The Topeka state journal., 1922-12-06
Chapters From a
Woman s Life
nv TANE PUEJPS
DOREEN WINS MRS. PAGES
APPROVAL
BY JANE PHELPS
Chapter 81.

1t was a few moments after the din
ner hour when we returned, and as we
satJdown at table noted ? frown on
Mrs Pages face. She always showed
| dispIeasure when either of US were
late for meals.
I'm sorry we were late I said
"but Helen insisted Walter take her
home and went along for the ride.
+ Her face cleared instantly and she
gave me an approving glance.
had thoroly enjoyed my ride,
Walter was good-natured, full of chat
ter, but knew Helen was angry. She
was too soft-spoken to have it real
and the CLINT in her eyes when she
bade me goodbye held a menace. But
I cared nothing for that! I had
spoiled her ride alone with Walter.
And 1 had him, to myself on the re-
turn trip.
TT was only fair to take her home,
Walter explained to his mother. 81
had kept her an hour overtime. Pos
don't think so. Holding one position
for hours; often holding a certain ex-
preston. isn't easy. And Helen is the
best model I ever had
Your picture is nearly finished
Doreen tells me-" Mrs. Page replied.
''Yes. and 1 believe it will be one of
my best. CoEnor is enthusiastic over
it. 1 think a heap of his judgment"
'Shau you rest awhile after this
one is finished?'' she asked. I felt
a little thrill of delight. I was sure
she meant to disapprove if he spoke
of using Helen Ralstrom as model
for another picture.
No indeedr- I've another picture in
my mind. an allegoricaI subject. I'll
give Miss Ralstrom a weeks rest, then
get at it,
you intend to use her?"
Yes, mother. She is exactly suited
to the idea 7 have in mind. Might
have been born for the part"
81 don't like that GIRL. Walter. I
don't trust her."
'Nonsenser' he flushed with annoy
ance, and perhaps something more.
'Helen's all right. Beautiful girls are
thought you were too sensible, mother,
to take that attitude.
"And' too old ?''
''Yes, perhaps
had said nothing, but now I asked:
Tell us something of this new pic
ture-of ne subject?"
1T is hazy as yet. But if I cling to
my idea, shall paint Helen as a water
nymph, in floating draperies, and
THAT doesn't mean she won't be
properly dressed in your studio, I
hope" his mother interrupted.
well. as water nymphs haven't
been depicted wearing short skirts and
sweaters, I'm afraid shall follow the
allegory in my picture.
why not use Doreen for the new
picture? For such a subject it seem
to me it would be more delicate. You
could use some other face"
Walter laughed gleefully. Then
said:
I'm afraid you will have to let me be
the judge of my models" Nothing
more was said. To Walter the sug-
gestion had been only amusing.
A day or two afterward L again
stopped in the studio. L caught wal
ter in the midst of repeating what his
mother had said concerning using me
as model for his new picture.
Your mother doesn't like me-"
Helen said. Il wonder why?"
1.-The NJ 'er is very obstinate. She
never stoops to explain and if 1 asked
her she would probably make no re-
ply; or one t, .. woulI displease you u"
your mother is very aristocratic
and very-intuitive, 1 said. II won't
let you SANDER her. And Helen should
be very grateful to her, she was more
than kind after your accident
she got rid of me in a hurry"
Helen replied. "even if she was kind
1 wonder wLs she was so afraid to
your young affections. Walter. I'll
bet
She had spoken lightly. pleasantly.
but she watched me thru narrowed
lids. a habit she had.
81 rather imagine Walters affec-
tions aren't so easily gained. HIS artist
ina ginatfon l. easily fired; but affec-
tion is anothe- thing" L said, while
Walter thinking we were chatting
each other oRly laughed.
But both Helen Ralstrom and knew
that there was a deeper meaning int
our words than appeared On the sur
face.
You're neither thin, or Issom
enough to pose for Walters contem-
plated picture" she aid. after looking |
at me in a way resented. Mrs. Page
evidently cares more for Walters |
morals, than for his success as an |
artist
(Tomorrow-''Grace Harter mystifies |
Helen RalstroTn.h)