The Washington herald., 1917-01-08

your home and your solid, dependa bic
husband" Laurs's laugh held q tinge
of bitterness But / wonder II any
woman who has never stood alone really
does appreciate a sheltered life?"
IT try to-" with glow of gratitude as
she thought of warren's sterling de-
pendibility. Then quickly, to Danish the
heart-sick comparison In Laura's
thoughts, tell me about the pictures.
Have you had regular work lately?''
''Only two days last week. But think
I'm TO have q maids part IN a serial.
That'l mean steady work for at least
three months" Then with an ironical
smile. Eds trying to get part in the
same picture"
so that's what he wants to dol" ex-
plosivsly. And he expects you to help
himf''
IT introduced him to several of the
directors-that's all can do. Half the
time I can't get work for myself"
Helen's lips curled In profound disgust
for this man who not only took from
Lauras slender resources. but who was
trying to use her slight influence and
acquaintance to get into the pictures, a
field which no doubt appealed to his con-
summate vanity.
But you don't want him to work with
you, Won't It be very awkward1 Laura.
you'll have to acknowledge your mar
riase; he'll be sure to say or do some
thing that win compromise you"
Suddenly putting down her cup. Laura
dropped her head on the table and burst
into tears. Helen waited silently, feel
ing that pent-up emotions might best
find relief In an outbreak.
TIL get you one Where are theyr
as Laura groped vainly for q handksr-
chief.
Still sobbing, she did not answer, and
Helen looked in the top drawer as the
most probable place. She found the
handkerchief box, and was closing the
drawer, when she paused with caught
breath. There, with the needle still IN
II, lay q tiny unfinished garment!
Dazedly she showed the drawer shut
and turned back to the table.
"oh. I don't often give way like this
taking the handkerchief. But I haven't
been we'll lately. I'm all unstrung."
Helen stirred her cooling tea, studying
the biue-waved pattern OF the saucer.
Should she let her know that she knew,
or should she wait for Laura to tell her?
Her strongest impulse was to help her.
But hows What could she say or Do
More than ever she felt the futility of
advice. And before this condition that
circumstances made q tragedy, how su-
perhcial and cheap seemed more words
of sympathy.
Did he know? Had she told him? Did
he know last night when she took him
out to dinner and paid the bill? Could
he have stopped so low7 Was he wholly
lacking in every sense OF manliness?
Drink your tea while It's hot" she
said practically. You didn't have any
lunch. You can't keep well II you neglect
your meals. I'm going to take you home
with me for dinner
Laura shook her head. Not tonight
1 don't feel like seeing any one"
The note of nnality kept Helen from
urging. She fingered a few moments,
hoping for the confidence that did not
come, for Laura talked only of her work.
Don't overwork." warningly, as she
rose to go. You don't look we'll"
I'm better of working" bitterly, than
sitting here brooding."
Respecting her desire to withhold her
secret, Helen refrained from pressing her
further
Don't come down, No, I won't let
you-you must save your strength Al
the door she turned impulsively. Laura.
you know, don't you. that II you're ever
in any real trouble, you can come TO me ?
You've always been too proud to bor-
row. but want you to feel that you can" ."
Then, without waiting for an answer,
she ran down the dark stairs. From the
first landing she turned to wave back.
Laura. with a startled. questioning look.
was leaning over the banisters.
Down the last flight. and Helen hurried
out through the musty- smelling hall 10
the fresh coldness OF the street
1t was showing. fine misting flakes that
stung her face through her oobweb veil,
melting as fast as they fell. The side
walks were wet and slimy.
II only she could offer Laura the re-
fuge of her own home! But the thought
OF Warren checked this impulse. He had
been relentlessly disapproving OF Laura s
secret marriage, and the unfortunate con-
sequence would not make him more
lenient
Just now Laura stood alone and apart.
beyond her help.
Hurrying home in the thickening snow.
Helen pictured her in that drear, gloomy
room, sewing her brooding fears into
tiny garments.
To what was she looking forward,
Three months OF work in a serial-and
after that? Would she go away?
Laura's fierce pride and independence
had carried her through a great deal.
Would they carry her through this final
ordeal? Would she have the strength and
courage to face this alone?