The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1901-01-18

sary, and count for nothing in his life.
| intend to take myself out OF It,"
"a man should forsake all others
and cleave to his wife," said Helen,
piously.
Do you know ] fancy you wor-
shipful wives construe that passage
rather too literally?" said Gladys, In
the half philosophical, half mocking
way Helen found new in her. and
which held her at an impossible dis
lance. mo one will deny that when
man marries a woman he should
forsake all other strange women, and
keep to the one he has chosen, or VINO
has chosen him; but there is no reason
why he should forsake his kindred or
either sex. This Harvey seems to
have done, however, and he cannot
complain when the forsaken follow
his lead"
"And is 1t possible that you have
so little natural affection for your only
son that you can coolly leave him to
poverty while you, his mother, are
rolling in wealth."
"Fustian again, Helen. Twelve hun
bred dollars a year is not poverty. In
Rockville it is a competence. You are
an excellent housekeeper; you man
aged your fathers house on much
less"
The color deepened in Helen's face;
her fathers limited means had always
been sore spot with her. Her good
sense, however, told her that 1t would
be unwise to lose her temper.
"You will make Harvey an allow
ance? You surely do not expect us
to live on his salary?"
81 expect nothing; l advise moth
ing. | have not the right, for hence
forth / shall do nothing unless he
should come to real want. when is
almost impossible. The events OF the
past year have convinced me that 1t
is better for him to depend upon him.
self, and work for the money you both
so much desire. With your help he
may eventually become rich man.
At the worst, the struggle will be NOR
ally strengthening.
There was no longer any indiffer-
ence in Mrs. Atherton's tone. She
spoke seriously, without anger, yet
firmly, as one who through reasoning
had reached just and unalterable de-
cision.
at is true l have money enough and
to spare. But the lonely days l have
endured since Harvey's marriage have
suggested a probability long ago dis
carded-that of my own. In view OF
it, you can readily understand why,
even were there no other reason, l
prefer to keep control of my property.
Helen's face was a study. Gladys
arguments were unanswerable, but she
could not. would not, believe that her
own cause was lost.
81 will bring Harvey to you," she
said family. This affair cannot be
settled between you and me. There
are other things to be considered.
do as you please; but my resolve
precipitated by your own action, Is
taken. However, as l leave early in
the morning, perhaps I'd better bid
my son good-by tonight. There is nc
need of your being present at the IN
terview. 1 prefer to see him alone. .
"That you may poison his MIND
against me?" cried Helen, instantly
on the defensive. mo, Mrs. Atherton,
l will not trust you with my dear hus-
band God. who reads all hearts
knows 1 have tried to do my duty
only. That I have Numbered is be-
cause l have been treacherously dealt
with. But 1 will fight for his rights
to the last"
"Be careful; you know not what you
may do" replied Gladys, earnestly.
81 will, at least, try to undo the evil
l have DONE" said Helen, break in
her voice, and then she was gone, and
Gladys, with a futtering heart, await
ed her return with Harvey. A great
dread was upon her; she felt that the
hour she had foreseen all her life was
near at hand, and the sacrifice of
years had awaited nothing.
(To be continued.)