The Topeka state journal., 1922-12-26
Chapters From a
Woman s Life
WALTER TALKS ON THE JOY OF
ACCOMPLISHING
BY JANE PHELPS


ACCOMPLISHMENT
Chapter A.
In the morning Mrs. Page seemed
her old cold, Indifferent self again but
couId not forget her softness, her
apparent feeling for me, and was
neither angry or annoyed when she
found fault. She was i'll, and old Her
illness had brought the tender side of
her nature uppermost even for a short
time. This made up for the unpleas-
antness it caused when she grumbled.
Walter was in high spirits at break
fast. His new alegoricaI picture was
going well Ralph Connor had seen
it and prophesied great things for it.
''He made some little suggestions 1
shall think over" Walter said, 'but in
the main L shah follow my own con-
ception. You shall have a new fur coat
next winter if things turn out as L
think they will" When he had money.
he was recklessly generous. 1t seemed
to burn his fingers until he spent it
often for me, the house, or in giving
his friends pleasure. Money as money
meant nothing to him.
Whats it for if not to spend?" he
asked. ITS the making it that's fun,
Accomplishing what you set out to
do
Evidently he had said something to
his mother concerning my being too
closely confined, because she sent me
out FOR a walk IN the afternoon. She
did it rather as if she grudged it, but
I pretended not to notice and thanked
her for her thoughtfulness. When 1
was ready and had arranged every
thing for her comfort, told Jennie to
listen for her bell, I leaned over the
invalid chair in which L had placed
her and dropped a light kiss on her
hair. She said nothing until Preached
the door. Then she remarked in
different tone.
, Don't hurry. / shall do very well
IlxFfil Won get back
Happily L walked toward the studio.
I would stop in a moment, then run in
to see Claire. Helen was resting when
I arrived, Walter standing before his
picture, in a deep study.
did Walter tell you what a won
derful time we had last night?' Helen
asked. Il never saw such a gorgeous
moon. would not have been back
yet had had my way"
$50 Walter said" I replied caus-
tically. But people who work have
to Sleep
Just as if I didn't workH' she
pouted. Then: st think it is my duty
to tell you that he flirted abominably
with Grace Harter. Lovers once, I
understand, are usually susceptible to
the same influence when it is exerted,
especially in such surroundings"
Thank you, but he told me all
about it,
SILLY man! Yet I have heard that a
seeming confidence often prevents
suspicion"
always hinting-little digs that left
one quivering.
turned with emphasis. Real conf
dence never has that teffect."
Hello, Doreenl Excuse my not
speaking before but I was trying to fix
something in the foreground. YOU'LL
have that fur coat sure as shooting"
Fur coat?" Helen queried.
''Yes, this picture is going to buy
Doreen the best fur coat L can find"
Walter answered.
''If. it is a success I think I deserve
one too" she pouted, giving Walter a
look for which L could have slapped
her.
''who knows but you will get one
Also he bantered.
1 didn't for a moment think Nhe
meant it-at least that he meant to
give her one, yet my pleasure in hiss
for me was gone. L remained
only a few moments more, then went
on to Claire's, scolding myself for feel /
ing as did, yet unable to help it.
THAT girl takes all the Joy out of
life for me one way or another, 1
said to myself as ] walked slowly
away from the studio. I wish the old
picture was finished"
Claire was at home and seemed so
glad to see me. She chatted SO gayly |
that / recovered my spirits, and when |
reached nome was able TO say |
honestly that 1 had enjoyed my little |
outing. Then I entertained Mrs. NPage |
by repeating CIaire's chatter
81 think you must go out every day /
now" she said. 'I am much better |
and there is no need for you to remain |
in so constantly" That she welcomed |
the gossip, liked to hea- what people |
had to say. may have in part influ- |
enced her attitude, but if it did al |
lowed no suspicion of it to appear IN |
oil
friendly terms 1t wouldn't be my /
fault if we did not remain so.
Tomorrow-Mrs. Page gives Doreen /
q present.) 4