The Dolores star., 1917-06-22

confronted Laura in her grim self-sup-
porting struggle, Helen had stood 10y
ally by her. But before the overwhelm-
ing disaster Of this reckless marriage.
she felt helpless.
1.-The maids out-T'n have to Co."
starting up at q peal Of the door bell.
Then at the sound Of heavy steps. "Oh,
Warren's going. Who can 1t be; it's
after nine," glancing at the dresser
clock.
Mumbling voices from the hall, and
Warren called CURLY:
| "Mr. Marsten to see Laura"
"Ed!" all the color left her face.
allow did he know you were here?"
whispered Helen.
Mrs. Burrows knew, but I didn't
think she'd tell him. Oh. I can't see
him don't want to see him."
you'll have to, now that he's here"
"Oh, he mustn't know that you
know" excitedly. "He'd feel free to
tell every one"
"Then 60 in, quick. so he don't think
we're talking about him."
| "Come In with me; you do the talk
ing" dragging Helen after her.
In the library Warren was making
desultory effort to entertain Ed Mar
stem. whom he thoroughly disliked.
With forced cordiality Helen greeted
him.
II hope I haven't intruded," with
easy grace. "They told me Miss Will
son was here. and thought I'd stop
by and take her home"
The next few moments would have
been awkwardly constrained, had 1t
not been for the inquiring entrance of
Pussy Purr-Mew.
| "Oh, here comes that wonderful
cat" he stopped to stroke her.
| Usually most dihident with stran-
gers, she rubbed purringly against his
hand. There must be something good
In him." thought Helen, ito attract
animals"
In dark. foreign way he was unde-
niably handsome. Tall, slender,
faultlessly groomed, he carried him
self with careless assurance.
Laura, still pale, was drawing on her
gloves, tensely anxious to leave at
once. She had hardly glanced at Mar
stem.
Don't you think Laura's looking
thinf" asked Helen pointedly.
I'm afraid she's working too hard"
Marsten's dark eyes rested upon her.
But she'll never take q day or"
mo, my landlady has an unreason-
able desire to have her board money
every week." her laugh was grating
ly harsh.
'AThat seems to be a failing Of most
landladies," commented Warren I'M
consciously.
They were in the hall now, and the
descending elevator hurried their
leave-taking.
Thought you said she wasn't see
ing him." frowned Warren as they re-
turned to the library. Looks like he's
hanging around much as ever"
Il think he's asked her to marry
him." hesitated Helen.
Marry him! Why he can't make
enough to buy his cigars. Laura's a
fool in some things. but she'll not
throw herself away on a dub that's all
front. I'm glad we gave 1t to her
straight that night at Shanley's."
Helen was at the window, staring
down at the corner street light that
blurred an orange haze through the
darkness.
Knowing his Intolerance Of any form
Of deception, she shrank from telling
him the truth. And yet If she was to
help Laura, II further complications
should arise, he would. have to know.
Dear" twisting the shade cord,
she's so lonely-she's had such a long,
discouraging struggle. can under
stand how she might be persuaded to
marry, just for companionship, for
some one toto hold tor
swell he's got about as much sta
bility to hold to" a contemptuous
snort served for want Of an adequate
comparison. "And she won't get any
body else while he's dangling around"
"Oh, it's SO hard to tell you," COM
ing over to a low stool by his chair.
Dear. can't you guess7 Haven't you
noticed a change in herr"
"Eh? What're you driving att"
loathing any form Of indirectness.
They've been married for four
months"
Without looking up, Helen waited
for his caustic, merciless denouncing
of Laura's reception. For several
seconds he said nothing at all; then
he reached for his paper with brief:
Bigger fool than thought her"
"That isn't all" unhappily. "They
are not living together. They haven't
Except for the first two weeks"
"Only two weeks?" dryly. I'D have
given them couple Of months"
"Oh, don't dismiss it like that. Talk
to me about it-rm so worried. You
know how fond am Of her-and oh,
want to"
well it's mighty good time for
you to lie low. She's made a bloom
Ing mess Of 1t, and she'll have to work