El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-04-15

hELEN hardly knew how she got
Laura home that afternoon. After
Laura had bowed to her husband
and his party at the next table. Helen
had managed to keep her from showing
her feelings until they could leave.
you must keep your pride" said
Helen, whispering as carefully as she
could under cover of the teacups. do
YOU want him to think that You are
Jealous -
'T am Jealous" said Laura. her face
beginning 20 work
We'll. for heavens sake. act as If
YOU had some pride and do as I tell
you. II you fail me now, Laura, I am
/ done with you"
Helen's words. though almost harsh
had the proper effect on Laura, and she
Strengthened up under them as she
Helen had managed to do enough
laughing for two. as she put il. and
when she saw that the party at the
next table made no move to go she de-
tcrmined TO take the initiative her
self
Wen 90 first" she whispered to
Laura.
"Oh, no. Helen. let's wait"
do as I tell you" said the hitherto
own temerity.
Laura meek1y gathered up her scarf
and prepared to put on her gloves.
Speak TO your husband as YOU go
by the table" Helen ordered. and Laura
who was about to refuse was startled
into sudden action by Helen who rose
and passed as close to the adjoining
table as she dared.
She was afraid that Laura would not
have sufficient courage to do as she
commanded. but Laura rallied from her
fright and tossed a gay remark over her
shoulder as she passed. Here, her long
social experience gave her poise and
where Helen might not have managed
so well for herself. Laura summoning
her pride TO her aid, was able to come
off with flying colors.
You managed that splendidly,' said
Helen as they gained the lobby and
then as she turned she saw Mr.. Rich
ards coming after them.
Laura, your husband is coming after
US Be careful now. don't let let him
work we have managed so far"
What shall 1 do?'
The Crucial Moment.
Act as If nothing had ever hap
pened: wen stop at the magazine stand
and buy magazine
Mr.. Richards caught up to them just
as Helen was handing the money over
the counter. and Laura, acting as
though she knew nothing Of her hus-
bands nearness. asked lightly for an
other of the current issues.
4 want TO see the fashion display"
she said to Helen. Il need some new
clothes frantically. Doesn't day like
this just make you want to buy and
buy?'
Helen was astonished at Laura's sue
cess, for they turned at this moment
and encountered Mr.. Richards.
why. hello said Laura lightly.
What are you doing out here2 You
Dick" was a name Laura had always
had for her husband She called him
that to be different from other peo-
pie. as she said.
Il wanted to ask you II you felt
better than you did yesterday"
Yesterday What was yesterday.
Was 1 i'll? Oh. yes-I remember that
had headache; but that was moth
ing"
Again that puzzled look OF admira-
ton in Mr. Richards's eyes.
How about going to the theatre
tonight. il YOU feel well enough? You
look fine this afternoon, Laura
Laura was all woman in a moment.
Her eyes warmed. and She melted IN
stantly. Helen could see the trans
formation all over her, and was afraid
for the consequences. She saw thaL
Mr.. Richards. after his first bow OF
recognition, had been too engrossed
with Laura to look in any other direc-
ton, and so IL was easy enough to slip
her hand over Laura's and look at her
warningly. She even ventured a shake
Of the head Instantly Laura responded.
The smile faded from her face, leav-
ing it light and hard, as 1t had been
before
Not tonight. Dick. l have the Cart
wright reception, and i have prom
n 70 Ia nd
you know the Armstrong; are taking
me with them. I believe Red Chambers
is going. too"
This was a stroke of brilliancy on