The Washington times., 1935-07-20

Irene. A1CeT aAl our pAd4AS AOG
you, our ambitions! A mani
curist! One of the shop girls!"
"You might have killed
mama" Agnes cried loudly.
Walter came to Helen's side.
He took her hand. Shut up,
all of you. Nothing's wrong
with mama. It's just the shock.
I'm sorry I didn't break it to
her more gently, that's ALL"
Stella laughed shortly. "She's
been with us three years, and I
never realized what she was up
to. The little sneak!'
"You shut up, Stella, or I'll
slap your face. Don't you dare
talk that way about my wife,"
Walter blazed.
Irene turned viciouSly on
Stella. Haven't you any sense,
you darn fool? He's married.
That's all there is to it. Well
have to make the best Of her"
Helen swallowed her tears. II
Walter hadn't held her, she
really would have turned and
fled.
CHAPTER XVIII
Stella began to shrek at
Irene. Agnes rushed in to part
them. The men stood by sheep
ishly, Ethel came over to Helen.
Don't mind them, Helen, they'll
get over it," she promised wisely.
Thank you," Helen said
gratefully in a low voice. Her
face was burning. Not even
tears came now to her relief.
Jerry came forward. my best,
old man." he said to his brother
in-law.
Dirk shook hands warmly
with Walter. Then he turned
to his wife. II hope you're
ashamed of yourself, Irene. I
am heartily ashamed Of you.
Your brothers wife is in your
home and not one Of you-yes,
pardon me, except Ethel-has
bid her welcome or uttered one
word of congratulation to your
brother. For he is to be con-
graduated for having won such
a charming girl as his wife. I
apologize to you for my wife,
Helen, and I wish you great
happiness and JOY" He leaned
over and kissed her forehead.
There was a silence. Irene
struggled to regain her COM
posture. She paled at Dirk's
words. It was the first time
she had lost her temper in his
presence and she saw that he
was shocked.
I'm sorry" she countered
swiftly. you've made your bed,
Walter, and I hope you find it
comfortable" She kissed him.
IT offer you both my best
wishes. Please don't expect me
to congratulate you" She held
out her hand to Helen.
THANK you" Helen took the
proffered hand. They shook
briefly. Walter, glad that the
Juror was over, kissed Irene
gratefully.
The others, taken aback at
1rene'S about-face, lamely con-
graduated first Helen and then
Walter as the safest procedure.
It was hardest for Stella, but
even she managed it.
Helen said no word except
"Thank YOU"
There was an embarrassed
silence, which Walter broke.
Lets go in and see how mother,
is, Helen, and then we'll co."
you're not going away to-
night" Agnes protested. Nam.
ma might have a relapse"
you're here" Walter re-
torted briefly. Were at the
Plaza. You can phone me-"
Before they reached the door
Stella blurted out, II suppose
she'll have to be assistant man
ager or something. Not that I
need an assistant! She can't
just go back to manicuring."
Walter said CURLY: my wife
is out of the salons entirely"
There was a Splutter of rage.
Were not too good to work"
Stella Snarled.
1T is not necessary for her
to work." Walter said savagely.
II can support my wife"
He took Helen'S hand and
pulled her out Of the doorway
into his mothers room.
She's Wild
Irene said in q hard voice:
"I'm going home. Are you com.
ing, Dirk?" without a word
she picked up her wrap. Dirk
followed her.
Ito Be COntinued)
Copyright 1888, By Julian MOSsnsr.
Inc.O
distributed by King Features