The Washington times., 1924-04-10

she paused and glanced over titles
in a book shop. She was think
ing absently: 81 feel just the
same person; I look the same,
but everything is different"
There was new woman IN
charge OF one of the typewriter
agencies. She asked Chickie's name
in very curt way and jabbed her
glasses tightly on q long, thin
nose. She went swiftly over file:
Miss Bryce? You registered
here last April?"
YES"
: "But you got a position through
some other company? Were you
discharged?'',
ChiclSie colored: "WelI-yes--'
''Why?"
She asked this in an impersonal,
businesslike manner. 1t struck
Chickie like whip. She faltered:
"Well-I was the newest girl
there"
"Oh--I see, and the business is
slack now. Everywhere. Don't
like to discourage you, but it's
not the best time unless your
take $50 or $75--"
mo. / must have 800 at the
lowest. should get 1926. In San
Francisco ]. earned $140."
"They pay inore-different con-
ditions. You have references"
IT can get them, suppose"
"You might as wholesome are
particuIar-others not-Ill phone
If anything comes in. You may
have to wait"
Other girls were sitting at the
typewriting practice. They lis
tened to this interview. yawned,
went back to their practice.
In the next office Chickie met
the woman who had got her the
place with Norp Whitman. The
moment she saw her, Chickie real
lied she had made a mistake re-
turning here. But it was too
late. Mrs. Langton gave "a nod
of instant recognition: You
didn't like Willman's?"
"Yes-well enough"
81 couldn't believe it when they
phoned for a new girl yesterday.
You weren't discharged, were
your"
Eyes"
Mrs. Langton's large, kindly
face screwed in 'puzzlement She
waited. Suddenly Chickie said,
"I wish to work in an office. but
was sent out to Riverside to be
secretary to Miss Whitman.
didn't like it."
"Oh-I see-well, it's too bad
you didn't stick it out. Things
are very dull row"
Chickie said quietly, Twill you
phone me?''
She had suddenly become rest
less-a fugitive longing to rush
away from this strange city where
she knew no one; where she
walked block after block and never
saw single familiar face; seized
her and with it an overpowerng
sense Of her own futility.
What was she doing here:
What good would come of all this
torment and loneliness? No one
cared II she got up in the morn
ing; no one asked what hour she
went to bed at night. If she ate
or went hungry was of no matter
at all.
She had an abrupt resentment
OF her exile; Of the boarding house:
OF Barbara Whitman, lowering her
head and walking away without
word; of Lee Whitman trying to
kill himself because of her. She
was obSessed with a wish to
escape.
When she returned to her room
there was letter from Jonathan.
1t began loosely. His letters al
ways did. Ho! Business was
great and they'd be rich ones one
or these days, just you wait!
But In the middle of the second
page was this: "Jennie's garden
is sight for you. She's out there
lacking up roses from morning
till night. You're the one that
should wear them,> Chickie girl.
Now, look here; your old dad
wouldn't mind a bit If you'd sur.
prise him one Of these nights and
come walking in, and can tell
Jennie'd whack up the pies right
off. What about it, Chiclxie girl?
Your letters sound a bit off to
me these last days. Why should
you take this hard way, my girl?
It's too hard for you, I think"
ChiclSie read that again and
again. She bit her lips. Oh--she
had let them know! Let them
see what a weak, poor thing her
spirit was! Go back now
No-she never would-not vet.
anyway! She clasped her hands
holding herself Quiet-holding her
self calm.
Never hurt Jonathan with an.
other fall.
And the next day she went to
the other employment agencies
and gave her name.
But week passed and no calls
came for her. Sometimes she
thought: What shall I do IL this
keeps us? 1t may last through
till the winter"
One afternoon, when It was
nearing 5, Mrs. Janis knocked at
her door. There is a gentleman
below who wishes to see you"
Ibid he give his manner"
"No, I didn't ask"
Ito Be Continued Tomorrow