The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-12-05
Chapters From a
Woman s Life
MRS. PAGE SUGGESTS A VISIT TC
THE STUDIO.
By JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER ID.

CHAPTER &c.
did not see Helen Rals.rom for
nearly a week after our. meeting at the
road house 1 had not been to the
studio felt I did not care to go. I
mated to see her alone with Walter, TO
Eaeet her eyes turned on me in dislike,
10 watch her appropriation of>Tny hrs-
band.
Mrs. Page spoke to me of it
why don't you go Walters studio
oftener, Doreen?" she asked.
"Oh, 1 am only in the way. Artists
don't care to be interrupted often. L
replied ndering why she had sug-
gested it
'.As long as that Ralstrom girl is his
model 4 think it wise you should drop
in occasionally. Walter is my son,
and good one, a good man. But he
often weak at times, especially when
exposed to the wiles of a woman like
her. I shall be glad when Walter
finishes working with her"
Il am afraid that will not be for
some time. He is talking of posing
her for another picture when this is
finished 1 replied. HE says she is
one Of the best, if not the best model
he ever had"
'Um-'' Mrs Page looked annoyed
But made no further remark.
Why had she spoken as she did :?
Was she too afraid Helen Ralstrom
would wean Walter from me? Would
make scandal? That, to one of her
proud nature, would be unbearable. /
did not then flatter myself that she
had spoken out of consideration for
me.
That afternoon I went out to do an
errand, and dropped into the studio.
L purposely called at the time l knew
Walter stopped work to have tea, so
that he couldn't say I disturbed him.
I've come for teal" I said, as I
opened the door in IN 10
call to come in"
Just minute, Doreen. ddH1't move,
Helen! That expression is what 1 have
been trying to get all day" He
him, almost forgetting Helen. He was
so alert, So full of life, and so hand
some. No wonder I loved him I
thought.
he threw down his brushes.
I'll make the tea said, then:
aoW-de-do. Helen Has this boy of
mine been firing your"
L saw her SQuirm at my speech
Walter is always thoughtful of me-"
she replied, the venom in her voice re-
fleeing that in her eyes.
He is of everyone!" I replied. = He
1 added maliciously: even of his
mothers dog"
A red flush spread over her face
but she scored when she returned:
than you are!"
ST never liked dogs, was born
think, with fear of them
How silly! So you believe in
heredity?"
In some things-yes. I also believe
that good blood .tells-that it gives
poise, and SO on"
What are you two discussing so
seriously?" Walter asked as he came
Dogs, heredity. poise, and other
things" I replied before Helen could
speak.
"A regular hash," he laughed.
Give me my tea, Doreen, I want to
work another hour before the light
Helen"
81 am rather tired" she -draweld.
But if you will take me home in the
car won't mind. But after I have
posed extra time, it is too exhausting
hanging on to a strap"
of course I'll take you home.
That's little enough for an extra hour
He picked up his brushes.
TIL stay and read. then ride up to
Helen's with you," said, as 1 wheeled
the tea wagon aside. We often rode
three in the runabout for short dis
tances. altho it was not comfortable
for long rides.
I was looking at Helen as>I spoke
and a look of baffled rage spread over
her face, then looking straight at me,
she said in her most hOneyed tones:
THAT will be delightful! Walter
will be pleased to have company back.
He is such sociable SOUL
Ready! Walter exclaimed bit
impatiently. And no one spoke again,
save when he gave Helen some direc-
tons, until the hour was up.
Tomorrow-Doreen wins MIS-. Pages
approval.