The Topeka state journal., 1922-02-09
Helen Hunters
Husband
HELEN PLANS TO ENTERTAIN
THE BRIDGE CLUB
BY JANE PHELPS



When Jack gave Helen money he
never questioned her as to the cost of
things, yet after they were dressed for
the party he couldn't help but wonder
if she would have enough left to keen
going until he took in more. Her dress
bore all the ear-marks of a fashion,
able modiste, her thin silk stockings
and satin slippers all looked expensive.
But she was so gleeful, SO happy that
they both looked well, he said moth
ing, but he mentally made up his mind
to work very hard at his insurance so
that she could have the pretty clothes
and other things she craved.
shes just a child in her love of
beautifuT Clothes" he said to himself,
as he told her how lovely she looked
when she pirouetted before him.
Arrived at the party, Jack had to
acknowledge that he would have felt
very uncomfortable had he worn his
old suit The men were all well
dressed, the women daintily so. Helen
was in her element, and fairly scin-
tillated.
you have a very charming wife,
Hunter" Mr.. Laytc said, her enthu-
siasm is delightful"
Jack sweIIed with pride. Helen was
charming. He was very fortunate
man in that she belonged to him
loved him. That she was extremely
the men, but with the women, most of
them members of the bridge club.
THAT wife of yours takes all our
money. No wonder she is in good
spirits" Dell Moore said to Jack. tI
contributed $40 to that new gown of
with such luck as she has. Henry
Mr.. Moore-doesn't believe in playing
for money, and he scolds me furiousIy
about our innocent little club, don't
band who Joined them
TITS bad business, Hunter. Women
are too emotional to gamble, They
take both their winnings and their
losses too much to heart. I tell Dell
she is developing a bad case of nerves
since she began to play"
Il agree with you, Mr. Moore, al
tho I don't suppose I am tactful to
say so before Mrs Moore"
Nonsense! You are only jealous be-
cause we don't ask you to join our
club. But men are barred Dell re-
Joined laughingly.
Jack wondered if all women were as
carelessly set upon having their own
way as were Helen, and Dell Moore,
but he Joined in the laugh, and gave a
light answer.
They danced, played cards, and had
a delicious supper. To his amazement
and dismay just as the party broke up
Helen said:
"a week from tonight you are all
invited to come to US. You see how
economical 1 am. Saving telephone
calls or postage. by asking you now"
A chorus of acceptance greeted her,
while Jack stood by her side smiling,
his heart chilled. Eight couples, and
they were in debt now. Why couldn't
Helen have waited a little longer?
Waited until he had paid for the suit |
she had insisted upon his buying, and
ot, 1,r 1xy
judged she had not entirely paid for
with what he had given her But even |
So he couldn't help a feeling of pride |
in her glowing beauty, her popularity. |
Wasn't it a nice party, Jaek2"
Helen asked when they reached their |
own apartment.
Very! But Helen, you should have |
talked it over with me before you |
asked them. Such entertaining is ex- |
pensive, and"
Aren't you making good money
now?" Helen's voice was cold. icy.
II did this month, but I have no !
surety for the future. Not until am |
more of a financial success, more sure |
of an income can we afford to enter /
tain on such a large scale. Eight /
besides ourselves. eighteen /
people. It costs a lot even to give |
them 8. simple supper"
so you begrudge me doing my part |
in entertaining my friends?" Her |
voice ominous of tears
mo dear-not when We can afford |
it. But at present we must go slow. |
Did you pay for the new things you |
f"AII but my Dress
How much was that?"
"Only 500. It was reduced, and /
isn't it dream2" She glanced in the |
mirror, a satisfied expression on her /
face.
Jack was too stunned to reply. His |
mother never had paid anything like /
such a sum for a dress in her life. He /
must impress upon Helen that he |
could net-would not endure such ex /
traTagance.
(Tomorrow-A quarrel)