The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-08-18
lie I74E14 [!!!::! !! WIFE y! I, d: J!
6y Beatrice R,rto
10y Beatrice R,,rto,, g 1925 NEA SERVICE INC.

"
her little Glory The little daughter
Tor whom she had worked and prayed
for go years.
Gloria read her mothers thoughts.
She carried her dishes out into the
kitchen. and then ran upstairs 90 her
tiny bedroom,
With shaking fingers she tore open
the envelope.
She took out tho paper that was
IN Il double sheet, folded
around check A check Tor $50.
That was all
There wasn't a word written on
tho paper not word Just
the money the check. As II
money were all she wanted
$50 that's the letter I've been hsv-
ing chills and fever about. Tor tho
last IS minutes Nothing but
measly check she said, rucrully
She sank down on tho edge OF her
bed. turning tho slip OF paper over
and over In her fingers. Then she
looked into the envelope once more
just 20 make SURF that there
was no letter from Dick Ia Il. but
there was none
Gloria tore the envelope into tiny
pieces. and nung the check down on
her dresser. That hit Of paper
II was tho death blow 20 her hopcsl
For until that moment, Gloria had
been telling herself that sooner
or later 80. Dick would want her
FOR his wife again,
Even when he had put the house
up for sale. she had comfurtcd her.
SELF with the thought that he
wouldu', sell Il when II came to a
showdown.
But this check this $50 +. q. ]
looked as II no really was thru with I,
her. forever. He had probably made !
up his mind 10 send her that much
money every week for the rest OF her /
life. II II was allmony!
In his own mind. Dick was divorced I
from her What else could I
that check meant
Gloria opened tho door Of her
stuffy little bedroom and called /
downstairs; "Oh Mother! Come up
here a minute I want 20 show you I
something"
When her mother came. Gloria /
held out the check 20 her without a
word She watched her IA shn |
looked az II wondering n her i
mother had been pretty when she
was young.
Lines OK worry frettcd her fore
head now. and her hair was gray
above her temples. Wrinkles dragged /
down the corners OF her mouth.
Gloria turned suddenly and looked /
at her own face In tho dim mirror Of
her old dresser. Her own mouth was
dragged down like her mothers ..
and iremuious az the corners. Her
eyebrows were twisted with unhap.
piness!
"I'll look like an old has soon. II
I don't stop worrying and fussing
abou, Dick" she told herself angrily. |
She scooped up some cold cream
from the jar on the dresser. aud
patied It around her mouth.
Well. Mother. what do you think I
OF my love letter from Diek?" she
asked with fllppant sarcasm.
Mrs. Gordon strokcd the check
with her workworn hands.
I've always said. she began
slowly. that there would be fewer
divorces in the world II there were
less allmony! II a woman knew
that she'd have to 20 to work 10 sup.
port herself. she wouln't be 20 ready
10 leave her husband as most wives
are, nowaday. What arc you
going TO do with that check. Glory"
Il don't know. Get Il cashed.
suppose. Gloria answered. II ought
to give some OF the money 10 you
and Dad for my board. Why
DO you Ask"
Because II were you. I'd send It
straight back TO Dick" her mother
said. You've no RICH, to his money
Gloria's eyes opened like sea-
flowers. '1'd like to know who has
a better right 10 itF' she cried. I'm
his wife and II no doesn't 1.-Two with
me. the least ne can do Is support
me-
Mrs. Gordon shook her head. NO.
II you had a child or two to care for.
ia tell you 10 take Dicks money"
she said. But you're a free. able
bodied woman who can earn her own
living. And It's not fair TO
take money from man when you're
not being a wife to him. Can't you
sec that, YOURSELF"
II certainly can'tr' Gloria replied.
Dicks been my husband for a long
time, and he's got to pay for itr' Her
little chin was firm and hard.
She stood suddenly. Como on.
i