The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-04
Helen Hunters
Husband
JACK MEETS THE CLUB MEMBERS
BY JANE PHELPS


JACK MEETS THE CLUB MEMBERS
Chapter IL
All day he pondered Howard Ddnn's
remark-even while he was trying to
convince a man it was his duty to in
sure himself for the sake of his family,
if for no other reason. Howard. too,
had said Helen looked stunning"
She must have been unusually well
dressed for Howard to notice her so
particularly. One of the new hats and
dresses she had bought with her card
neutrality-suspicious..
To his surprise he wrote a small
policy for the man whose family might
be left uhcared for.
''It was time!" he said to himself as
he walked to the office with the ap-
plication. Hope he passes. I don't
know where the money to live on is
coming from if he doesn't"
He interviewed others during the
day, but he was not convincing, and
he accomplished nothing. 1t was only
a. little after when he let himself in
the hall door, and quietly made his
way into the Kitchen. The dining
room table was Uttered with dishes.
He would clear it off as noiselessly as
he could. then when he heard the
women stirring to leave, he would go
in and meet them.
On the kitchen table were plattefs
Of cold meat, croquettes, salad cake
and dishes partly filled with melted
ice cream. The coffee pot was. half
full and he put it on the stove, and
when it was hot, gulped down cup
full.
He had the dining room about
cleared when he heard considerable
stir. He washed his hands. ran his
fingers through his thick hair then
opened the door into the living room
upon a bevy of women, seemingly all
talking at once. However he heard:
you can't expect to be lucky all the
time, Helenl' 1t isn't polite to win in
your own house anyway"
He glanced quickly at Helen. Her
cheeks were flushed, her eyes angry.
Yet she smiled and joked about her
losses for moment before she saw
Jack.
Come in, dear" she said sweetly,
but in a tone he had learned to dread
He had not thought he might displease
her by appearing at her party.
Ladies, my husband" then by
name she presented him to each of
them.
Jack apologized' for intruding, at
the same time taking keen regard of
them. Smart looking women. all of
thenl-too smart, for Helen to train
with, was his thought. He looked at
their clothes with a new feeling of
criticism. He would see how they
dressed, if so much better than Helen
did. He helped them with their wraps,
and so was able to judge of their
outdoor garments as well as of their
dresses.
After the last one left, Helen turned
on him.
IF you were coming in why didn't
you change your clothes? 1t was bad
enough to have them see how poorly
we live without seeing you look so
shabby"
'But-Helen-my suit is all right.
They know just came from business
Dell Moore's husband came in from
business too one afternoon. But you
should have seen his clothes! He
looked as if he had just that moment
come from the tailors, his clothes
were So beautifully pressed. See how
your trousers bag at the knees"
Only too well did Jack Hunter know
his trousers bagged. Only too well did
he know he could not afford others.
But that Helen should be ashamed of
hint hurt.
"Shall we have dinner? I cleared
the dining room before [ came in"
Il suppose well have to eat up
what is left" ungraciousfy Helen re
turned, as she followed him into the
kitchen. She was naturally dainty so
and other things appetizingly; them
sat down opposite Jack and poured
his coffee. -
you played in bad luck today.
didn't you?" Jack remarked, It heard
one of the women say yeu couldn't ex-
pect to win all the time
"Yes-I lost! If Natalie had played
she played miserable game and
as she should 1 wouldn't have. Butt
dragged down my score
How much did you 1ese2'
about 500
''Well, you have won a good deal
mere than that, so don't feel so cross
with yourself for losing Did you pay
up?"
Eyes But had to take every cent
you ga re me for house expenses to do
it. I haven't a nickel to my name.
The kitty won't pay for half the stuff
I got at the delicatessen. They all
said I had the best tea of the season.
But even if they did flatter me, was
mortified to death that didn't have a
maid. I'll have one before I ever en-
tertain them again." she finished with
determination.
ITO be continued.)