Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-07-11

The Woman Who Changed
By JANE PHELPS
{ 4 &<* y !
THE BITTER WITH THE SWEET
CHAPTER CXxyu.

nlzed Julla COLLINS, relt abSolutely
faint. But recovered myself instant
ly and turned so quickly away was
sure had not been recognized. hur-
ried to the elevator, rushed TO my room
and locked the door. was breathless
from excitement.
l had been so happy, when George
had asked me to take this trip with
him-so delighted that he had seemed
to care to have me. He had been so
more than kind all through my illness,
too, and had appeared to really care
more for me than he had since we were
first married. had been so encouraged
about the future, so sure that he had
begun to realize how hard 1 had tried,
and how l longed to please him.
| should have to take the bitter with
the sweet always, as long as lived with
George, / thought bitterly, as I hur-
riedly undrcssed. l was positive l had
not been seen, and wanted to be in
bed when he came up. 1 wanted time
to think whether I should let him know
l had seen him, and was awore that he
had been with Mrs. Collins.
I felt stunned. Never had 1 felt less
like crying. 1 wondered at myself. l
was still a little weak from my long
illness, and what I had seen would
have made me weep bitterly, only a
short time before. Ny mind worked
clearly and / quietly thought over the
future-my attitude toward it.
A Long Wait.
Il was nearly three o'clock when
George came in. I now knew his habits
so well that l was positive they had
gone to some gay restaurant after leav-
ing the hotel-a habit to which I never
had become accustomed. Why people
who had had a dinner, cared TO eat and
drink so soon again, had always been
puzzling.
Of course, realized it was more OF
less an excuse to remain in each other 8
company longer. Yet, that this should
apply to married people who could be
together anyway, as well as to those
who separated when they reached home,
had always seemed rather foolish to
ne.
made no pretense of being asleep,
when George came in, but quietly asked
lim the time. Then I asked for drink
Of water. He handed me glass, then
ooked at his watch.
''It is nearly three. Later than II
f" he said, so nonchalantly it
made me vince. How little he cared that |
had spent the long, weary hours alone!
Have you been asleep?"
"No. l didn' t feel sleepy"
"That won't do. You'll be i'll, again.
Don't try to get up to breakfast in the
morning. l shall have to get out rather
,arly, and will get my breakfast in the
grill so that l won't disturb you"
every well-I think l should like to
ileep late" was all said. 1 tried to
iay 1t on careless tone, and must have
for George turned and looked
1t me, although he made no further re-
marks.
I did not hear him when he rose in
he morning. 1t was nine O'Clock when !
yakened. 1
Helen Fails to Keep Her Appointment.
l bathed, slipped On a loose gown and |
'alled for a wa1ter. 1 ordered, and COM
oellcd myself to eat, a good breakfast |
Then | took my time to dress. l would |
make myself as attractive as possible.
thought Of how charming Mrs. Collins
ooked the night before. Even in the
luick glimpse 1 had Of her, I had seen
The was exquisitcly dressed aud looked |
ovely, as did the other women in the
,arty from which I had been left out
must look my best while on this trip.
When | was finally satisfied with
ny efforts, l went out to do little
hopping. left word at the desk, in case
icorge came in, that would return in
ime for luncheon.
was delighted with the shops and
he time slipped away so quickly that
t was luncheon time before I realized
t, I wasn't at all hungry, I had had
ny breakfast so late, so still linger-
d. Why should I be so careful not
o keep him waiting9 Surely, 1t would
lot hurt him to be the one to wait, oe
asionally.
1t was after two when finally reach
d the hotel. / stopped at the dining
DOM and glanced in. Yes. there was my
husband eating lunch. Man-like, he had
lot waited
I'm rather late," / said pleasantly
S l took the seat opposite him.
"I should say you werel / have near
v finished my luncheon"
81 was sure you would have been en-
irely finished; and gone again, before
returned; but the shops were so fas-
mating, and / ate SO latt, and so hear
V breakfast, that ! didn't hurry"
81 supposed from your message that
'ou would be back to lunch with me, F."
&c said as he rose from the table. l
made no reply, and he left saying he
would come back early.
He had no sooner left me, than saw
ulia Collins come in the room. She saw
ne and Immediately crossed over and,
With laugh, seated herself in the place
ust vacated by George.
Tomorrow awkward Encounter)
POSSE AFTER MANIAC.