South Bend news-times., 1915-03-02
THEIR MARRIED LIFE
By MABEL HERBERT URNER
WARREN COMES STRONGLY AGAINST ANY BUSINESS
DEALINGS FRIENDS.
By MABEL HERBERT


Stevens need not know. She could
always make some excuse for not
wearing IT,
only once before had Helen ever
been in a pawnshop. But now she
nerved herself for the ordeal. She
had heard Of one that was supposed
to be very reliable. And an hour
later found her entering this place
with a shrinking timidity and aversion
that she could not conceal.
Inside il was much like any jewel
er's. Except for the three gilded balls
over the door there was little TO suS
gest a pawnshOp.
The clerk who came forward to
wait on her saw her embarrassment
and was mOst tactful
How much did you want on this p
he asked, although Helen had not said
a word but merely handed him the
case.
"A hundred and fifty dollars" she
faltered.
He looked up quickly.
Why, il is not worth anything like
that"
I was told that it cost four hun
dred."
He shook his head and examined it
why. isn't it real2" Helen leaned
forward anxiOusly. Isn't that a real
pearl?"
THE lining of the oyster shell is
real pearl" he answered quietly.
There are countless grades OF
pearls. On Oriental pearl of this size
and color would be worth over a thou
sand dollars. but this is just an ordi-
nary American pearl and has very lit
- fG N 20
setting and workmanship, and we
can't loan much on that. Fifty dol
lars is the most / can give you on it,
Helen could hardly restrain cry
of dismay
DO you wish to leave it?"
mo. no. thank YOU" qAoked
Helen, 'I'll-I'll not leave it."
She took the car back home, now
almost as wretched as she was when
she thought the pearl was lost. She
knew they would have to pay for it,
for Warren would never go back on
his word
Then she reached the apartment,
Nora opened the door, her face still
beaming with pride at having been
the one to find the pearl.
There's a letter for you on the
desk, miss" she announced.
Helen took it up listlessly. There
she saw it was from Mrs. Stevens. Her
tremulous fingers tore it open.
Dear Mrs Curtiss:-
/ wonder if you will think me a
very changeable and capricious per
son when / say that after all I'd like
to keep the lavalliere myself I've
been thinking il over, and wish now
to have my diamond pendant set into
ring and wear this as a lavalliere
Henry is willing to get it for me, and
he may not be again in so generous
a mood.
Of course if your heart is set on it,
/ wouldn't want to disappont you.
But I'm hoping you are still unde-
cided and that you won't mind letting
me keep it. I'll come by tomorrow
morning. As ever,
EMILY STEVENS"
The varied emotions of the day had
been too much for Helen. and now
she sat Imply on the couch staring at
the letter.
The wave of almost hysterical relief
was tempered by her anxiety for Mrs
Stevens. She must not let her buy
this. She must tell her that it was
not worth what she thought
She went to the phone only to find
that Mrs. Stevens was still out. and
that the maid did not expect her until
six.
1t was quarter of six when Warren
came and Helen rushed to him with
the letter and her excited, happy cx-
plantations.
Now YOU just fire that back and
say nothing. We can't be guardians
for everybody who wants to throw
away their money. We've had enough
trouble with this darned thing with
out getting into any further mix
up"
But, dear, l must tell her" per-
sisted Helen. why it wouldn't be
fair to let her buy it without telling
her"
why wouldn't it? Didn't ask YOU
for any valuation, did she? She won't
thank you for il. She's made up her
mind she wants this geegaw. and
Stevens is willing to get it for her.
So it's not up TO you to interfere
You're blamed lucky TO get out of it.
now stay out, Understand? ?"