The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1900-12-21
Forsaking all Others
by AMELIA DUGHEMIN


"and my family absorbs most of my
leisure" He threw himself into the
chair she rolled forward, and lighted
cigar with the taper she gave him
Now push that ottoman over here
little woman. and sit beside, me while
we talk" She obeyed, and nestled
close to him, looking with pride into
the boyish face which was the dearest
in the world to her. Harvey pulled
with evident enjoyment for a time,
chatting of trifes. Then he said quite
easily, by the way, what is this little
misunderstanding between you and
Nell? She is much disturbed by it,
though assured her she is over sensi-
tive"
The smile left Gladys face.
"Oh! Then you camo here because
Helen sent you?" she asked.
well, not exactly; l knew word
from me would set matters straight,
so l thought I'd better come. Where
are you going?"
"Only to an easy chair; this otto
man isn't comfortable" There were
tears in her eyes but Harvey did not
see them. IF we are to have a con-
sultation, I may as well sit at my
ease"
She said no more, and after waiting
q minute, he asked
well, aren't you going to tell me
all about it?"
Hasn't Helen already told your"
Eyes, but / prefer to hear your own
version of the matter"
There really is no need Of it. am
sure your wife is truthful; what she
said occurred no doubt did occur"
"Then 1 can't understand why you
refuse to accept her sensible sugges-
ton and look into things little, with
her aid. Nell's first rate business
woman, and l don't believe you realize
how much money is spent in the
house."
you have your full share of all that
comes into it, Harvey"
Why, of course" he responded,
with a half wondering look, as if sur
prised at the reminder. What is yours
is also mine in O sense; we enjoy
common inheritance. 1t is because our
interests are identical that Helen and
l wish to protect them. You surely
see that, little woman? 1t would please
the dear girl very much If you'd take
her into your confidence-treat her
more like daughter in truth as she
is in spirit"
Gladys did not answer for a few mo-
ments; she moved her chair SO that
her face was partly in shadow, while
she could note every expression of his.
Before we talk any further" she
presently said, 81 should like to know
just what it is Helen desires. I COM
prehend that she wishes to reduce the
general expenses of the establishment;
but how? Does she want to take
Phebe's placer"
Hardly that" returned Harvey,
flushing "She thinks, however, now
she is here, you no longer need the
services of housekeeper."
and do you think l ought to turn
out an old and faithful servant after
a lifetime of devotion to me and
mine?"
Certainly not; she would remain as
your maid"
$50 that is it," exclaimed Gladys,
with half laugh. Il thought some
great idea was agitating Helen's mind.
Dear, clumsy Tomlinson my maid!
And 1 suppose there are other servants
she thinks. might be dispensed with.
Well, perhaps they could; but like
to have plenty of people about the
place"-her voice grew tirmer here
land l intend to have them. You need
no assurance that am glad to share
my house and its luxuries with you
and your wife. But you must accept
things as they are. l will brook no
further interference"
Interference! Surely you cannot
regard my dear wife's suggestion as
interference!
what else is it? l have never COM
planned to you of Helen, but from the
day she entered the house she has
shown a disposition to take control of
it; I have submitted patiently to one
small encroachment after another,
hoping to content her, but her de-
mands increase instead of lessen. She
seems to forget that the estate is mine,
not hers"
Harvey arose and walked across the
room several times, at last coming to
a standstill before her chair.
mo, little woman" he said in kind
yet cold tone, 1--WE do not forget it
we merely question it."
How that I'VE" stung Gladys only
woman in her position can understand.
But it hardened her, too She did not
answer, waiting for his next words.
Legally, the estate is yours. l ad-
nit; but as my fathers son I am sure
ly entitled to my share Of his prop
erty Money you have never grudged
me; you were always most generous.
Nevertheless, am only a sort OF
hanger on-a dependent on your
bounty. This doesn't seem fair. Now
/ - ard NTH rr1arrfQd