The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-24
four DANCING FEET
a DAY no RENIENfBER
BY JANE PHELPS
Chapter 60.

Sunday dawned bright and warm
Tom came for Gertie at IL o'clock and
they decided this time to take the road
along the Hudson river. The boats
plying between New York and Albany
fascinated Gertie, and Tom said:
some day We must take that trip"
Gertie thrilled. That some day"
sounded as if he were coming back, as
if she would see him again. The sun
seemed to shine more brightly, the
grass and trees were greener, the day
took on new happin ess.
Ihey Iunched at a quaint little Inn
at Harmon, sitting at a table where
they looked down the ravine to the
stream flowing quietly so far below
softly, and Gertie thought nothing
could be more delightful than this
wonderful Sunday she was spending
with Tom. He reveled in her pleas
ure, and drew her on to talk-perhaps
more intimately than she ever before
had done.
They fingered over the luncheon,
then scrambled down the steep bank
to the stream beneath. A canoe was
fastened to a float, and Tom padded
her up and down for half an hour.
Gertie never had been in a, canoe be-
fore and at first was inclined to be
bit timid. But Toms experiences soon
treasured her and she was enthusiast
tic over the new experience.
When they tired of the canoe they
started for home. Tom had tickets for
a concert at the Hippodrome. They
to sing, and they were anxious to be
in good time. Tom had never heard
her, and it pleased Gertie immensely.
1t was something new to both of them
that they could enjoy together.
At dinner Tom, who had been
watching Gertie, asked:
you'll excuse me for speaking of
it, Gertie, but where did you learn to
be so dainty-about all you do?"
. What do you mean, Tom 2"
He was a bit embarrassed, his ques-
ton had slipped out almost uncon-
sciously. But he was naturally frank,
so replied
you have told me you never went
to places like this, and yet to watch
you eat. handle the table implements,
one would think you had always been
accustomed to just this sort of thing"
Gertie blushed, and shyly answered:
81 found an old etiquette book one
day, oh years ago-when 1 was about
heart, Tom, and then when I'm out
watch-you and, other people"
Her naive answer amused him. But
he controlled his expression. She
might think he was laughing at her,
and be hurt.
right-an right in every way"
I'm so glad you think so, Tom. I
sometimes have been afraid you'd be
ashamed of me. The girls you know
must be so very different from me-"
her mind upon Miss Walton.
mot many are as sweet and dainty
as you are. Gertie, no matter who
they are, or how they live"
How Gertie enjoyed that concert.
Tom scarcely heard theN great singer
so intent was he upon watching his
companion. Her cheeks flushed, her
eyes shone. She leaned forward, and
at times scarcely seemed to breathe,
SO intent was she upon the singer.
They drove thru the park before
neither of them was tired. They talked
a little of the concert, of the singer.
But mostly they were silent. They left
the park and drove out to Grants
tomb, down the hill around Claremont,
then he turned the nose of his car
HON eward.
I've only a few days more, Gertie."
Il know" A little quaver in her
voice.
shall you be sorry?"
"Oh-yes, Toni"
"Gertie, didn't mean to-not yet
but you are so dear, so sweet can't
let you go. Will you marry me, Gertie?
viii you come out and live on the,
81 love you,- darling. I'll try and make
you happy. Can you love me-do you,
dear?"
Eyes, Toni love you-I guess I
always have" and Gertie hid her face
against his sleeve, until he raised it
and pressed a kiss upon the sweet lips
that trembled under his.
(To be continued.)