Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-06-22
!. The Woman Who Changed .
By JANE PHELPS
( y *** *** =
A TRUE STORY.
CHAPTER cxr.


bad natures home to their wives.
SIT ism t fair, but it is natural. You
can't give notice and leave them in the
lureh as the office force might do" She
laughed gaily at my expression. "Now
dear, l am going to tell you story
then we viii have something to eat;
and finish our talk after luncheon. F"
"Years ago knew a couple who
thought they were unhappy together
She was gay little butterfly girl
he rather a staid man of some ten years
older. He was very fond of her, but
naturally reserved and quiet. She loved
life and gayety, he preferred to spend
most Of his leisure time in their beau
tiful home with his books, his pictures
and his music. He never put an inhibi-
ton upon her, however, she could min
gle with her gay friends as much as
she would. She thought because he did
this, because he did not appear to be
jealous that he didn + love her. She
called his refusal to escort her to the
gay parties she loved, neglect. She met
a young man, rather nice fellow as
men go, and thought she loved him. He
told her he loved her. that he could
II t. live without her, would make her
happy always if she would go with
him. In some way her husband found
this out, and offered to give her her
freedom-offered because he loved her
better than he loved himself. She ac-
eepted. She got divorce. But she did
not marry the other man. When she had
left her husband, when it was too late,
she discovered the wealth of his love
for her, it worth. She would have
given all she had in the world to win
him back.
"But why
"He died two months after she se-
cured the divorced"
elbow awful. And after she left him
she found out she loved him. Why didn It
she go back thena"
"She was too proud. 1 think she
hoped that when her husband saw she
did not marry the other man he would
come to her. That girl was my own
sister. She ruined her own life and that
Of a good true man because she didn It
either herself or him. She
it was for whom I wore mourning when
[ met you. She never knew happy
after he died, although she
tried to appear so for my sake. Now
we ii have luncheon" as the little maid
appeared at the door.
A Quiet Luncheon.
Mrs. Sexton's simple story had made
/ great impression upon me, perhaps
more that luncheon had been at once
giving me no time to talk
bout it. was distrait, quiet, all thru
he meal which was delicious, and dain-
lily served, although very simple. 1t
vas like Mrs. Sexton herself. l told
Ter so, and it seemed to please her.
After luncheon we returned to her
wing room and she said briskly:
"Now, my dear, We will disect Mer-
on Gray"
81 don know-that--I want to-"
E'Oh, but do! He is young, hand
ONE, although not so good-looking to
ny way of thinking as your husband. "
"No one can be better looking than
F." interrupted. 81 think him
he handsomest man l ever have seen."
"We agree on that then. Merton is
ieh, he is generous-I think. He is com
'anionable. But there is enc thing in
with him that l fear you we
verlooked. He is an artist. He has won
certain position. He is established here
making money, looked up to; respected.
+ he takes you away he will have to
i've up all that. He will have to make
mother star in some other place. Peo-
lie will blame you. They viii say you
uined him, his future. In time he might
ONE to say so too. l do not say he
you'd, but he might. How that would
urt you can imagine as well as l."
But if he loves me well enough
nd -
"Dsar Mrs. Howard. 1t ism It Of him
am thinking; it is of you. Do you
ove him wen enough to endure any
hing that may come to both of you
I you take this step. You will hurt your
amily-I have said nothing about that
ntil the last. But from what you have
old me they would consider it a ter
ible disgrace; and would be hurt ae-
ordingly. Yet even they have no right
0 spoil your life. 1t is your own. l am
My trying to have you be honest with
ourself. Remember dear, that no mat.
er whst you do, what happens, you
ave to live with yourself. That is one
erson from whom you cannot get away,
0, not for minute. 1t would be ter
ible to do something that made it un-
earable to be on friendly terms with
wouldn't itg" When she said
hat knew, knew that 1 could not go
nth Merton.
May l use your telephone7"
Certainly"
1 called Merton Gray's studio. He
imself answered.
81 can't 60 with you, Merton Yes
is final" | added in response to
uestion. Then he asked may / came
nd see youl''-"Yes,-I am at Mrs.
exton's, come and take me home. Come
| half an hour"
Makes a Promise Be
fore Merton Gray Arrives)