The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-18
The Woman
He Married
BY JANE PHELPS
MRS. GRAY COMES TO MANS
ASSISTANCE.
CHAPTER IL.

CHAPTER II.
What should do? Even Mr..
Burns insult was swallowed up in
my anxiety over Clara and Mildred.
I must get the money for both of
them or they would go to Dick. And
now 1 seemed to have but one thought
in my mind-to save Dick any more
worry. His drawn, tired face was be-
fore me, the craving hair over his tenn
Piles. I must find some way with
out letting him know.
Mrs. Grayi" The thought of her
came like an inspiration. had
thought of Dicks sister, but dis
missed her at once. 1t would take
too long to get it should she be gem
erous enough to send me the $500.
And I doubted if she would give me
three cents, If she knew it was for
debts. But dear Mrs. Gray. would
not tell her what l wanted 1t for.
did not think she would ask. If she
had 1t, she would lend it to me.
would be robbing Peter to pay Paul,
not reducing my Indebtedness at all,
but would have time-time for Dick
to make money on his r l. NJ. deal.
1 Immediately went to her apart
ment, altho the shock of Mr.. Burns
insult was strong upon me. and
wanted to stay home and cry out my
shame in bitter tears-the shame my
inordinate love of clothes had brought
me.
Mrs. Gray, need $500 at once.
Can you lend it to me for few days ?"
Let me see? I am afraid haven't
SO much in the house. Yes, 1 hayeI"
she called from her bedroom. II am
SO glad"
What shall give you-a note. or
some sort of written promise to pay ?"
I asked.
mo, dear. Pay me as soon as you
can, that is all. About how long do
VIM think vetI will nead
about a month" BY that time
Dick would surely have made some
extra money.
That will do nicely. Now smooth
out that wrinkle in your forehead and
look happy" She talked a few mo-
ments about Junior, then I left. 1t
was only 5 o'clock. I would stop
and pay Clara, and I did, to her
establishment. 1 couldn't help acting
a little different than I had before.
1 felt SO. 1 knew / shouldn't blame
Clara for wanting her money, but ]
did. I guess the old saying that
money makes enemies OF the best of
friends is true.
Thank you, Nan! am nearly
crazy. If Jim gets hold of things
like this he will be wild with NE. He
my debts-as Nick Crawford did"
well, there is my part I said
coldIy
st don't think. Nan, you should use
that tone. One would think I hadn't
been nice to you"
TT was very inconvenient to pay st
just now" I replied, and hurried
away. I still had time to go to Mil
dred,s and pay her also. Even if Dick
did get home before did, / need not
tell him anything and I was SO anx-
ious to get it over with. to insure Mil
dred not saying anything where Dick
could hear of it.
She also was surprised and showed
It plainly.
st wouldn't have mentioned it, Nan
only I had to. If that I. c. G. ever
gets back and makes me any money
I'll make you an out and out present
of the amount"
That was nice of her, and I told her
SO. But I didn't mention Mr. Burns
nor what he had said about it being
good If she kept it. 1 hated the
thought OF the man, 1 hated his name
everything connected with him.
Dick was at home when I returned
told him I had been over to the
Stowells, then asked him about his
day.
Nothing doing, T. L. M. slumped
lily. And for once 1 did not ask ques-
lions, or worry him by talking OF
money.
Two days afterward Dick said:
Il wonder what ails Burns? Hs
hardly spoke to me today. I hope you
have done nothing to antagonize him
Nan. You haven't repeated anything
he has told me in confidence, have
youe"
mo, indeed! I don't like him, Dick
Perhaps l have shown my feelings
but that is all-even-if I have"
I'm sorry. He could help or hurt
me If he tried"
Hurt Dicki 1 had not thought OF
that, save as he might not give him
more information. I tried to put the
thought away, but could not. Would
he take revenge ON Dick because OF
me? Because I had repulsed him?
When I asked Dick in what way he
could hurt him. he replied:
with the firm. He is big trader,
you know"