Middletown transcript., 1910-07-30
Y THE PRICE SHE PAID ~
lrI BY EMMA PLATT GUYT0N
BY EMMA PLATT GUYToN

De luSOanQ duQ vile,
Xenil was a struggling young
lawyer then, justout from college.
Burke Rodney came between
them with the glamour of his
wealth, and the voluptuous, i'm
petuous nature that made what
he desired Immediately his own.
In less than six months from
their meeting Helen became his
wife, and repented at leisure.
A year after marriage child
was born, the little Philip, and in
him she had her only comfort
and happiness.
The impetuosity she had once
taken for an evidence of love
seemed now a wild recklessness
that terminated in the most
passionate outbursts of temper if
she crossed her husbands will,
however unintentionally.
If she expressed desire that
did not accord with his mood, he
burst upon her with violent and
abusive language. The pre-.
sence Of the boy was no restraint,
and Helen reached a point where
she felt a tragedy was imminent.
Such scenes between them would
at least ruin the character and
disposition of the boy. The ut
ter inharmony of their natures
was becoming more apparent
daily. Often her very presence
seemed not only to irritate but
lnfuriate him. He was an open
admirer Of other women. In her
opinion such a marriage was only
q mockery, and had it not been
for the boy, she would have ter.
minated it long before. Her
own disposition was becoming
erratic, and at times a rebellious.
ness against her lot took absol.
ute possession of her.
Now, at a time when her do
mestic troubles seemed to have
reached climax, Love came and
whispered to her the old, sweet |
strain. The feeling she thought |
dead leaped again to life. Could
she, dared she, face the scandal
that such a separation would
create? And Philip-what Of
him? This thought caused her
to gasp for breath as she asked
What would it all mean for
for Philip
You should have the boy, if
possible; if not, you would pro-
baby be permitted to have him
with you occasionally. That
would be much better for him
than the scenes he must con.
stantly be forced to witness be-
tween his father and mother.
All, yes, yes! 1t is killing me
and running him. l will consid-
er the matter and then let you
know. You return tonight, do
you notP
Yes; ! have important business |
which will require my attention
the entire day. I presume you
are up for shopping. I will
meet you, however, at the train
tonight.
1t was a peculiar day for Helen
Rodney. Amid the rush and
tumult of the city, thoughts of
Philip, Burke, and home dissen.
sions, mingled curiously with
dry goods, millinery, love, and
Xenil Edmonston.
At last the day was over, and
'nce again she and Xenil were
,ogether. Even now his pre-.
'ence seemed to her a comfort
md protection.
Well, what is the decision? he
sravely queried.
l cannot decide Immediately
live me time, Xenil.
AS much as you like, Helen;
out ! see the end. Therefore,
Eill you not allow me to call
occasionally, simply as a friend?
She gave him her hand in con.
tent. He pressed it deferenti-
lily to his lips, then carefully
arranged some pillows for her to
est upon, and taking a news.
PAPER from his pocket commenc-
ID to read; and so, in silence, !
hey made the short journey
home.
The weeks that followed seem.
d interminabIy long to Helen,
nd her moods and methods Of
easoning were various. For
ours at a time she would con
ider the proposed measures a
rom strictly orthodox and t
Onyentional point of view. /
ntil 8 species of insanity seemed !
} possess her. This would be 8
allowed by q rebellious mood d
,hich for woman is particularly f
for If tamsnto t;on y