The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-23
The Woman
He Married
BY JANE PHELPS
REALIZATION.
CHAPTER 80.

I had received wonderful letter
from Junior. 1t was nearing vacation
time and he would soon be with US.
I was delighted that he had done SO
well in his studies. He had sent me
his report and with that, and his letter
in my hand, l hurried into the study
to show them to Dick.
had found the letter upon my re-
turn from an errand to the town. !
had no thought of being quiet, but
evidently I had made no noise to warn
Dick of my return. The study door
and it opened a trifle. noiselessly.
+ 1t seemed to me that all my life
time had been filled with the agony
l felt as saw Juanita in DICKS arms
and heard his words or love-passioh
ate words such as he used to me when
we were first married. and which
never had forgotten in all the years
stood motionless staring thru that
opening. Minutes passed that seemed
like hours. Then as Dick released
Juanita with long kiss upon her lips,
1 turned and fled to my room ana
locked the door.
Why Tnad not screamed out at
them in my agony I do not know. l
shut my eyes that might not see ner
in his arms that might not see the
look on his face-that look OF passion
ate alteration.
AS Invariably happens in times OF
great mental stress, minute matters
will obtrude-so then the way Juanlta
was dressed came to me. The cllnsing
gown of sapphire blue showing every
line of her slender figure, the velvet
band that held the riotous blonde HAIR
in some semblance of order, yet Whlch
accentuated its disorder at the same
time, the blue slippers-a daring day-
time costume. but the sort she always
affected.
seemed to hear hysterical weeping
somewhere, moaning, and did NOT
realize it came from my own lips untll
I put up my hand and found Dlooo-
where 1 had bitten them in my effort
bellion.
There was terrible bitterpess In my
heart. I had been so trustful or their
friendship, so sure of Dic1
at is all your fault, part or your
punishment. Had you been good
Wifa in the beginning, Dick never
would have seen Juanita, never have
known her."
knew this was far-fetehed even as
a thought, yet it added to my I'M
happiness. rose. staggering as from
WEAKNESS, and bathed my face.
What should do?"
Something whispered-keep Quiet
play a part, win him back, away from
her.
But could I? Could play a part?
And If I could was it not too late?
looked around at the dainty room,
a part of the home 1 loved SO dearly.
and my glance fell on the letter from
Junior, on the report which had SO
gladdened me. Both were lying on
the floor twisted and torn. In my
agony at the knowledge that the boys
father cared for Juanita l had for
gotten them. They were bruised and
torn like my heart
I gathered them up and tenderly
smoothed them out. Then 1 reread
the letter written in Juniors boyish
scrawl with trembling lips. but eyes
For the boyt sake. came the whis-
per.
I heard the front door open and
close. Juanita was going. ! went to
the window and behind the draperies
l watched her glide down the street
with her sinuous walk. watched ner
until I could see her no longer be-
knew i'm my heart that below me in
the study window stood another
watcher-knew it as well as If l had
seen him.
Had I needed confirmation. the
closing of the study door after Juanita
had passed from sight would have
given it me.
For an hour longer struggled with
my pain, with myself. knew / would
not be missed, that Dick would think
me still in town, or with some one
who wished work done.
At the end of that time I again
bathed my face. changed to a more be-
coming gown, and went down stairs. I
tapped on the study door.
Still busy, Diek?" 1 asked, speak
ing as naturally as possible.
Eyes, will you come in?" but his
quick drawing of loose leaves toward
him told me, he had not been working
since Juanita left. but thinking of her.
Tomorrow period of depression.)