river.
Gertie was entranced with the view,
the pIace-and Tom. With a happy
sigh she gave herself up to enjoyment.
She pushed into the back of her mind
the haunting thought that he was go
ing; that after that she would be
alone.
That was the way it had seemed to
her-she would be alone!
Dinner took a long time to eat. they
had so much to say. Afterward they
wandered about the grounds for a bit,
then started for home. Gertie had
spoken of her desire to have a better
education. and Tom had asked her if
she would mind If he gave her a little
advice about it, what she might do If
she tried, even if she did work hard
at the cabaret.
Mind! Why. couldn't mind any,
thing you said" she had answered.
Then may I send you a few books?
Some of them may seem dull. but they
will help you, think. They did me-"
("Oh, will you'll 1 talk awful some
times, and then sometimes I try to
think to talk right and no word will
come but the wrong ONE
81 know! I have had that trouble
myself" Tom was anxious to help this
pretty girl by his side-heIp without
hurting.
In the car riding slowly home they
continued the conversation:
II try not to say ANTI" she had Just
said it, then stammered her exuse.
TT is bad word, and if you try
hard enough you can eliminate-cut it
OUT he finished, fearing she would
not know the meaning of eliminate.
"Oh I'll tryi''
"And another word Gertie, Lilly
uses it too. swell don't use it. Edu-
caIeu people never 90 unless they
speak of the swell of the ocean or
something like that Don't apply it to
people, like saying she is swell or to
your good times. People may be
smart. stylish if you like, and nice or
pleasant times sounds better"
I'll try to remember
81 know you will! And when
come again I shall expect to find you
have forgotten how to~use the wrong
word. I'll send the books tomorrow
and before 1 go Wen talk them over.
Perhaps I can help you get started
with Them
THAT would be fine.' Gertie ex-
claimed animatedly; but her anirna-
ton was not all for the books. He
had said when I come again. He
was coming back theni She should
see him again. She would not be
alone.
(Tomorrow-Joy and sorrow inter
mingled.)