New Britain herald., 1929-07-18
THIS HAS HAPPENED

Jchn Curtis Morgan, successful lawyer, and determines to resign. Her resignation is postponed when she learns Morgan is to defend an alleged friend, Bert Crawford.
 Morgan wins Crawford's acquittai. Crawford leaves town, followed closely by Iris, Morgan's wife, who writes Morgan she will never return. She omits reference to Crawford whom Morgan does not suspect. Nan forces Morgan more deeply into his work, thus saving him from utter despair For six months she acts as long distance housekeeper for him winning the love of little Curtis, his son. and bringing comfort to man who ironically loves another. Nan passes her bar examinations and Morgan takes her into the firm as q junior partner. Morgan breaks the news to Nan that he is divorcing Iris and stressing his and Curtis need for her, begs her to marry him. She accepts.
 Their farcical marriage has con-
 
 resolves to leave. The next morning, Iris. apparently deserted by Craw- ford, returns and feigns illness ln an effort to bring Morgan 10 his knees. Nan, determined to fight, has the doctor remove her to d hospital. At dinner Curtis refuses to eat. say ing Iris told him he did not have to obey Nan. He is sent to his room and Morgan tells Nan they must face the problem.
 NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 CHAPTER XNXIN
 Mans cold hands gripped each other convulsively against the am- Der chiffon finer lap. Its come at last. Hes going 10 tell me it was all a mistake, that he doesn't love me. and wants to be free to take Iris back" she told herself duly
 "Yes, John," she agreed aloud, in voice that sounded flat and cold 10 her own ears.
 They were seated side by side Oh the small sofa whose back was turned upon Iris portrait above the fireplace. Morgan had chosen the seat. Nan felt his eyes upon her, in q swift, appraising glance which she could not bring herself to meet After all it was up to him. There was nothing for her to do but wait.
 The man cleared his throat nervously, then suddenly she felt his hand, big and warm and com forting. close about her own.
 'I-of course you know how sorry l am that this had to hap pen" he began with slow heaviness. Nan felt a surge of pity for him. but she could not force her fingers to unlock and curl about his. Not yet. T would have protected you If I could. You've been-so wonderful today, this morning." he floundered on.
 She wanted to help him. tried 10 say, "1ll be more wonderful still. I'll give you your freedom as soon as it can be arranged" but the words stuck in her throat
 He cleared his throat again, as if the words he was forcing himself to say rasped it sorely. Iris is sick, Nan, and-penniless. Shes had a rotten time of it, it seems. She didn't tell me-much, but gathered she had tried to go on the stage and had failed. No training you know, and not-not so young as beginners should be-"
 Nan forced herself to nod by way of encouragement Not so young. That was an odd thing to say in connection with Iris. She didn't seem to have any age, to be beauty and lure incarnate But she must be- Nan calculated swift ly. Yes, Iris must be at least %. perhaps older, for she and Morgan had been married nine years be- fore, and Iris admitted to 2S.
 "She could have made the chorus. of course.' Morgan went on, with obvious pain and reluctance. But even the chorus requires arduous training and Iris wanted to be q ohlttiC otdt, UT llblHlHS.
 "Of course" Nan agreed toneless- ly, entirely without malice.
 Well, she didn't make the grade. couldn't get part, spent all her money 10 buy into a show, in which she had been promised a part. The producers turned out 10 be crooks and got away with her money and what others had put up"
 'So that's the story shes told him. Nan reflected. with curious detachment. Its a good story. and one which cant possibly be checked mp on and found to be false" Aloud she said, still in that tonelcss voice 'I'm-sorry"
 Thanks, dear" he answered. with touching gratitude, His hand frightened over hers. "So-l-weu have to do something for her T. we-can't let want"
 "Of course not" Nan agreed. Hope began to lift its head.
 You are d darling!" Morgan cried huskiy, and Nan knew that tears were in his eyes. 'I think you're th" best woman. the most understanding woman in the world"
 Thank you John" Nan respond ed, but her voice still sounded cold and flat She Was thinking tiredly. despairingly: No man ever loved woman because she was good. not even because she was understand ing A man loves woman, be. cause-good or wicked, understand ing or sclfish-she cuslaves his senses, and John-has admitted that Iris But Morgan was speaking again, and Nan pushed down her deSpairing thoughts to ei,s hin, .+