The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-11-25
Chapters From a
Woman s Life
a TowER oF sIRENGTH
BY JANE PHELPS
Chapter IS.


Until the doctor came, not a word
was spoken. AS Walter let him in 7
heard him say:
mot the dog agein?"
mo, a friend, this time Walter
answered. AN accident, sprained an
kle 1 think
The doctor came in, spoke pleasant
ly, then in a professional manner COM
menced to examine Helen. Mrs Page
rose at once, gave Fido to Walter With
a curt injunction to take him to her
room, then pushed me aside and took
her place beside the doctor, saying:
''Ycu go too, Doreen. 1 will do all
that is necessary for this young wom-
an
At her remark I thought Helen
eyelids quivered slightly. But wasn't
sure Yet smiled to myself at the
tone in which that young woman"
had been said. 1t was acid.
Walter was in the dining room, and
I Joined him.
"YouE mother sent me out" 1 said
for want of something better.
My God! 1 hope it's nothing worse
than a sprain; that she isn't injured
internally
His look of anxiety, his anguished
manner. made me writhe. But 1 kept
firm hold on myself, as I asked:
what happened? ?"
st took Helen home, rather started
to, and it was such a lovely night we
decided to take~a ride. We had bite
at a road house and were%almost home
when ran into a tree Fortunately L
was going slowly. The jar threw
Helen Quit L thought she was dead
at first" he finished.
~''She's far from dead" I said re-
Numbering the quivering eyelids. Its
nothing I am sure>but a sprain. Well
go in now. The doctor will tell u.s.
"Everythings all right, Mrs. Page"
he turned to me as we entered the
room. "Just a sprained ankle. I
would advise she remain here quietly
for a day or two. then she can go
to her own home if she is moved care
fully" He then turned to Walters
mother, and with a look of admiration
on his face said: You are admirable
assistance, Mrs. PaGelN 1t isn't often I
have any one SO efficient
AS he was leaving he said to Wal
ter. I.
sTll forgive your mother calling me
to attend her dog. She's a born nurse"
Helen was lying with her eyes fixed
on the door when he returned, but be-
Page showed both of us out of the
room, and, declared she would take
care of the patient.
1 objected, but she was firm.
1T isn't your place, Doreen," she
said with a look at Walter that made
him flush crimson. once again was
forced to admire my mother-in-law.
She had taken my side, had protected
me; would not allow me to wait upon
the woman for whom 1 had been
neglected
''Ill catch it from the Mater!" Wal
ter said when in our room.
You know what you deserve" I
said, then neither of us spoke again.
In the morning Mrs. Page barred
him from the room where Helen lay,
took in her breakfast herself, refusing
to allow Jennie to do it.
AS soon as Walter had left for the
studio, she called up a hospital, ar
ranged for an ambulance without con-
sulting me.
They'll be here in Is minutes,
Doreen. Call a taxi. please
obeyed. Her manner precluded
questions.
The ambulance and the taxi arrived
simultaneously. Helen was carried
down, and Mrs. Page followed.
'Shan't I go with your 1 asked.
You stay where You are she said,
the tone kind'~altho the words clipped.
In an hour she was back.
Now I'll go to bed" was all she
said, and for the remainder of that
day, not until after 4~o'clock. was she
in evidence
''How's Helen?" Walter asked, as he
came in. earlier than usual.
Sizes all right and where she be-
lonss." His mothers crisp voice told
him.
Where? she-isr't she here"
mo. She's at her own home. where
unmarried women belong, instead of
the home of a married man, who has
no business being out with her"
My battle had been fought for me
and into my mind came the words:
"A tower of strength"
CTo be contiuued1