The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-14
The Woman
He Married
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LIFE is ALWAYS A STRUGGLE.
BY JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER 81.

LIFE IS ALWAYS A STRUGGLE.
CHAPTER 81.
After the luncheon Mildred insisted
we take a drive in the park, also ask
ing Mr.. Burns. He excused himself
upon the plea that he was heavily in
Eterested in the stock market, and
wished to see the closing prices
felt 1 would like to do the same, but
of course / didn't say so.
1t was about o'clock when we
drove out of the park, down Fifth ave-
nue. to do a little shopping. Newsboys
were crying an extra.
"Wuxtra-wuxtra"- something
about the stock market. I made Mil
dred stop and buy a paper.
Slump in I. c. C. unsettles market"
in big headlines. I felt sick, faint. But
I tried to keep my voice steady as I
asked Mildred:
Have you any,"
mo, thank goodness! Have you ~
'Dick closed his out day before yes
terday," I said, He had the original
zoo shares; but he had Immediately
reinvested in my name in the same
stock and at a higher price.
tried to think he would have sold
when he saw the break, buteI could
not overcome that sick dread that had
seized me. I hurried Mildred with her
shopping, pleading that if Dick had
would indicate. I wanted to be at home
when he came in. 1
He was not at home. altho 1t was 6
o'clock. I hurried to change my
clothes. I never wore my best things
a moment after I had come into the
house. I put my lovely orchids in
water, then placed them on the table
for a centerpiece.
Nora had made a lovely rice pud-
ding for dessert, and dinner was all
ready when Dick came in.
He was very white, his face Booked
CHASTITY in the dlmly lighted halt
had rushed to the door to let him in
the moment 1 heard his key in the
door
What is it, Dick?" I knew as we'll
that we had lost our money when L
asked the question, as I did after ne
said. with a groan.
Its nearly all gone, Nan-father' S
LEGACY"
Come, have your dinner. then Wen
talk about it" I don't know where 1
for Dick surged oyer memo matter
what happened, he was more to me
than all the world. Then he had said
nearly" not all gone. 1 took COM
fort from that.
He ate no dinner, but drank Two
cups of strong coffee, and a little CT
the rice pudding. knew he did 1t to
save hurting Nora's feelings, more
than because he wanted it. 1 had toid
him she had made it because e bad
told her he was, fend2if it.
That was like Dick. tender-hearted
always.
After dinner he took the paper and
vent into the living. room while I
put Junior to bed Then 1 3oined
him. sSss
Now Dick. te1I ME all about it.
How much did we 1ose?''
To wi
and paper when I went to him. Vow
he looked at the figures.
1--WE have lost all we have made,
Nan, and $1,000 of the $5,00oTour
original capital. Then We are in
debt! That dress of yours, what
furniture we haven't paid for. and
whatever else you have had charged.
If it is much it will leave US with
nothing"
"It isn't much, And they will have
to wait, all of Them I said firmly.
"Felice won't press me-" I didn't
tell him l owed for several things
besides the dress. And the depart
ment store must also give us more
time on the furniture. You have about
$1,000 or $1,000, we can recoupf with
that"
you really think there is any hope
that we CAM" He was terribly dis
couraged, sick. 1 felt SO sorry for him
that I forgot all my own desires; my
dreams of wealth. to comfort him.
.'Of course 1 do! You have some
very influential friends. They will
give you tips, good ones, I am sure.
How did Mr.. Burns come not to warn
you?"
HE was lunching with you and
Mildred, he told me, and knew moth
ing of the slump. Men like him don't
mind 10 or 20 points" he spoke bit
ter1y.
"Then il he didn't know, he wasn't
to blame for not telling you ?" felt
someway glad of that; and perhaps
it would make him feel bit guilty
| because he had told Dick it was al
most a sure thing.
mo, of course not! 1 can't help
| feeling a bit sore, tho"
Hell have to make it good in
some way! He will, I am sure!"
IT wish shared you confidence.
After this 1 made him stop talking
about it. and told him of our lunch
| con, and my ride afterward.
(Tomorrow-Hectic days.)