The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-22
Helen Hunters
Husband
HELEN HAS A VERY GAY EVE
MING.
BY JANE PHELPS

Chapter rs.
Jack found his mind disinclined to
stay fixed on his work, so necessary
if he were to keep his bills paid. His
thoughts constantly strayed to Helen.
He rather hated the idea of her going
without him. She had said her friends
thought him selfish because he did
not take her out more He was sorry
she discussed him. her husband, with
the people she knew. There was
something in him that resented it
that would not have allowed him to
discuss her or any one near to MIN
with strangers.
IT guess it is the different bringing
up." he muttered, comparing the two
mothers. HeIen's and his OWN
wish she were more domestic" he
went on after a time. st am afraid
she will have to commence to look
after things better and give me my
time if 1 am to succeed in making
money enough to satisfy her" He
nibbled his pencil, his brows drawn
together. Helen was. in q. way, prov
ing a problem. And not yet did even
he realize how puzzling a one.
Finally he gave determined shrug
and resumed his work this time nolo
ing his thoughts fast upon it until 1t
was quite finished. Then he gave a
start as his eyes rested upon the
clock. 1t was nearly one. Surely
Helen had not intended to stay so
late.
Feeling hungry he vent into the
kitchen, but remembered before he
opened the fee box that there was
nothing in the house to eat. He had
finished the rolls for his dinner. He
lighted his pipe, smiling grimly- That
would have to do, he'd go hungry to
bed.
The clock struck I, then 2. Still
Jack smoked, and waited for Helen.
At half past she came in, her cheeks
flushed, her eyes bright.
You stayed awfully late, Helen"
Jack said reproachfuIIy mo use
asking if you had a good time, you
show very plainly that you did"
st couldn't come until the others
did. could I? I did have a good time,
and lovely supper"
where did you go?"
after the picture-it was lovely!
You must see tive went to that new
place on One Hundredth street to
dance. We danced until about IL.
than Mr.. Barnes ordered supper, ev-
erything I liked, and then we danced
again. He dances as well as you do.
Jack, and that's saying a lot. Oh. I
hope they will ask me again. with a
happy sigh.
II don't! Not that I do not want
you to have a good time, but 1 can't
afford to return such rackets, and so
long as 1 can't don't like the idea. of
being under obligations to any one.
Come. it's late and I have to get away
early SO that can return this work"
Il consider people I am with are
under obligations to me because of my
company, instead of my being under
obligations to them I never saw such
queer pride as you seem to have. You
let people know you neglect mel
mean by never taking me out-then
talk about being under bligations to
some one who does Mr.. Barnes said
he hadn't enjoyed himself so much in
a long time, and thanked me effusively
for being so good as to go with him"
1.-THE usual stuff.
Now, don't spoil my evening by
talking like that! I never saw such a
man. besrudge me the slightest good
time. And -----
Helen" Jack interrupted, "I want
you to get something in this house to
eat. 1 haven't time to earn the money
and run the house too. I was hungry
when I finished my extra work. and
there wasn't bite in the house. You
didn't care, of course, because you
weren't hungry-you were having, as
you said, a. delicious supper. But 1
cannot work on an empty stomach;
neither will go out to my meals.
will so for rolls in the morning, but
after this I shall expect you to see that
l have good, 11our:shing food
That's right, spoil everything by
scolding me! I told you hated house
work! If you want to keep house you
must earn enough to pay a maid.
Nell Layton never goes near her
Kitchen"
It's nothing to me what Mrs. Lay
ton or anyone else does. If I am to
earn the money, you must make it
possible for me to do so. No man can
do good work and live as 1 have been
living the last two days. Come! Talk
ing won't help things. It is 3 o'clock.
We must have breakfast by z. You
can make the cotfeewhile go for the
rolls
Helen opened her mouth to speak,
but after a quick glance at Jacks de-
termined face, she closed it, and
quietly hurried to bed.