The Washington herald., 1917-05-28

This series Is a continuation Of
'srheir Married Life" produced by
Mabel Herbert UrneF for four years.
"rhe Married Life of Helen and War
ren," appearing excIusiyely I'm this pa
per, is the only series now being writ
ten by Mabel Herbert Urner.
Throwing down her napkin, Helen ran
to the summoning telephone.
Hello! Yes. oh, not at
all, we're Just finishing. Why, of
course, I'll come right down, right
away"
What's up now" demanded Warren.
as she came back to the table.
TITS Mrs. Wendell, dear; she's all up
set about something, and wants me TO
come down"
Hold on there-you finish your salad!''
mo, I'm thrcugh-I won't be long
and leaving Warren grumbling. she hur-
lied out to the elevator.
TIE Wendels' apartment was on the
fifth floor. The maid answering Helen s
ring ushered her into the bedroom
charming in gray and rose with French
cane-paneled furniture. A shaded light
on the dressing table lit up the mono
grammed silver.
Mrs. Wendell. in a rose chiffon negligee,
was lying on a chaise Tongue.
"Oh, 1 shouldn't have sent for you,"
with caught sob. But I'm desperate
just read that"
From the crumpled envelope with its
impressive special delivery stamp, Helen
drew out tinted note.
My dear Mrs. Wendel-Unless receive
by II o'clock tomorrow, Sunday, the $50
you owe me Mr.. Wendell will find in his
Monday morning mail a statement of
your Indebtedness.
Having waited three months for my
money. now feel quite justified in bring
ing this matter to your husbands atten-
ton. Very truly yours, Harriet King
don"
When. Helen looked up from the letter
Mrs. Wendell with crimson averted face,
was pulling at the silky ear OF a choco-
late-brown Pomeranian.
I've a bridge debt" falteringly. I've
lost over two hundred In three months
Rnd-Frank's refused 10 give me another
cent. He Just gave me eighty dollars
for Mrs. Bradford-and 1 said that was
the last 1 didn't dare tell him OF this.
I intended TO pay it out OF my allow
ance-but now II he gets that letter
Monday-Oh. I'm afraid-Tm AFRAID
In embarrassed silence Helen stared
down at the note. Was Mrs. Wendell 60
ing to ask her for the money? Their
recent friendship did not warrant such
q request.
IF I only had until Monday I could
P0"AA Olo Ol my IllBS-DuL SaIuT-
day night She planned this purposely.
so couldn't get the money. She's wild
about Frank-she's trying TO separate
usr'
ITO separate you! Surely Mr.. Wen
del wouldn't
She thinks he would He-he's threat
ened to leave II don't give up bridge -
But why don't you? You can't af-
ford TO 90 on losingP'
NdW a.
I'D go Wild II 1 sat here brooding c-er
him. He's out with other women-and
I'm playing auction. Which is worse 80
Helen still fumbled with the letter.
What could she say? The fear that Mrs
Wendell was leading up to a request for
loan restrained her sympathy.
He leaves me here night after night
I've got to do something to forgct-so I
play bridge. It's safer than turning TO
other men-or to drink
II always thought you and Mr.. Wen
del were very happy" awkwardly
oh. yes, that's the bufr we try to
| keep up" with a mirthless laugh as
| sweeping the Pomeranian from her lap,
she turned to the dressing-table. From
drawer she took out a morocco Jewel
case
That cost over two hundred handing
Helen a diamond. platinum-set ring. "T
cDNAu PAWN just lne stone Tor num-
dred-its over a karat. But everything 5
closed now"
Yes, it's beautiful stone" murmured
Helen. knowing the request was immi-
nent and trying to frame some refusal
that would not sound too harsh.
Il have twenty dollars, and my al
lowance is due the frst-that's Thurs
day. II you could let me have thirty on
the ring until then
-. -. IL = IA
TO a lie. But I've only"
But Mr.. Curtis-Oh, I know you'd
hate to ask him-but make It a business
proposition. I'd pay any interest-even
fifty per cent"
oh" Indignantly. "Mr. Curtis wouldn't
think Of
mo. Of course not-I shouldn't have
suggested that. But I'm almost frantic! I
must have the money by twelve tomor-
row-or she'll write Frank. That isn't
just a threat-I know she'll do it," her
control now giving way to hysterical
soos.
"Oh don't-dont"' pleaded Helen. al
most in tears herself Then reluctantly,
Wait, I'll go and see what can do. Yes,
Ill come back" as Mrs. Wendell held out
OBTAINING hand.
Hurrying out Helen heard a stealthy
step and caught a glimpse of a white
apIOh disappearing InrOuSn the dining
room. Had the maid been listening? &?
The whole place had an atmosphere of
feverish. unwholesome intensity.
Not ringing for the elevator she went
up three flights to their less extravagent
but more livable apartment.
To avoid Warrens questions she went
straight to her own room. From under
the paper lining of the lower dresser
drawer she took thirty of the thirty-five
dollars that he had given her that morn
ing to pay the maid whose month was UP
Monday.
That you. Helen?" as she stole quietly
back through the hall. hoping he had not
heard her.
Yes, just came up to get something. {"
What's the trouble?" sharply.
She feels wretched. dear. 1 promised
to go right back
We'll. you're not going to stay down
there all EVENING"" with grouchv re-
sentiment. for Warren loathed being left
alone.
Mono, just a little while" hurrying
to escape further questions.
Mrs Wendei's sobs had quieted. but
she was still lying on the couch, her face
hid In her outstretched arm