The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-12-02
Chapters From a
Woman 5 Life
BY JANE PHELPS
SELF POSSESSION AN ASSET
CHAPTER "a.


The expression on Helen Ralstrom's
face when I walked over to the table
where she and Walter sat was not one
of chagrin at being caught with my
husband, it was one of hatred OF me.
did you see her. eyes, the way she
looked at me?" asked Claire.
did I? She>1ooked absolutely muir
derousi But you were a peach,
Doreen. Even Helen Ralstrom would
have to hand it to you. But she'll
probably have it in for you just the
same; worse than ever I imagine. You
see you appeared to better advantage
than she did, and a woman can't stand
that"
had told no one about what had
happened after the accident, but now
1 told Claire; told of what Mrs. Page
had done, how she had hustled Helen
out of the house, refusing to allow me
to wait upon her, to have anything to
do with her.
you make me love the naughty
lady!" Claire said. THAT was fine in
heri But Doreen, it probably has
made Helen dislike both you and her.
don't trust that girl-yet have no
reason to say that except she Anglers
me for your sake. She's nothing but a
model to Walter, but she would like
to make you think she is more than
that. Don't let her, dear"
ST hope your judgment isn't at fault,
O1dlIS- bul SI46 very lONSly. L
couldn't repress a sigh. Thank God
it was you with me, and not Grace
Harter." Grace would have ragged
them, made fun of them. and of me.
Her sharp tongue wopid have made
the situation unbearable.
We reached home earlier than had
expected to. and of course before Wal
ter. He came in just as we were sit
ting down to dinner. He gave me
searching, frowning look. saw he
7 LIZ
to the meeting and was bracing him
self for it.
said nothing, however, and soon a
look of relief followed one of bewilder-
nrent. He couldn't quite understand
my reserve.
He talked constantly thru the meal,
mostly to his mother. To me his
gayety was patiently forced altho she
seemed not to notice.
shall we go to the theater, Doreen?
1 guess we can get in somewhere"
'I do not care to go out in that
manner" Mrs. Page replied, giving me
no opportunity to speak, land as
Doreen has left me alone all the after
noon, it would be more gracious if
you would both remain at home"
81 do not care to go either, Mrs.
Page I said quietly, without looking
at Walter.
But it was an uncomfortable even
ing. 1 talked as did he, tried to be
natural, but it was an effort Finally
I proposed a game of cut throat, and
so we passed the time until Mrs. Page
retired.
"WeH?" Walter said when we were
at last alone. Say what you have to
say, and get it over with"
There is not much use saying any
thing, is there?' I asked. you
choose to make a companion Of your
model, to belitt1e me before my
friends: to get yourself talked about.
If our happiness means so little to
you; perhaps in time it may mean as
little to me-"
I had spoken very quietly. keeping
all rancor from my voice. I felt al
most i'll, discouraged. Did he care for
his lovely model? Was she supplant-
ing me in his affections? Those two
questions had been before me all thru
dinner; all thru the evening.
Gosh, Doreeni You don't under
standi Helen wasn't well, and asked
me to give her a little run, and I
couldn't refuse her when she had been
hurt with me. Then she wanted
broiled chicken and it took q long
time to get it or I should have been
home before you were. Do take that
look of martyrdom off your face. 1t
isn't becoming" Then: 1T was bully
in you not to talk before the Mater"
AS he prepared for bed he whistled
under his breatII:~ He had said all he
intended to; like a spoiled boy. pleased
1 had not told his mother; but abso-
lutely unrepentant.
(To be continued.)