The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-12-12
Chapters From a
Woman s Life
IT'S THE PIN PRICKs THAT HURT
BY JANE PHELPS

l CndpIeT o.
| I often scolded myself for allowing
so many things to worry me. Mrs.
Page was critical, "meddIing" 1 called
it in my thoughts, the dog annoyed
me. Every time 1 heard her call that
toy dog "FidO" I felt like throwing
things. Jennie's complaints about wait
ing on dog, and a cranky old woman
worried me, as it would be impossible
for me to take any sort of care of
Mrs. Page; suit her in any way should
Jennie leave me.
| Mrs. Page, knowing I had but one
maid, expected the service and the
style of q well equipped household
with many servants. She never con-
lack of help. And since her slight ILL
ness she had been even more difficult.
At times was almost in despair. Only
to Claire Gordon did I speak of this.
however, altho / know Grace Harter
was aware of it. Her sharp inquisitive
\ eyes missed nothing.
Then at times was terribly anxious
| about Walter. Obsessed with the idea
/ that he was with Helen Ralstrom
more than it was wise for him to be
knowing his temperament. The de-
mands of his mother kept me from
being with him as much as I might
otherwise have been and I held this
against her, so increasing my dislik e
for her.
When she first came Walter had
been punctilious, had come to his
meals promptly, or given a good ex-
cusc. He had taken us out often and
otherwise been the dutiful son. But
as the weeks went by, this attitude
irked him saw it plainly-and he
often remained out late. Then, if
either she or I spoke of it. he would
become impatient. Her presence in the
house was an old story to him.
One morning she had been I'M
usually difficult. had angered Jennie,
and had found fault with me, my man
a0RnPnt of the hnISa lack nf
knowledge of the more elaborate mat
ters pertaining to home keeping.
When she talked in that way never
made any reply. I knew my faults
were many, but with one maid I could
not satisfy her, and what was the use
of discussing the thing until we both
became annoyed. Naturally there were
some points of household etiquet with
which was unfamiliar. 1 had been
brought up in simple homely fashion,
and while I had learned much since
living in New York, I still had much
to acquire before would be what she
called a perfect hostess"
AS she was in the midst of telling
me what I should do the bell rang
and Claire Gordon breezed in.
Il have come to take you down to
see Mrs. Eldredge again, Doreen," she
said.
"Take Mrs. Page instead" I said
"She will enjoy the ride and also meet
ing Mrs. Eldredge.' I gave Claire a
plGdu4AS AOOhs Which 611c dL once
derstood.
DO come, Mrs. Page" she urged.
I'm sure you will be delighted with
my dear invalid"
THANK you, it will be a pleasure to
get away for a few hours" she replied
with a whitening glance at me. "It
will give Doreen an opportunity to do
some of the things we have talked of;
insist upon that maid of hers knowing
her place for one thing"
docs anv servant know that
adays?" Claire returned with a gay
laugh. ours do noti Mother gets al
most frantic at times, and talks of the
old days before the war-long before,
when servants were devoted to their
employers, willing and efficient. It
must be a problem when one can
keep but one maid" Then: ct don't
want to hurry you, but Mrs. Eldredge
is so disappointed if I do not spend
some time with her. we'd better start"
Mrs. Page left the rooom to put on
her wraps, and Claire said gleefully:
''I didn't give her a chance to an
swer, did I, Doreen? I believe If you
weren't so afraid of her you would get
along easier.''-
Perhaps" replied ''But felt as
if 1 should scream at her when you
came in. She is so unreasonable. You
would think to hear her demands that
I had a trained lot of servants, cook, |
butler and maids, instead of one poor
little Irish girl. Do keep her away as
she came back into the room, F'ido |
under her arm as usual.
You don't object to my taking the |
little dear along?" she asked Claire. |
THE air will do him good and the |
darling just dotes on a motor ride
Bring him by all means, he will |
amuse Mrs. Eldredge. She is found of |
animals"
''She shows her good sense" Mrs. |
Page returned, with a meaning glance |
at me.
(Tomorrow-A bad beginning and a |
good ending.)