The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-03-10
CHAPTER IN
Thrills of the Job

JOY gave a final touch to her
brown curls. From the silver van
ity case she lifted the little rouge
pad and gave her cheeks the merest
brush.
Leaving now" came sleepy
voice from the far bed.
I'm about a minute" answered
Joy, smiling over at Gladys, hud-
died in bed.
"Oh, my Gawd-don't ever let me
hear you use any of that rough
language, Joy-I gotta get up and
wash this morning"
Her hair hung frousled about her
face, which looked rather drawn
this morning. Once again Joyce
noted, and envied, the sadness of
the older girls eyes.
well, I'm running along" Joyce
said, kissing her hand to Gladys.
"See you tonight and tell you all
about it,"
@Fine," agreed Gladys, "and look
here, kid, keep your mouth shut
and let the other fellow do the talk
ing. That's my rule. Let the boys
alone, unless they're old school
friends. That's what I'd tell a
daughter of mine--If 1 had one. y
she added hastily, ''the first morning
she stuck her tootsies out into the
cold, cold world
Joyce walked in the sun down the
avenue Half an hour later she was
waiting impatiently with a dozen
other girls for the class to begin.
There was a short lecture on the
ethics of courtesy, responsibility,
obligations to the public. Joyce list
ened eagerly, already seeing herself
in the role of instructor. Some of
the girls yawned. One frankly went
to sleep. Only Joyce and one other
girl listened attentively. At the end
of the lecture they were given slips
Of paper with expressions used in
making calls typed in neat rows.
There will be half an hour of
study now said the instructor
during which you may commit to
memory as many of these phrases
as possible. Then we will spend
some time in making actual calls
over house switchboard.
joyce brought all her hungry
mind to bear on the slip. At the
end of the study she was sure of
every phrase.
She went eagerly to the practice
switchboard 1t circulated only in
the building, of course, but Joyce
in her imagination was already call
ing San Francisco. Dreamily she
was putting through call from a
wealthy clubman to movie star
and listening in to the feryid con-
versation when the sharp voice OF
the instructor recalled her.
Il have signalled you three times
without response. Miss Daring" said
the teacher.
Excuse it, please" said Joyce
mechanically, hoping this was the
right phrase.
The class Uttered and Joyce
blushed, but she MADE mo more mis-
takes that afternoon.
Out in the spring sunshine after
work she debated walking or riding.
There might be a telephone call from
Deke or Davey, at the house. Per-
haps her mother was still home and
they could exchange a few words.
No, walking was good for the com
plexion, so she joined the strolling
crowds and went eastward with
them.
A few blocks from the roomiing
house a man fell into step with her.
Hello, Joyce
Joyce looked up. Butch Settler
was looking down at her.
Hello, Butch, this is a surprise,
she answered, unable to keep a GER
tain cordially from her voice.
Going home Mind if 1 walk
along? How about something to
eat?" They were in front of soda
| fountain. Joy was young enough
yet to be ever hungry.
"All right" she allowed him to
guide her into the tiled room where
! he ordered double chocolate sodas
with whipped cream for them both
then sat devouring her with his eyes
Sodas consumed they went out
again onto Euclid avenue. Theil
tongues limbered and they went
along merrily enough until the Jenk
ms home was reached.
Butch stood a little awkwardly ii
front of Joyce. Say, JOY" he sadi
Il guess I've been q little rough late
ly when I've been with you. l know
you think I'm bad clear through
But if you'll let me see you now and
then, why I'd like to do better.
got a regular job now, in a garage
Andl if you'll let me hang around