I said nothing about the affair to mother while I was home, for she has
been very frail ever since my father's death and I thought there was no
use in needlessly upsetting her. There would be plenty of time to
discuss the matter after Helen left Jim.

Again and again I recalled the struggle of the afternoon and again and
again, Helen's face, distorted with anger, reappeared. Finally I
decided to drive the car over to Mary Pendleton's and ask her to come
spend the night with Helen. In her overwrought, hysterical condition,
Helen was capable of doing almost anything.

Mary has been like a second sister to me. She really cares nothing for
me, except in a sisterly way, but we have been together, so much so and
so long that Eastbrook gossips have given up speculating whether we are
engaged. I'd marry her in a minute, or even less, if she would have
me, but Mary insists on treating me like a kid; calls my crude attempts
at love-making "silly tosh and flub-dub," which makes the going rather
difficult. She was bridesmaid to Helen and is the one person, besides
myself, who can influence her in the least, so I felt that her presence
would add ballast to our wildly tossing domestic craft. Needless to
say, my own lack of self-control during the afternoon had been as
unexpected as it was disappointing, but when it comes to anything that
concerns Jim, I'm not responsible.

I rang the bell and Mary, herself, came to the door, looking radiant as
usual.

"Hello, Buppkins!" She greeted me with that detestable nick-name she
has used since I wore rompers. "Aren't you trying for a record or
something? This is twice you've called on me this month."

"Mary, I'm in trouble."

"Is the poor 'ittle boy in trouble and come to Auntie Mary to tell her
all about it?" she sing-songed, making a little moue, as though she was
talking to her pet cat.

"Cut it, Mary!" I said. "I'm really in trouble."

"What is it, Bupps?"

"Helen ran off with Frank Woods to-day."

"Heavens, Bupps!"--she was serious enough now.--"Where did they go?"

"They went, but they came back. Helen's home with Jim. They tried to
force him to give Helen a divorce. There was an awful fight and Woods
swore that he would kill Jim unless he let Helen go. But put on your
hat and coat and get your things. Helen needs you with her. I'll tell
you the rest on the way over."

"I'll be with you in a second," she called, running up-stairs.

When Mary was snuggl