Evening star., 1932-09-08
The Runaway Wife
By VERNE CONNELLY

II adore money" she said. I think
it would be simply magnificent to marry
a man as rich as you are and have
even small part in the big and splen-
did work you do. But darling, it doesn't
tempt me at all-the money, I mean, if
have to give up hfe's dream to get il"
There was such calm flnality in her
tone that Martin was too wise to press
the question further at that time.
You are my sweet, adorable JEAN"
he said, and baniShed her train OF
thought with kisses.
Next day he sent the chauffeur up to
town with her. She was disappointed
that he did not come along as he had
intended, but said nothing about 1t. In
the long ride back to New York she was
troubled by the thought that Martin
had said he'd come up with her and
get their marriage license. The impulse
had passed after their conversation OF
the night before. Where was it all to
end?
She got to thinking Of Aubrey. 1t
was wonderful to have him; at least
there was no complications in her devo-
tion to him, and she resolved to make
every effort to help him. Why not have
him stay with her in the apartment
while Marcia was away? DIR. Junet had
said he night leave the hospital. and If
he were going to study this Winter,
he'd have a start. He had no credits,
so he'd have to go as special student,
and couldn't expect degree but that
didn't matter-it was knowledge that
counted, not honors.
AS soon as she got home she called
DR.. Junet and begged him to let Au-
brey come and stay with her while
Marcia was away. He consented.
against his better judgment. But 1t
was hard to refuse Jean anything she
asked.
He went and got the boy himself and
brought him to Jean that evening.
"Golly. it's good to see you, old
thing!" Jean cried. as she flew into
Aubreys arms. And aren't you look
ing Just too grand Thank you, DR..
Junet. for all your goodness. Come and
sit down. both Of you. and I'll make tea
or coffee or something"
Aubrey sat down Imply. None for
me. sis Boy. you're a sight for strong
eyes. This has got hospital beat quite
a few, doc. even if that was a pretty
swank layout over there. Ill be in
bondage to Jean for years, I'm afraid,
paying off that debt"
II get a special discount" DR.. Junet
said. Don't let a thing like that worry
yoo"
Aubrey is going to start to school,
doctor-isn't that grand?"
Yes. it is But think he'd better
wait until midyear. He'll be more fit
then
"Oh. no! He wants to go now, don't
you. Aubrey
We'll. I'll tell you, sis. I'd like to;
but expect the doc knows best. Be-
sides. I've quite lot to do on my book
Of poems. Mr.. Hill is getting me a
publisher, you know"
"All right, dear. But I thought you
were SO well. :"
sure 1 am; but you see I'd got the
old carcass in a pretty bad jam, and
the doc here says you can't climb a hill
in q minute, especially if it's high one
cnd you've fallen almost to the bot
tom"
DR.. Junet got up to go. Good night,
Jean. When shall see you at the Of
fice?"
Monday, without fail"
"All right" he smiled kindly, and
went away.
Hes a peach, don't you think so,
Aubrey?"
YES, he's a good guy I didn't like
him at first. but do now
friends as the days passed. She en-
couraged him with his writing. sug-
gesting that he start a novel, as she
thought this would keep his mind oc-
cupied while he convalesced. though
she could see no reason why he did not
get stronger. She wanted him to exer-
else, but he refused and she aScribed
1t to little laziness for she was an en-
thusiast and resumed going to the gym
at the Woman's Association again.
1t was natural that she would confide
in Aubrey regarding her love affair
with Martin, though she would not have
so had she dreamed the impression it
would make on his twisted young mind
He was jealous for her happiness and
gave her an abnormal worship. The
thing preyed on his mind. though Jean
did not suspect it. Afterward she
would have given her life if she could
have undone the harm.
(TO Re Continued