The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-01-16
THE NEW
GENERATION
JOAN TELLS HER MOTHER OF
AIALCOLNPS DECISION.
By JANE PHELPS


Chapter 121.
Malcolm greeted Mrs. Hayden and
looked about for Joan. She was no
where to be seen, and he wouldn't ask
for her.
Mr.. Forester said you wanted to
see me, Mrs. Hayden" he said. Il
had lunch with him. He's a brick to
pay any attention to a cub like me-
He's coming up in a little while. had
some business to attend to, asked me
to tell you"
Thank you, Malcolm. And NAL
colin, you and Joan mustn't quarrel
and, you mustn't give up your position
and go West. You have just started
in business. It isn't wise to change"
Don't 1 know it! But 1 won't stay
where Joan is and not marry her. I
can't stand seeing fellows like Ten
nant hanging around her, soft-soap-
ing her, or worse, kissing heri So I'll
clear out and give them a free field"
And the sooner you go the better!"
called an angry voice from the door
way. Malcolm and Margaret turned
to face the swapping eyes and crimson
cheeks of the girl who was causing
them both so much anxiety.
DO you mean that Joan? Really
mean it?" Malcolm asked.
"Of course 1 do
Thank you. Then I will surely 60"
OOHey you CHllQTGn, SlOp your
quarreling," Margaret interrupted, not
knowing whether to laugh or cry. 'If
you can't agree, don't, but please don't
have a vulgar quarrel over such d seri-
GUS thing as your feeling for each
other. 1t is unworthy of both of you"
II know-and Pm-sorry, Mrs.
Hayden" Malcolm stammered, while
Joan threw up her little chin the moro
defiantly, and without a word flounced
down upon the piano stool and COM
menced to play ear-spliting chords.
"Oh, Joan!' her mother covered her
ears. Then: st must see Hannah,
Malcolm, and if she has any cakes VIC
will have our tea"
aren't you going to wait for Mr..
Forester"
NO, Malcolm. He may be late, and
I know you and Joan would like your
tea now
I'VE sure would, I walked most of
the way up here and it will taste
good"
Speak for yourself if you please.
Mr.. Frost 1 don't care if never see
a cup of tea again"
Margaret hurried away to keep from
laughing aloud. Just as she closed the
door she heard Malcolm say in an ag-
grieved voice:
Feel the same about the tea as you
do about me, don't you? ''
The poor little dears.'' Margaret
said as she hunted cookies. Hannah
was out, and as usual had left a sup
ply of Joan's favorite cakes. Heap
ing dish--with them, Margaret re-
turned to the room. Joan was talking
excitedly. On Malcolm's young face
was determination that showed
whatever the subject upon which they
disagreed, Joan would not find it easy
to have her own way with him.
he II De able to manage her" Mar
garet said to herself as she announced
her return by calling cheerfully:
Hannah is out but she left us the
cakes. Here, Malcolm, help me
please"
You keep away from Mumsie. NAL
colin Frost. I'll help her myself"
"But-Joan-" Margaret looked
shocked. but her eyes twinkled.
IF you aren't good enough to live
with us after we-I mean if we mar
ried, he needn't think he can nT9Ke of
you before!' and rudely pushing NAL
colin aside, Joan wheeled the tea table
into the room.
what are you talking about,
Joan?"
Malcolm says if we get married you
can't live with us!" Joan burst into
perfect flood of tears, sobbing as If
her heart would break.
Margaret started to comfort her, but
the look on Malcolm's face halted her.
Biting her lips to keep from laughing,
she said:
you may both be very sure that I
never shall go where I am not
wanted" Then, There's the bell.
VIII you answer 1t. Malcolm p"
1t was Craig Forester, and he
looked in establishment at first one
and then the other as he came in
Joan weeping unrestrainedly, Mar
garet serious but her eyes twinkling,
Malcolm with a look of determination
on his face.
Whats 1t all about?" Forester
asked after he had greeted Margaret.
(Tomorrow-Joan confides in
Forrester.)