The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-05
Helen Hunters
Husband
THE WAY OF THE TRANSFERS.
SOR IS HARD.
BY JANE PHELPS
Chapter s 3


Chapter So.
1t was fully an hour before Helen
was able to talk connectedly. Then
under Jacks urging she made a clean
breast of everything.
But Jack, you must believe there
wasn't anything wrong between US:
that I was just a silly foolish thing
whom he flattered and made restless
because he kept telling me you didn't
appreciate me. didn't do enough-for
me-didn't give me-gOod-tines
enough She ended with a sob.
Jack did believe her; he did think
her absolutely guiltless save as to be-
ing with him. At first he felt inclined
to take her in his arms. tell her he
would take care of her: that she must
not worry. Then panorama like their
married life flashed before him. He
recalled her eXtrava gance; her gam
bling against HE wishes; her absolute
refusal to take care of her home, and
she should have the money he made
and nothing should be put away Aand
he hardened his heart.
1T is now or never" he said to
himself.
He. spoke, slowly moving away:
Il don't know what to believe,
Helen
But you must believe me, Jack!' I
never cared for him-not in anything
but a friendly wayi l liked his par
ties L liked the way he spent money
on me. I liked his looks, his being al
ways well dressed, and all that; but
never cared for him. really. 1 couldn't
because 1 always loved you-you be-
lieve me-oh, Jack-you must! am
SO unha ppy.''
Again he was tempted to soothe her.
but again memories crowded upon
him.
You remember I asked you not to
be with him. If you loved me my
wishes would have had some weight
They never have in anything. You
never have been a wife to me, Helen,
not real wife. I have wanted a
home; children perhaps; to save some
thing; and have you ever tried to do
your part? When L locked you in to
keep you from him, you threatened
to leave me, divorce me. It seems
am the one who should talk of divorce
and with reason. Not your
''Oh, but, Jack, you wouldn't di-
vorce me, you couldn't! I've been true
to YOU
DO you think anyone will believe
that when you are proved to be Mrs.
Brown, woman sailing under a false
name; the companion of a forger?
You admit you have been meeting him
almost daily without my knowledge,
while have been struggling to make
money enough to keep you happy; to
crafty your extravagant tastes! There
isn't a judge on the bench who
wouldn't give me a divorce-knowing
all the circumstances"
Butch, Jack!" Helen walled
DO you think they will find me?
Know L am that Mrs. Brown?''
L think it very likely! They prob
ably will find out with whom he was
intimate, whom he entertained, and as
much more as they want to. 1t isn't
easy for people to cover up their
tracks, you know"
But 1 bought a new hat-and Nell
got mo a veil! And I'll never wear
that dress and hat again that I wore
with hnn-and oh, you mustn't let
them find me, Jack" her childish
ness making an appeal he found it
hard to resist.
Il suppose the hat was charged to
me-" he said after a moment.
Yes, I didn't have money enough
to pay for iti''
See here, Helen, if I consent to help
you get away. If lin time forgive !
you for disgracing me, how am I to
or something worse again? Your
gambling, your extravaganza, all have !
helped lead you to this horrible posi- |
ton. Not you alone, but me-
IF you will take me away. Jack; /
will believe me-don't divorce me, |
Jacki 1 couldn't live without you
your love-Pn7why Jack. I'll do any /
thing you say. Well let the maid go |
and I'll wash all the dishes and clean /
the place and L won't gamble any !
more, never touch card if you say so;
and I'll help you save and TlF'-the |
words piled on each other SO eager
were her promises.
IF you really mean all you say. If |
you will keep those promises, 1 will |
help you go away, and-after-a time
when 1 am convinced you really
have turned over a new leaf-I may
go on with you. 1 may reconsider !
the divorce. Now go to bed. No
as she was about to throw her arms
about his neck-''we'll leave all that
)ut for the present. I have to be sure
haven't grounds for a divorce first"
Tomorrow-Helen and Jack suddenly
leave town.