The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-03-29
Helen Hunters
Husband
JACK ASKS HELEN TO DROP
BARNES
BY JANE PHELPS
Chapter 81.

BAENES
Chapter 81.
Helen's club activities had grown
until they had assumed alarming pro-
portions as regarded all other inter
ests in her life. Had these clubs been
literary. political or of some broaden
ing or helpful nature it might not SO
have mattered. But they were not.
They were all card clubs, or claimed
to be. That other games were occa-
sfonally played is a matter of no i'm
portance- What was important. espe-
cially to Jack. was that Helen spent
her days. and his money over the
card table.
She had taken series after series of
lessons of a Mrs. Newell, altho she
claimed to play as well as any OF her
friends. She seldom now told Jack
But he knewl Her pretty face would
harden and a look in her eyes invari-
ably told the story.
Save for absolute necessities and to
Helen all he earned. Often he begged
her to open a bank account to save
something. and always she answered:
when you earn enough 1 will. But
1t IS out OF the question until you do"
She insisted that Jack have dress
clothes, that he look Well-groomed
She also insisted that whenever they
went out at night they have a taxi.
People in full dress look like fools
IN a street car she replied to Jacks
objections. Nell Layton says she
would rather stay at home than ride
in car when, she is dressed. =.
Let's stay at home then. That
would suit me right down to the
ground"
Indeed we won't stay. at home
Neither will we ride in the street cars
Kun along, dear. and call a taxi!'' And
dear would do as he was bid. That
a growing rebellion was dawning in
ms soul. not even he realized.
In spite of Jacks dislike of playing
cards for money. Helen had insisted
upon joining one club of men and
women that met one evening each
week; The Layton's, Natalie Hunter
trude Langdon. he and Helen, made
up the two tables.
To Jacks disgust, he was constantly
paired off either with Natalie Hunter.
or Gertrude Langdon, leaving Helen
Their seeming friendliness, their
chatter constantly interrupted by
laughter, got on Jacks nerves so that
ne was miserable and looked forward
TO the weekly club meeting with dis
tinct dislike. He could not forget, not
Tor a moment that Helen had gone
% Barnes for money, altho he never
had again mentioned it even to her.
But while frigidly polite he could not
bring himself to show any friendIi-
ness toward Barnes, and it was a con-
slant cause of complaint by Helen.
Hes such good sport. Jack. I
do wish you'd get over your senseless
dislike OF him. Helen complained.
You like him well enough for
both!" Jack was goaded to answer.
Il do like him! He's generous,
lively, and such good company"
Helen had acquired a habit of accent
ing her words in a way that often re-
peated became annoying.
-'sWell, don't like him and I can't
pretend. And, Helen, wish you
would not be quite so friendly with
him-not quite that either. 1t is more
than friendly-the way you and he
pair off together. People will talk if
you aren't careful
Let them! Who cares?" Helen re-
piled after moment in which she
stared at Jack scarcely believing he
was criticising her. It had been a
long time since he had said as much.
IF people say untrue things why
should I care?"
You might care for my sake,
He1en.''
''Nonsense!''
Jack bit his lip and said no more
but when alone he muttered:
How much longer can 1 go on this
way?" He was becoming very dis
very unhappy at times The
years were passing and as far as he
could see he was right where he was
when he began, for while he earned
more, much more, he had saved noth-
ing and could save nothing. Helen
would not let him.
(Tomorrow-A disturbing situation.)