The Topeka state journal., 1922-11-09
Chapters From a
Woman 5 Life
BY JANE PHELPS

Chapter T.
Walter was very socially inclined, so
we went a good deal and did our part
in entertaining. I enjoyed the social
life also, but not quite as he did. He
was never willing to have a party
break up, always insisting it was only
the edge of the evening no matter
how late it was. I soon learned not
to interfere or to speak of the hour.
He told me once at one of Ciaire's
parties that was a killjoy and Grace
Harter agreed with him, adding:
You'll lose you little hubby if you
insist upon dragging him home before
he's ready. Walt always was the last
to leave"
1t was her constant repetition of
such things that made me learn to dis
like her. Yet once when spoke of it
to Walter, he said:
Grace was always a good sport. I
like 1t in a woman. You can sleep as
late as you like in the morning, so
what's the use rushing home when
I'm having a good time?' Then he
added: '.She looked stunningi AL
ways did know what she could wear.
I wish you were a little more original,
more artistic in your dress. You look
just like nine out of ten women one
sees
I'm sorry didn't look nice, Walter.
That was a new dress and an expen-
sive one"
Expense be hanged! I have a
model who can wear a piece of calico
and look smart and different"
L wasn't artistic, and knew it,. But
it hurt me just the same to have him
compare me with his, models to my
disadvantage. Someway Walter often
hurt me- yet knew without intention.
If 1 showed / was hurt he would be
sorry, perhaps plan an outing or some>
thing. After the first few weeks ne
to admit he had been wrong.
But his lovable qualities so far OUT
numbered the unlovable ones that I
loved him more intensely after we had
been married year than when was
a bride. His merry spirit was infectious
he was just a big overgrown boy~
Father and Mother had spent a few
days at holiday time with US and had
had royal time Walter really neg
lected his beloved work to entertHAn
them. But as yet I had met none. of
his relatives, altho I had received
stilted letter of welcome as her sons
wife from his mother. After reading
the letter made up my mind I
wouldn't like her. I asked Walter to
describe her and tell me all about her.
She's very dignified, Doreen, but
she's got good heart She isn't very
well, some heart affection, and it
makes her bit hard to get along with
at times-that is, it would if one
didn't know and love her. She thinks
the sun rises and sets in me-do1Ist
know as I blame her." he added teas
Il thought her letter rather cold,
explained -e
mo. I don't think so. It's the.
Mater all over. No fuss or saying
come east soon so you can get ac-
quainted.
I made no reply. but I sincerely
hoped she would not come east After
that cold, formal letter L had no de-
sire to get acquainted with my mother
in-law. 4
We were taking what I to myself
called one of Walters apology OUT
ings." We had spent Saturday after
noon up the Hudson, and were on our
way home. noticed a tai, graceful
blonde sitting opposite US in the Pull
man, but was wholly unprepared for
whispered:
isn't she a beauty2"
WHO ?" asked.
'HThat girl opposite. the blonde |
Cad, but I'd like to have her for a
model. Wonder who she is?"
1 glanced at the girl and knew from |
her expression, her yelled gIances at |
us. that she knew she was our subject
Of conversation.
Look at that foot and anklei'
Walter said in a low tone. "Perfecti"
Said foot and ankle, and considerably |
more, were displayed generously as |
she crossed her feet on the cushion.
She evidently thinks so,' I replied |
Il must find out who she is" He |
paid no attention to my sarcasm, but |
coptinued staring.
As we went out Of the train the |
blonde was directly in front of us.
After we passed thru the gate L
missed Walter. but in a moment he |
came running back.
IT heard her give the taxi driver her
address," he exclaimed, beaming. "I |
shall find out who she is, and if pos
sible get her to sit for me. She is |
perfect type-a glorious beauty!''
ITO he continued