The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-11-01
MARRIED LIFE.
The Daltons.


Helen thought-very ordinary.
But Will Dalton was an influential
man, and one who might be helpful
in business way. And since Mrs.
Dalton had repeatedly invited them to
come up some evening, Warren felt
they should go.
Helen did not want to go, both be-
cause she frankly did not like Mrs.
Dalton and because Will Dalton drank
a great real and she thought his COM
partnership anything but good for
Warren.
However, when he insisted that
they go one evening she reluctantly
agreed. They took the subway to the
Riverside apartment where the Dali
tons lived and there they were greet
ed most effustively.
Mrs. Dalton was in an elaborate
lace negligee, for which she kept apol-
ogizing. Although Helen knew she
wore it not because shes was tired,
but because it was effective.
She was an undeniably handsome
woman of rather coarse type. And
her apartment was an exact reflec-
ton of herself. It was lavishly and
furnished. Everything
seemed to have been bought because
it was expensive and looked so.
Mrs. Dalton Brags.
Mr.. Dalton took Warren off to the
library to smoke and, as Helen knew,
to drink, while Mrs. Dalton and she
remained in the room.
"Do have this pillow at your back
no, this one is softer" And Mrs.
Dalton adjusted some rose silk pill
lows in her own chair and leaned back
luxuriously.
ooh, I'm simply dead! I do think
being fitted is the most tiresome
thing! Madame Eloise kept me Just
one hour this afternoon. She simply
makes things on you! But, Of course,
they fit--the lines in this are Won
derful. Did you ever have herr"
"I'm afraid she's too expensive for
me-" Helen answered quietly.
why, she doesn't seem any higher
than most of the others. I'm only
paying SITS for this gown-and~ I've
often paid Waller $500. You really
can't get a dinner gown-for much
less"
Helen wanted tcssS that she had
never paid more than SOS in her life,
but instead she murmured, 81 sup
pose not"
And then Mrs. Dalton launched into
details of other gowns and other ex-
travagances.
well. | wonder of those men think
we don't want something to drink,
too? 2" she demanded finally.
"Oh, not for mel" Helen said hast
lily.
why, of course-it's rest YOU.
VIII! VIII she called loudly. "Will!"
louder still.
Helen Is Shocked.
Hey, there" and Mr.. Dalton an
peared IN the door much flushed and
with cigar in his hand. Warren
was just behind, also smoking and
also flushed. -
What are you going to bring us
you selfish people!"
why, of course-of course! You
must pardon me, Mrs. Curtis; we were
so busy talking"-
".Oh, cut that out and get us some
thing to drink! Mrs. Dalton de-
manded.
Helen looked at her in amazement
how could any woman look like that
But evidently her husband thought
nothing of it, for he only laughed
and asked, "Well, what will YOU
have?"
Mrs. Dalton turned to Helen. "a
hlghball, or would you rather have
cognac?"
Nothing at ALL Really, l do not
wish anything"
"Ot course, you do. Bring us two
Scotch highballs. I'm sure Mrs. Cur
It's will change her mind when they
come"
Helen flushed. If Mrs. Dalton
thought that was hospitality, she
thought 1t was exceedingly rude.
In few moments Mr.. Dalton
brought in two glasses. and drew up
little table to place them on. Helen
made no further protest, but her
glass remained untouched.
"Oh, now you're going to drink
some Of it," Mrs. Dalton pleaded.
ITO be sure she is" urged Mr.. Dali
ton.
"Why. yes. Helen, little won't
hurt YOU" agreed Warren.
No, thank you. / really prefer
not" And then fearing her answer
had been rather stiff, she softened il
with: "But I should like a glass of
vichy."
And this was brought her.
"But don't stay in here; let's all
go in the library" suggested Mr.. Dali
ton. Its much more comfortable in
there"
The library was much more COM
Portable; it was not quite so ornate
and ostentatious. A bottle of Scotch
and one of rye, some vichy and box
of cigars were on the centre table.
Helen felt that already Warren had
had too much to. drink, and she was
anxious to go home. She waited a
few minutes and then asked the time
Delay and Highballs.
ooh, it's early yet," Mr.. Dalton
said, cheerfully, Gust little after