The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-10-19
CHAPTER XII

TTELEN went up the stairs on re-
Il L luctant feet. She dreaded this
talk with Eva, for there was moth
ing she could say to her that would
carry hope to the unhappy girl.
Brent was a Scoundrel-that was
all there was to the matter. But
Helen knew that love can not be
torn out of the heart by the roots.
1t must die a lingering death when
1t perisheS.
She found Eva quiet, lying with
a dampened towel on her forehead
The odor of witchhazel came faint
ly to Helen'S noStrilS as she leaned
over the bed and took one, of Eva'S
hands.
sit down-here." Eva said and
moved to make room for Helen be-
side her.
How do you feel?" Helen asked.
Eva closed her eyes and shook
her head. Poor mother" she
whispered. Then, louder: oh,
Helen, how awful it was for her! 1
didn't know what 1 was doing. In
here with with that stuff and
mother pleading outside my door.
I don't know how could have done
such a thing"
Thank God you didn't really do
1t, dear" Helen said.
Eva'S eyes flashed open and Helen
drew back from sight of the misery
in their depths.
But I want to dieI ! didn't want
to live!" Eva cried.
None OF us do, at times" Helen
answered, speaking very gently;
"but we don't quit when we think
OF those who will suffer for our act.
You see, Eva darling, what it would
mean to your mother-and Bob
II you gave way to your despair"
Yes, I know, I know" Eva
poaned; but what am I to do?"
You don't think any man is
worth the heartbreak of your entire
family, do you?" Helen pressed.
No, no. they're too good. They've
always been too good to me"
Then show them now that you
appreciate their love. Try to forget
Leonard Brent. He's no more worth
your thought than a than a
viper, Eva"
IVA looked at her deSpairingly.
Il That has never mattered
very much to women, has iG?" she
asked Il love him and I can't be-
Icye that he didn't care at all for
me. Oh l know I can't have him, -
she walled abruptly; but don't tell
ME that it's all because he is liar
and a cheat. There must be some
other reason"
HeIen'S cheeks flushed uncom-
fortably as she answered that there
might be anotheF girl.
Eva'S expression grew accusing.
though she did not mean it to.
Was it you?" she asked, and then
added quickly: Bob thought it
was"
Helen heSitated long moment
before answering. Eva's evidence of
painful suspense brought the truth
from her at last.
Yes" she admitted, IT was en-
gagged to him. Eva. But he did not
love me. He can't love any one
He isn't capable of it. Hes the
most selfish"
Then It was your money!" Eva
interrupted.
Helen regarded her in completes
surprise. Strangely, she thought
this had never occurred to her.
Her money! OF counsel
I think so, she cried. He would
De Just that vile
sPerhaps." Eva said. "he. needs a
great deal of money. Helen"
She had found this explanation
OF his conduct less difficult to bear
than the thought that he cared
more for another girl than he did
for her. And her complete obseSsion
with her passion for Brent was dri7-
ing her to his defense.
Don't be a fool" Helen retorted
a bit impatiently. He has enough
money. Only greed could make him
want to marry for more-greed and
heart like a block Of Ice.