The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-11-17
Chapters From a
Woman 5 Life
BY JANE PHELPS

SldplCT
Claire and Grace was chatting and
under, cover of their conversation,
George and quietly:
''She did it that time. Doreen.''
Did what?" I asked.
Don't you care! I knew she was
going to make you jealous before the
day was over. Don't be an idiot,
Doreen. Take a leaf out of her book
ct don't know what you mean?"
At my reply he turned unbelieving
came over me that George Harter was
pretending to be interested in me,
Walter Pages wife. 1 never for a mo-
ment thought it anything but pre-
tense. I had heard of his escapades,
never had liked him because of the
gossip, altho he could be most fas-
cinating when he chose.
Bring Walter to time by doing as
he does! Anyone can see he is hipped
over that Ralstrom girl he again
leaned toward me, that peculiar look
in his eyes.
stop flirting with Doreen and
watch your car Grace called.
WAS I flirting?" Harter responded
with perfect good-nature.
You know you were!" Grace re-
piled. But you may as well save
your ammunition. Doreen happens to
be in love with Walter
''Are you, Doreen?" George asked
with just the least bit of sneer.
poor girI!I'' George whispered,
theft said little more until just before
he dropped me off at my home Then
he remarked: Think about what I
said, Doreen. She'll get him sooner
or later. I know the symptoms. Why
not enjoy yourself too?"
I made no reply, but after I stood
on the curb, L thanked them for bring
ing me home, said had an ENJOYABLE
conventional fhinera
we all say under the same conditions.
Then they drove off, a look of pity
flashing in Claire's eyes as she said
goodbye. DID she too think Helen
Ralstrom would take Walter from
me?
I watched from the window until
Walter came in. They had been ahead
of us all the way, Walter driving
faster than George. He always drove
as fast as he could without being ar
rested. He loved the swift motion.
The end of a perfect day." he ex-
claimed as he threw himself into a
chair. I'VE must picnic often"
Il was awfully disappointed not to
come homie in the roadster with you.
I don't think Miss >Ralstrom had any
right to take my place." 1 replied, a
little of the indignation I felt in my
voice.
Don't be a crouch, Doreer. 1t
was my fault. Helen said she enjoyed
riding with me because drove better
and faster than George did; and I
suggested you and she change places
going home"
IT hope you won't do it again.
said.
"of\alI things. Making a fuss and
spelling the day by Raging me be-
cause Helen rode home with me at my
invitation. I declare, Doreen, one
would think you q child, instead of Il
grown woman"
I kept back the tears by sheer force
OF will. But the evening was spoiled
for both of us. He grouched until
bed time while sat pretending to
read. In reality I was thinking that
as he had suggested she ride with
him, ne must prefer her company to
mine
Had George seen deeper than I
thought? Did he know things 1 did
not? Grace had spoken of seeing |
Helen and Walter often; had George |
also seen them?
About IL o'clock Walter said:
Get on your buds! I want rare |
hat made them just to suit him, and |
We went there late at night for sup
Der.
I hurried to get ready. glad of any,
hing to change the tension. The
'arebit was exceptionally good, and
Walter. his good-nature restored,
,hatted gayly. On our way home he
tucked my hand into his arm, talked
# what we sEould do when the warm
weather. came on, where we would go.
lie had, as usual, forgotten his piqued
IS soon as something else Interested
lin, and after we reached home, late
Is it was, got out his maps and
damned a, little automobile trip for
ater in the summer.
Hes just &. spoiled boyi" said to
myself as he kissed me goodnight,
nd told me how prettily my hair was
rranged. Il
ITO be continued.)