The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-03-25
Helen Hunters
Husband
HELEN PUTS JACK IN THE
WRONG
BY JANE PHELPS


/ CnapLeF
| Always this responsibility of Hell
ems had worried Jack. but never had
he imagined it would lead her SO far.
IT had been one of ner destinations
\ during their courtship, this childish
ness He had felt so much the pro-
| tector, the guiding spirit, the respon-
sible lover. These feelings had con-
| tinued when they were first married.
but had been gradually giving way as
time went on to feeling OF something
resembling rage at her Incompetence,
her carelessness, and her selfishness.
But his love never changed 1t only
deepened Now he felt only respon-
sibility-he knew he had not sue
ceeded in guiding her. and he had
failed in protecting her even from
herself She was a child and he must
make up his mind to treat her as
such.
So he had tried punishment and
had failed.
was she as careless of him as she
seemed. or was it assumed TO bring
him to terms? Was she absolutely
heartless? Couldn't she see he was
suffering? Had she lost all love for
him?
Jack to cured himself with these
questions. none of which he could an
swer He seemed only to go around
in a maze, no way out.
But things had gone so far now
they could not be iS-ored- They must
talk things over, come TO some SORT
of an understanding.
Now that we are both over our
anger, Helen, let's talk!" he said to
her
answered. Then: I'm glad you real
ize you went too far. I have had
advice and I can divorce you without
much trouble"
divorce me-advice? Pray from
whom"
you've been to a lawyer" scarce
" believing despite his worry and her
"Yesl Did you think I was going to
be quiet and let you punish me as you
would a ten-year-old child?"
who recommended a lawyer
Barnes?"
YES. the man who is my friend.
The man who gave me money need
ed, loaned it to me when my own
husband refused it. altho he had it.
Whatever I have done you've driven
me to it. You have no one to blame
but yourself. Instead of making my
friends your friends, instead of hav-
yourself in that self-righteous spirit
of yours and let me get any joy out |
of life the best way I could-with
others Now say what you have to |
say. I've said mine"
What a state of affairs and it was |
true. Jack mad acted from the best J
of motives. but the results were as
Helen stated-he had driven her to
others for her pleasures. He was |
for a moment. She had been |
to a lawyer. Her threats had meant |
after all. And Barnes had |
helped her even in that! God, how he
hated Barnesl
well. I thought you had so much
to say?'' ~he finally interrupted his
musings. why don't you say it %
II have a. great deal to say he re- !
piled, speaking very slowly, but I !
scarcely know where to commence. All /
you say may be true, but Helen, I |
have tried to make money enough to
satisfy you-and that is why perhaps
have not taken into account your dis
position, your love of pleasure. You
been uphill work for me to get
started. Had you been patient 1
would soon have been able to give you
much more than I have in the past.
Il see now that perhaps 1t would
have been better had 1 not tried so
hard to make money for you. and had
gone out with you. Necessarily we
would have been obliged to so in a
cheap way, have simple pleasures
would you have been better satisfied?
doubt it," he answered his own ques-
ion. You have become intimate with
who have more than I can
give you. God only knows what the
outcome of it all will be- God only
Inowsr he bowed his head on his
;upped hands.
You are as smart as the rest of
he men. You can make money with
tut neglecting me just as they do"
Ter old plea.
Slowly Jack drew the check he had
eceived for the $4,000 policy. He
passed it across the table to her.
This is what I was doing for you, |
While you were consulting a lawyer
be rid of me-" His
-oice broke.
You see you can make money!" |
1elen's eyes lighted. Now let's not {
ak any more. You be good to me, I
AXE me where L want to go, be nice s
o my friends and I'll stay with you" {
CTo be continued.)