The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-10-21
A Stenogrdpher's
Romance
NELLIE TALKS WITH MRS
ROBERTS
BY JANE PHELPS


Chapter 81.
Nellie argued with herself told her
self that all her little social .biunders.
her mistakes meant nofhtng-as Cora
had assured her. But the uneasinesa
would not down. and now it amounted
almost to unhappiness
A theater party at which she caused
confusion by taking too long to de-
eide where they would have supper
George had asked her to decide
the lights were out when they ieft
the box, One or two little crude ac-
lions at supper, had sent her home
in the lowest OF spirits.
As she considered her case II was
not a pleasant consideration.
Because she loved George Fa1ion
she had impuisively promised to
marry him without giving CONSIDER
alton to facts or consequences SnS
wished she had made him wait ione-
err; taken more time to fit herself to
be his wife. Perhaps in time she
would have been able to learn all
these little graceful ways In which
she now was SO lacking. she hao
noticed George flush as she SIAM
mered over her decision of where to
dine 1t had been like whip on IA "
flesh. If he flushed for her now.
what would he feel, when a. hostess,
she made blunders? II only she were
like Miss Dorothy
That started another train OF
sin, as miss Dorothy" to George. He
had been annoyed. and plainly showed
1t.
lon," he said. at is not necessary
now that you use that mode of speak
/ ing to people"
Nellie was bright enough to know
4 he referred to the difference her en-
gagement to him made in the way
she should talk to his friends; that
.kIfss Dorothy Smacked of seFvifity.
of the office.
| He had said it kindly. yet she had
known he was annoyed with her.
she e' sp %Irs'e to MRS. Roberts Of it. She
said a trifle bitterly, altho she
laughed:
"I guess once slavey. one never
! quite gets over some things
anything t Miss Dorothy when
was in the office; W, uld probably be
called down If 1 had. 1t seems III
never learn to be a lady" Then: I'm
a horrid ungrateful girl to talk SO
when you and everyone are so kind
Don't feel that you can't talk over
your worries With me, dear. Some
times it helps. AS far as that one in
cident goes. it is trifling;. yet, OF
course. Mr.. Fallon is right. His cou-
sin is little older than you are and
should not be addressed as IL she
were a young Miss, younger than
yourself Don't feel annoyed. You
are learning all the time"
but it is sc humiliating to have to
learn--in such a way. To be cor
rected by him. I wouldn't care if it
was you-but to have him seem
! ashamed. 1t is almost more than 1
can bear"
Poor child" Mrs. Roberts solilo-
them both unhappy If she iEn't care
full 1 am afraid for her. wish she
had more confidence in herself. 1t
is meeting those society women, wom-
en- of the world. that has made her
lose that confidence. She is con-
stantly comparing herself to them
, without making any allowances for
herself-without considering her
bringing up"
Nellie had lost some of her bright
color in these last weeks, and her
face held a certain tension which in
dicated nervous strain and apprehen-
sion. Donald Horne had noticed, and
had sought Mrs. Roberts when she
was alone.
Nellie isn't happy. Mrs. Roberts"
he said. "why?"
IT think you are wrong. Donald.
The child isn't unhappy. She is
worrying a bit for fear she will not
, measure up to standard in her new
life. She is rather frightened be-
: cause of Mr.. Fallon's social position.
, a bit afraid of his friends"
, zone has fancies," he answered.
! land I-you know how it is-we
! can't always b quite sensible"
) II know Honald. But we must
i put fancies out of our heads now"
: Mrs. Roberts knew the young fellow
loved Nellie, knew that was what he
meant by his stammeringN speech
, I'VE must do all we can to make her
, happy for the few days sh remains
with u.s.
! sTtd give NV life to make her happy
aiwaysr' he blurted out, then rushed
from the room before she could an
: swer.
II ct wonder" she whispered.