The Topeka state journal., 1922-06-21
-FOUR DANCING FEET
MRS. ARNOLD DISTURBS TIM
AND GERTIE
BY JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER 81

! Mrs. Arnold followed Tim and Ger
| tie upstairs. In a way that people
! living years as neighbors are prone to
| do, she went with them into their
apartment without an invitation from
Gertie, who would have preferred to
be alone, but who was too polite to
say so.
Cert % she asked after settling herself
comfortably, in a chair and removing
her hat. which she laid on the table.
What makes you ask me that?
Gertie replied, trying not to look
conscious, desperately wishing she
wouldn't blush.
1T looks like you was. his takin'
the whole family out in his auto
don't let him put it over you, Cert.
You amt like my Lilly there amt no
| fellow can soft-soap her; she's too
smart for 'em. But you're kinda soft
| like. always was even when you was
a little mite. If he don't ask you to
marry him he don't mean no good.
Them swell fellows think they can
! girl, if she's poor"
Gertie looked apprehensively at
Tim. She hated for him TO hear this
! conversation, yet she didn't quite
! know how to prevent.
Tom Norris is a real gentleman,
Mrs. Arnold" she finally said. He
has been awfully good to Tim"
You bet he has He's the whole
cheese, Tom is!" Tim broke in.
He amt comm here to see Tim, -
Mrs. Arnold returned, hes bein' nice
to him to git around you, Cert And
takin' your Ma out in his auto I'm
afraid he's slick. Cert. Slick"
He amt no au-- thing, again Tim
made reply. Hes just kind and good
They calls crooks slick and he amt
no crook"
There, dear, don't get so excited.
Mrs. Arnold doesn't mean that Tom $
= y
little fellow who was indignant that
his hero should be criticised.
"Of course I didn't. Tim. I only
meant he was slick in bein' nice to
your Ma, tal1in' her out in his auto.
Well. must run along. I'll come in
when your Ma gets back. Cert, and
hear how she liked her ride
Il wish you'd call me Gertie," the
girl said with crimson cheeks. I can't
bear Cert"
why, we has always called you
that, me and Lilly!"
Il know-and didn't used to mind
when I was little, but hate it now
''All right, dearie, I'll try to remem-
Der. I guess that Tom is putin all
these notions in your head. Better be
careful of him, Gert-ie. Grand ideas
don't do a poor girl no good in the
end"
your Lilly talks a lot more about
style and such things than I do, Mrs.
''Talks-yes. But she don't be
goin' round with a swell. Her fellers
are all in her own class And you
wouldn't call your Mr.. Tom in your
class. would you?"
Gertie did not answer. fortunately
Mrs. Arnold waited for no reply;
neither did she see the tears flooding
Gertie's eyes. But Tim did, and he ex-
claimed:
II hate that old Mrs. Arnold She
says things about Tom and she made
you cry"
I'm not crying, Tim" Gertie
brushed the tears away and smiled at
her brother.
You most did anyway! what'd she
mean by tellin' you to be careful of
Tom? He wouldn't hurt you"
''Of course he wouldn't" Gertie re-
piled wishing Tim wouldn't ask such
questions. She maybe thinks I'll get
hurt in his car"
II got q secret, Gertie."
zone you can't tell me?"
Can't tell no one. not even Ma
not yet"
your secret? ?" Gertie asked, glad the
conversation had turned from Mrs.
Arnold's remarks.
yep! It's Tom"
And I can't know? I love secrets,
Tim
Nope! Can't tell anybody till he
IAN right, I won't urge you then.
Now lie down and rest until Ma comes
home"
Tim did as he was told. but as
Gertie went about the tasks left in her
care, she heard him murmur:
-Old thing! Calling Tom slfck!"