The Washington times., 1935-08-08


Eyes, I suppose that's so. Only
they've always depended on me.
I'm really the only man in the
family. They've always turned
to me in emergencies"
+"You're the only man in my
family, too" Helen said. She
got to her feet unsteadily and
sat down again in the big
chair.
Walter sat down, staring
moodily at the phone. The only
sound in the room was the
cracking Of the logs burning in
the CRATE. Helen closed her eyes
and tried to feel sorry for
Stella. She looked suddenly at
Walter. He was hunched up in
his chair. OF course, he was
sorry for his sister. Helen
stifled the little voice that kept
whispering that Walter was
nearly ready to leave her to go
to Stella. Nonsense! He wouldn't
dream Of doing such a thing!
He was her husband. How
could she be so selfish as to
expect he could do that! But
he wouldn't leave her to go to
Stella. A little spark of tri-
umph flashed through her
heart. He was hers now, hers
completely. She could afford
to be generous.
'Walter, why not have Stella
out here, while I'm in the hos
pital? Marie will take such
good care Of her and you'll be
here every day and Stella won't
be lonesome. A change now
from her surroundings which
must be so painful will do her
good"
Gee, that's a swell idea,
Helen. What a peach you are!
Besides she'll be glad to get
away from the others. They
have hearts of gold, but they're
80: damn tactleSs and they may
say things to hurt her, whereas
here she'll be alone with me
and I always could handle her!
I'll call Dirk and ask him to
arrange to bring her out here
tomorrow. He's so dependable
and so calm. She respects him.
He'll get her here. I'll tell him
Just to put her on the train
and I'll drive down to the sta
ton to get her. Gee, Helen,
you're an angel and a wonder!"
He came to her side and kissed
her.
The phone rang suddenly,
loudly. The room seemed to
shudder at the sound.
Walter lifted the receiver.
"What?" he cried. Good Lord!
I'll be right there. Is she dead?
Oh, my lord!" With shaking
hands he replaced the receiver.
what is it, Walter? Quickly,
speak," Helen cried.
He was trembling violently.
'They just got into the kitchen
In time. She had a gas pipe in
her mouth. She's unconscious.
She tried to commit suicide.
They've sent for a pulmotor.
I've got to co.. Helen. I'll drive
like mad. I'll be there in two
hours. That'll be 9. It's Z now.
I'll stay only half an hour and
I'll be back BY II. I've got to
60. Helen. She may die. Oh,
lord, suicide! I've got to go
now. Miss Fredericks, do you
think my wife will be all
right?"
Don't worry. Mr.. Riley. If
the pains come on III take her
right to her room at the hos
pital. DR.. johnson will be there
In a second. Anton will drive
us. You have nothing to worry
about"
"She needs me. Helen. You
hear, Anton will drive you.
He's q better driver than I am.
Miss Fredericks is here. The
doctor will be at the hospital
when you get there. Besides I'll
be back by II. I'll leave you the
big car. I'll take the Chevy.
Anton, Anton, back out the
Chevy for me. Oh, Helen. dear
est. I'll be back in four hours,
maybe less. The birth may not
even take place tonight" He
laughed hollowly. ''We've had so
many false alarms. You under.
stand, don't you, dear?
"'Good-by. dear. you don't
mind my going, do you? You
want me to 60. don't you? Kiss
me. darling. I'll be back in a
few hours. I'll be back before
the fire burns out in the fire
place. You'll have Miss Fred
erfcks and Anton and Marie.
Poor Stella! Gas! Oh, lord
Goodby. darling" He kissed
her. Don't worry. I'll phone
you as soon as I reach New