The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-10-25
A Stenographer's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
NATURE HELPS HEAL NELLIES
SORROW
Chapter 81.

Chapter 81.
Even tho Nellie felt she had done
right. she was saddened, and often
wept over her lost romance; always at
night so that Mrs. Roberts would not
be worried, would not think her I'M
grateful. The big, rambling country
house, the lawn, the old trees, the
flowers all delighted her. She never
had left New York since the day so
long ago when she arrived with Miss
Carter's old straw suit case. It was
almost like new world and in spite
of her heartache she enjoyed herself.
For her heart did ache. 1t had not
been easy to give up the man she
loved; whom she looked up to; who
typified all that was fine and good to
her. Never had it been his money or
his social position that held her. Those
had formed the stumbling block in
her way-one that had grown so huge
she felt she never could get over it.
And because she was honest, wished
for his happiness as well as her own,
she had unselfishly put him out of
her life.
maybe he'll marry Miss Dorothy
now" she would say when at night she
would grieve. shes his kind"
So grateful was she to Mrs. Rob-
erts that she would not show any sor-
row during the day. She devoted
herself to the old lady, and they took
long rides along the country roads,
Nellie driving a gentle old horse, while
Mrs. Roberts talked to her of her own
girlhood.
She not only loved but thoroIy ad-
mired Nellie, her force of character.
She had been exposed to many temp
tations-that, Mrs. Roberts knew
and had kept herself clean and good.
Her beauty, her high spirits made her
attractive to everyone who knew her;
but they were also a lure for those
who cared nothing but for the pass
| ing moment. That she had kept her
self the same innocent girl she had
been when she left Hudson Corners
to make her own way in the world
| Mrs. Roberts was sure. Her methefly
| heart yearned over the girl, who never
| had known mothers care
LAS long as 1 live she shall have a
friend" she said to herself.
The weeks fairly flew. Nellie had
regained her color, and grieved less at
night. Seeing the good it was doing
her Mrs. Roberts, prolonged their stay
another two weeks.
''Six weeks in this heavenly place!"
| Nellie exclaimed when told. ooh, how
wonderful Shall I ever be able to
settle down and work again."
you'll work all the better for a lit
| tie play SPELL" Mrs. Roberts returned.
Nellie had said nothing of her plans,
what she intended to do, and Mrs.
Roberts had asked no questions. But
now she said:
"Have you anything in view.
NeIlie?"
mo, think perhaps shall go with
| Cora. I hate to be in the same build
| ing again." she flushed holly. but
beggers can't be choosers, you know
How would you like to have .pri-
vate place. more private than is
down town office. I have friend
who is at the head of a charitable or
| ganization. 1 have written her and
she needs a secretary. The pay isn't
quite as much as ybu have been get
| ting but the surroundings are nice and
refined. What do you say?"
II say 1 take iti'' Nellie threw her
arms impulsively about Mrs. Roberts
| neck. 81 have been wondering IL
could go back where I would see
him. It would be hard at first. Maybe
he would feel embarrassed too"
Then I'll write that you will take
| the position
work satisfactorily"
ST know you can, and the office isn't
so far from the house. You can walk
ing as well as good for your health
81 hope some day I can do some.
thing for you; something to repay you
show you how I love you" Nellie
returned, her eyes filling. She would
not have to ask for reference from
her. She would be saved all embar'
rassment. have a nice situation and bs
able to remain in the house with Mrs
Roberts. Her clothes were all in or.
der, the best she ever had had
Its a good thing I didn't buy 6
white dress and all the fixings," sht
said rather ruefully to herself. THE,
wouldn't be any use to me and all
did get are plain enough to wear"
(Tomorrow-Home again.)