The Washington herald., 1917-02-26

, iil-kept delicatessen was in the basement.
to Rent" card. Laura's former boarding
houses seemed palatial compared to this
tn wait out here, he helped her from
cab. Now. hustle! Don't stay for any
A dirty. straggle-haired little girl
answered Helen's ring.
Does Miss Wilson live here?"
The child nodded, industriousiy sucking
May I see her?'' gently pushing open
the door and entering the dark linoleumed
hall. You show me her ROOM" taking a
dime from her purse.
,, The child trudged up the stairs. the
coin grabbed tight In her grimy hand.
Except for single blue-forked gasjet
the halls were dark
On the top floor, the small coin-ciutched
hst pounded on a door from under which
shone q strip Of light. A sound Of rafting
paper and the door opened u cautious
Inch.
"she wants to see you," jerking her
head toward Helen. who stood back In the
shadows.
Some one to see me?" the door opened
wider. Then a choking:
Helen"
1t was Laura, a pale. worn. but defiant
Laura
In the small, ugly, coal-oil heated room.
with the sound Of the child Gathering
down the stairs, Helen confronted her In
poignant reproach.
why did you do this? Why didn't you
let me known
why should II" bitterly. 'I haven't
become a burden to my friends-yet. How
did you find me? left no address,"
Helen took from her purse a fold OF
tissue paper from which she unwrapped
the brooch. deep color famed Laura's
face.
But how-whers did you"
In the-place where you sold It,"
shrinking from the word pawnshop. II
saw 1t in the window. Laura, you must
let US help you-just a small loan to see
you through this. You can't go on this
way"
why not?" dehantly. I've some work
now that can do here" she raised q
newspaper from some boxes of envelopes.
They want them addressed by hand-so
they won't look like circulars. The pay
isn't munihcent. but It's enough to keep
won't be any expenses" her voice broke.
''in the free ward"
THE free ward! Oh, Laura. you won't
have to"
why not? It's better than sponging
on my friends
But isn't he-dofng anything for youT'
Baura's laugh was harsh. That's why
me. I could've worked in the pictures
another month, but he came down to the
studio and made a scene. Then every
body knew-and I wouldn't stay
Dear. Warren's waiting in a taxi. Put
on your things and come to dinner with
u.s." impulsively. Wen 60 to some
quiet place"
any glimpse of pleasure now, would only
make II harder. I'm going through this
with set teeth
Helen did not insist. She understood
vaguely that any detection from Laura's
grim, rigid endurance might only accen-
tuate her unhappiness.
But I can't bear to leave you like
this"
I'm all right now. I'm afraid Of moth
ing. except" with a shiver, "the free
ward. But II other women have stood
i'll can" Then quickly, you mustn't
stay II he's waiting"
I'm coming again Saturday" Helen
had slipped the brooch upnoticed under
the envelopes, ''and you're going to let
me help you. won't argue with you
now" seeing Laura's lips set in obstinate
lines. but you are"
Down; the dark stairs family lit from
the lower hall redolent with garlic, and
let herself out.
well. what about it?" grouched War
rem, as she got into the purrfng taxi.
More Mysteries? What's her latest esca-
pade?
"Oh, dear, don't-you don't understand
Laura's in real trouble. I haven't told
you because felt she'd rather 1
wouldn't-but now / must"
Tremulously she told him of Laura's
condition. how as an expectant mother
she would soon be forced to give up all
work
Great Scott. that's serious, Why didn't
she let US know"
She's too proud. Laura's never asked
help from any one"
What about him7 Why isn't he on the
Job? know he's no good, but any man
braces up at that time"
she hasn't seen him for months-does
not want him to come near her. She's
very brave, but she does shrink from go
ing into free ward"
"A free ward! That's pretty tough.
Then rehectively. See here, I can hx
at college. He's q consulting specialist
one Of the big guns at the Maternity
Hospital"
The Maternity Hospital7' breathlessly.
That's where she's going"
Fine! I'll see old Coleman. She'll not
have to go into any free ward"
1t was Luara's approaching maternity
that had aroused Warrens sympathy.
Whatever his criticism Of her in the past,
he stood ready to help her now.
With a thrilled consciousness Of this
innate masculine chivalry. Helen's hand
stole into his. her heart athrob at the
virile strength of his gioved CLASH
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