The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-16
Helen Hunters
Husband
HELEN IS OUT WHEN JACK
RErIIRNS
BY JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER %.

sCAABIER Y.
Jack Hunter never held anger. So
in the morning when he awakened
rested and refreshed from his long
nights sleep, he was inclined to act
as usual, and commenced to chat of
what he hoped to accomplish during
the day. But he met with no response
and less encouragement. Helen was
obstinately silent.
When the time came to leave, Jack
offered the usual kiss, but Helen
turned away from him. sulking.
''Oh, very we'll" And Jack, sore at
heart, but trying not to show it, left
for work.
Makes a man feel like hustlingr'
he grumbled to himself as he walked
to the subway. Then. Poor kid! She
does long for a good time! 1 must
get hold of someone today"
But the day passed as SO many days
in the lives of men of his calling do
without any tangible success. He
stopped and got more home work
auditing accounts, and then feeling
depressed took the cavern route for
home.
The flat was dark.
"Helen!-Helenw he called. Then
ness and the stiffness, he switched on
the lights and called again: Helen!
where are you, dear?" Had she not
been angry when he left in the morn
ing ne might nave InOuSnI she was
hiding from him.
The house was in order, but no sign
of Helen until he went into the din
ing room. A big sheet of paper lay on
the table. On it was scrawled:
you went out to dinner last night.
Tonight is my turn. hope you will
enjoy what you find in the ice box as
much as 1 did" There was no sigma
ture.
Jack was angry at first, then he
smiled. What a child she was. He
went into the kitchen and started to
forage fer some dinner There was
absolutely nothin@ save little bread,
and a pot of jam in the 1arder.
He made some coffee, and ate bread
and jam before he started to work on
his accounts, cleaning up nicely when
ne had finished. He was made con-
scious of the hour when he heard the
hall door open. He glanced at the
cIock-nearIy II o'clock. He had had
no idea it was SO late. He brushed
his hand across his forehead. pushed
back the work that had SO cngrossed
him, and waited.
Helen came in.
"HelIo-had a good time, dear?
Where did you go?'
Il went out to dinner"
at knoW-but where?"
''Why should I tell you? You didn't
see fit to confide in me last night"
she deI1D erateIy began to take OF her
things. az am tired. I'll turn in
She was taking leaf out of his
book.
Jack smiled a bit ruefully. Some
way it didn't. seem the same. He
wouldn't find fault with her However.
She'd tell him all about it 11sthe morn
ing. IN
.'we'H have to go out to breakfast. -
Helen told him.
why out to breakfast" he had
forgotten the empty larder.
There's nothing in the house as
you know You started eating out
and I rather like it. It's just as cheap
and a good deal easier
You mean" astonishment would
not let him finish.
IT mean that I think it would be a
good idea to take our meals out. You
seem to prefer it. I shouldn't have
thought of it but for you, but it will
save me a lot of unnecessary work and
bother"
There's coffee, isn't there"
Yes
"You start it going and I will run
out and get some rolls and butter"
"Oh, very well. if you prefer break
fast at home. But wen go out to din
ner. T viii be all ready when you get
home"
AS Jack hurried to the store he NUT
tered:
Chicken come home to reost for
fair! A nice mess 1 have let myself in
for"
(Tomorrew-Hele is still sulK1ng,)