Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-07-19
! The Woman Who Changed
By JANE PHELPS
i = Il . 4 y x + 4 = * j
AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS
CHAPTER CxxXIII

1
CHAPTER CXXXIII
George WIS very busy the next two
days, | spent my time shopping and
entertaining myself as best / could.
Mrs. Babeock hnched with me and
we went to a matinee. l liked her bet
ter each time l saw her, and enjoyed
being with her, even tho she was so
much older.
The night before we left for home
we dined with them again. As we were
dressing, George said to Ine:
81 haven't secured Babcoek s sig
nature yet, altho think he is sure to
come into the business. But tonight
will settle it. They are already inclin-
ed to hike you so try and be OF further
help to me by your actions tonight"
made no reply. felt pleased that
could be of help to George, but 1
resented the implication that l might
do something to spoil the good impress
sion had made. l would let him see
that L was clever enough, at least, to
hold what L had obtained
We had a wonderful time, and an
other delightful dinner. Mrs Babeoek
asked for more music, and we really
spent a delightful evening, altho, to
my surprise, business was not mention
ed. But just as George spoke of going,
giving my previous illness as an ex-
cuse-he was really tired, himself
Mr.. Babcock said:
"Come into the library, a moment,
Howard The ladies will excuse us.
may as well sign that paper tonight.
Perhaps if wait until tomorrow,
may change my mind; but your wife s
music has made me mellow"
l couldn t help glad thrill as |
turned to Mrs. Babcock, who was smil'
ing at me.
When we left, it was with feeling
that had made two very dear friends.
And I was very happy when George
remarked:
"You were an unqualified success
tonight Helen, | guess / owe it to you
that | got that affair settled.
Helen SECS Julia Collins Embarrassed |
We stopped in the grill, when we
reached the hotel. George claimed to
be thirsty. The orchestra was still play
ing, so | offered no objections.
We've only few minutes before
they close" George said impatiently, |
beckoning a waiter
Just then / heard some loud talk
ing, and turned to see the cause. AT
table near us, sat Julia Collins and |
large, rather coarse looking man who |
evidently had been drinking. He was
trying to make Mrs. Collins take a
glass of champagne, which she had ev-
identity been refusing. No one was pay
ing particular attention, because of
the nearness of closing time and their
desire to have their orders filled. But
1 was interested. 1t was something new
to see Julia Collins embarrassed, as
she evidently was. | could not help q
little thrill of joy as l looked at her
flushed, noisy, and persist
at George, who was cool,
self possessed, and handsome,
George heard an exclamation, turn
ed, and saw Mrs. Collins and her es
eort He looked surprised, then remark
ed in low tone;
"What in the world is she doing
with that bounder!"
The mans excited manner and loud
speech was now attracting attention
from others in the room. There was
general lull as everyone turned to gaze
The music had suddenly stopped, MAX
ing the man.more noisily obnoxious be-
cause more plainly heard. He had call
ed the head waiter and was arguing
with him over something. With a shrug
that plainly said he could not propiti-
ate so unreasonable a patron, he walk
ed off.
Gsorge Makes Himself Conspicuous
and Annoys Helen
The crowd was once again busy
with its own affairs. But ! could not
take my eyes away from Julia Collins.
Her embarrassment and the insistance
Of her escort, whom George had called
a bounder,'' fascinated me,
Suddenly saw Mrs. Collins rise
that is, she tried to, but her escort
roughly pulled at her gown and she
sank back into her chair, her face
Then, in loud tones, he again
tried to get her to drink the cham
pagne.
i had beeIf so engaged watching
them-my chair was in such posi-
tion l could, without turning-that /
had not looked at George for mo.
nent or two. The waiter had brought
him his bottle Of Celestine vichy, his
usual drink, and he had paid him.
A chair seraped, and George started
70 rise. /, thinking he had finished,
rose also.
"Sit down, Helen. III be back in
/ minute he said, then walked direct
y to the table where Julia Collins sat
fairly writhing in her embarrassment.
was furious, that he should make
himself and me conspicuous by his act,
md more so when he quietly offered
lis arm and escorted Julia. Collins
from the room before her escort re-
covered from his amazement enough
% object. Then, while the head waiter
'jected the man who was threatening
% fight everyone in the roonl---but es-
,eeially George-my husband returned
md quietly took his place beside me
md finished his viehy.
(Tomorrow-Home again)
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