The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-01-17
THE. NEW
GENERATION
Ru ZANE Phelps
JOAN CoNFIDEs IN FORESTER
By JANE PHELPS
Chapter I22.

Margaret desperately tried to stifle
her inclination to laugh, not at Joans
distress but at Malcolm's expression
and what it conveyed to her quick
mind.
Surely the boy did not dislike her
quite the contrary, as many little in
cidents Lad shown beyond just his
childish admiration for Joan's mother
and his love for Hannah's cookies
Dimly Margaret realized he was hold
ing this threat that she should not
live with them over Joan for some
purpose. AS she caught a glance be-
tween Malcolm and Craig Forester
she instinctively knew what it was
Malcolm was trying to help her to
happiness He was making her loss
! of home an issue with Joan, rather
the loss of a home with them. to
compel Joan to withdraw her objee-
tons to a step-father.
Had Margaret thought Joans dis
| like of Craig Forester was personal
thing. she might have interfered. But
she knew it was not, but that in her
heart Joan rather admired Forester.
1t was only as her mothers sutton that
she objected to him. So controlling
her desire to laugh Margaret turned
her attention to the weeping girl, who
had paid no slightest attention to For
roster, seemingly obliyious of his pres
ence.
Once more Forester asked:
whats it all about?"
This time Joan stopped sobbing
long enough to fling at him:
What do you think of a man who
has always pretended to be fond of
| Mumsie saying she shall not live with
us if I-we-get-married? That $
what-he saysi" She pointed toward
Malcolm, then resumed her sobbing,
more quietly than befores
1t was fortunate for Forester that
she was not looking at him as she fin
ished her complaint of Malcolm. The
expression on his face was absolutely
beatific 1t was too much for Mar
garet. Holding her handkerchief over
her mouth. with one glance at Joan's
| bowed head, she rushed from the
room.
Presently Joan raised her head, and
remarked acidly:
"Idl.k a cup of tea"
ALLOW mel" Forester forestalled
Malcolm
THANK you. Mr.. Forester" Her
glance at her fiance was venomous.
Now, Joan, I'd like to know what
you are feeling so badly aboutEthat
| is. if you care to tell me. I don't quite
understand.
81 don't wonder! Who would? Mr..
Frost has deliberately told me that il
l marry him-which of course 1 shan :
now IflaI NuTlSle Cannot i've Will.
us-that he doesn't believe in parents
| living with their children. OF course
I won't marry him knowing his senti-
ments." her lip trembled; ait would be
a wicked thing to do. All my life
! have known that when married
Mumsie would live with me. 1t is only
natural that she should. She's getting
old. for all she looks so young'-Joan
| did not notice the groan that broke
I from ForreSter'S lips at her accuSa-
ton, Margaret old, and not yet 40!-
| land she has no one else But meli
are so selfish. I'm sure Mumsie
would not hurt Malcolm one bit" she
finished with a sob.
| 81 don't understand you. Frost -
Craig Forester deliberately winked At
the young man.. How can you-any-
one object to Mrs. Hayden? 1 should
| think you would take it as a great
compliment that she would be willing
| to live with a young cub like you.
Then an older person gives any house
| hold tone. especially when that person
| is as accomplished, as interesting, rs
clever woman as Mrs. Hayden"
There. you seei Mr.. Forester
thinks just as I do" Joan exclaimed,
81 can't help what he thinks. I.
isn't his home." Malcolm pretended
to sulk.
But if marry you. IT is mine And
if want Mumsie I'll have her"
You have had your own way all
your life, Joan, but in this I shall have
mine. Anyway. your Mother, now
that she, knows my sentiments. will
refuse to force herself upon me-
"Oh, you BEAST I hate yout" and
Joan rushed cut of the room thru one
door. just as Margaret re-entered al
another
CTomorrow-AIways an "If")