The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1913-12-20
Married Life
the Third Year
BY MABEL HERBERT uRNER


apartment. And now as she hurried
down to the car In which they awaited
her, she almost regretted that her
me- had not been more decisive.
Warren had been gone two days
and she had hardly been out of the
house since he left. She knew the
change and distraction would be good
for her, but she felt 30 little in the
mood for anything of this kind.
at was dear of you to come" said
Alice, as Fairchild stepped out and
helped Helen into the car. We're SO
tired OF dining around at restaurants
ana hotels. It's much nicer at mis-
apartment, but since Mrs. Vance went
South there's no one to chaperon me"
Even in the quick drive there, Helen
discovered that something was wrong
plainly they had been quarreling.
Although they had talked freely to her
they had very little to say to each 9TH
er. And there were traces Of tears I'M
der Alice's veil.
But she had never looked more
beautiful. the white furs brought out
all the delicate fairness of her face
And Fairchild in his evening clothes
seemed more distinguished and taller
than ever, his silk hat almost touching
the top of the cab.
When they reached the apartment
the door was opened by a Japanese
servant. The rooms were large and
exquisiteiy furnished. Helen had never
before been in a millionaire batche-
lor's apartment, and she was struck
BY the luxurious appointments. 1t re-
minded her of an elaborate stage set
ting Of some society play.
The Japanese showed them into a
dressing room where they laid aside
their wraps. On a low toilet table
We're all the silver and cut glass ar
ticles that could be found in the dain-
test woman's boudoir.
"Of course you saw something was
wrong" murmured Alice as she fluffed
up her haid before the mirror.
IT'S the same thing it always is! He
says it's all my fault-that I'm insane
ly jealous. But how can help 1t when
he's lunchlng and dining with other
women all the time.
But Alice you cannot go on like
this" looking anxiously at the beauti-
full face. Cant you see you're much
thinner-that all this Is telling on you
fearfully?"
"Oh, / know" recklessly. Il suppose
when we're married Le'll break my
HEARTH he doesn't do it before. But
what can l do? l love hi n too much to
give him up
Come DEAR" urged Helen. I'VE
mustn't stay here-he'll know we're
talking about him"
They went back into the music
room where he awaited him. The
walls were lined with photographs of
actresses with their heavily linked
scrawled signatures. White bear skins
covered the floor and numberof deer
heads, trophies Of his hunting trips,
hung about.
AS the Japanese came to the door to
announce dinner "A telephone rang in
the hall.
Pardon me, I'll have to answer
this Jap can't talk over the phone"
Some woman" whispered Alice. Il
never come up here that half a dozen
dat callhim up"
Yes, know who it is" his voice
plainly strained-"Why nothing
No one"
She's asking him who's here"
whispered Alice. She knows some
ones here by the way he answers"
What do you expect me to say
No. can't this evening. I'll call you
up in the morning--"Yes. Goodbye"
who was that Dick?" asked Alice
as he came back into the room.
Why, dear, what a question to
ask"
well. I've right to ask 1t. I know
1t was a woman-but which one?"
"Now, Alice, don't begin that" Then
turning to Helen: She has some alb
surd idea that every time the phone
rings tits woman
ut isn't an absurd idea-it's the
truth"
Here to Helen's relief, the Japanese
again announced dinner. The dining
room. was richly panelled in black
oak and rare old silver glistened in ia
BILE and sideboard.
To Helen, who was used to much
simpler service and table appoint
ments, it was full of interest. They
had hardly finished the oysters when
the phone rang again. Excusing him.
self, plainly Disconnected at the inter
ruption. Fairchild left the table.
Alice shrugged her shoulders. II
said half a dozen. didn't I? Well, this
is the second. so far"
But. Alice, aren't you little I'M
reasonable? Just because the telephone
rings-:t doesn't mean it's a woman"
just listen! Is that the way he'd
talk to a man."
why. I'm sorry" came the voice
from the hall. sent the car at four
Thought, of course, he'd get there in
time"
Some woman borrowing his car"
whispered Alice.
why, surely they don't do that"
asked Helen in a shocked voice.
They DON'T?" with cynical
laugh. 'Listen!"
Yes, I'll see that it gets there in
time Thursday-No, I can't now. I'll
talk that over when l see you. Good
bye"
When he came back to the table,
Alice kept her eyes on the plate in a
strained silence. Helen tried to keep
up the conversation. But 1t was not a
very happy dinner. AS the salad was
served the phone rang again.
Let it ring" he said impatiently.
'Oh. would you disappoint one OF
yoUr lady friends?" asked Alice sar-
castiCally.
HE APPEALS TO HELEN.
He laid down his knife and fork
with a helpless gesture You see,"
turning to Helen. she's absolutely
obsessed on the subject" She's nag
ging me to desperation about it. II you
could only make her see the unreason-
ahleness of this jealousy"
"Unreasonableness?" asked Alice bit
terly. 1T is unreasonableness to be