The Topeka state journal., 1922-12-30
Chapters From, a
Woman s Life
THREE NOT ACRowD
BY JANE PHELPS

Oldp plSI TO-
For a time after my boy came was
radiantly content. Mrs. Page was Won
derfulIy pleased, and when Walter
complained that he had to play sec
ond fiddle she said:
'It is natural for every woman to
make first baby put the husband 20
one side for a time"
"Oh, 1 don't want Walter put aside.
I want him just as much as I want
my baby" i said a bit Indignantly,
Walter wasn't the sort to be neglected,
even for his own child.
80 it's a case of three not being a
crowd" he laughed.
Indeed it isl" I answered. Z 81
think I want you more than ever
now"
We named our boy "Jack" after
Walters father. Mrs. Page was de-
lighted and Immediately started a
bank account for him. I felt closer
birth of my baby. I seemed to un-
derstand things better.
Little Jack was very like Walter
and I was glad. Walter was very
doesn't want her baby to be attrac-
tive? He was well and strong, made
very little trouble. Jennie found moth
ing too hard if it meant doing it for
him. Mrs. Page took a good deal of
the care from me, so his coming really
had another to love.
All our friends made a great fuss
over him, and declared if they didn't
stop making him gifts Walter would
have to get a larger apartment.
Walters Allegorical picture was fin
ished. had been hung, then sold. I
had my fur coat, but he didn't send
Helen Ralstrom away as l had hoped
he would. Instead he was using her
as a model for another picture He
was very busy. yet always found time
to play. sometimes when was along,
sometimes without me. I thought
baby's coming would perhaps make
him a bit more responsible; but as far
as could see it had made no slight
est difference. He was just as care
free, just as irresponsible in certain
ways as ever.
I was in the studio one day when
Ralph Connor called. At once Helen,
who had been rather quiet for her,
frightened. Everything about her in
dicated a deliberate attempt to focus
his attention, even while he was talk
ing to me, praising Walters picture
Her exquisite shoulders rose from the
low cut gown she was wearing, the
one Walter had ordered for the pic
ture. Finally Mr.. Connor turned to
her with a complimentary remark.
She bridIed with pleasure, yet said
with pout of her full lips:
81 thought you never were going to
notice me. You seemed so absorbed
in Mrs. Page. 1t isn't fair! She's
married you know"
THAT doesn't seem to make her less
attractive" he said, indeed just the
opposite. I think never saw you
looking better" to me.
THANK you," I answered demurely-
Amused.
had no idea what Helen would do,
but was certain she would do it.
"Oh, Mr.. Connor," she said in her
drawling tones, the ones she used to
Walter when I was about. DO come
and tell me how you like this snap
quite wonderful"
Lazily he followed her to the table,
where she picked up a picture and
held it in her hand, while he stood be-
side her looking at it. Walter had
stepped out, or I should have left, but
I had something to tell him, so waited.
Cant see it too?" I asked rising,
to join them.
'Of course. Excuse me- Helen said
with elaborate politeness. II expect
Walter told you about it"
OF course she didn't think any such
thing, but 1 replied:
Being told and seeing are two diff
ferent things"
1 held out my hand for the picture
It was really a very good likeness of
both of them, taken in their bathing
suits, Walters arm thrown, carelessly
over her shoulder. Because it was
Wd1l6Is II IlOltllAlS- II dS just
the sort of thing he would do/without
a thought. But her showing it to
Ralph Connor when I was here, was
almost an insult felt, and my cheeks
fairly blazed as 1 glanced at the pic
ture, then at her, and caught the
gleam in her eyes.
"It is a very good likeness of both
of you" I said calmly putting it on
the table. 81 am sure you thought
so, Mr.. Connor?"
every good indeed" he said dryly.
But a bit unusual"
That's what makes it attractive
Helen replied just as Walter appeared.
He flushed crimson when he saw me
again take the picture, muttered some-
thing about thinking he had destroyed
the planned thing"