Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-06-12
y Hunting a Husband
NO. s-THE WIDOWS CHARMING BY
AN UNPLEASANT AND INCIDENT
BY VIRGINIA T. VAN DE WATER.

HfE afternoon was as perfect as
afternoons in late May and early
June can be. The world wass all
inc more foveiy for the three days OF
tain against which Beatrice had re-
belled The sunshine was, perhaps a
little warm for those obliged to go
afoot, but delightful to the pair seated
IN the stylish trap behind the sleek,
swift trotter. The day had been worth
waiting for. thought the widow and
WidoWer as they turned into the park
al Eighty-ffth street and drove north
along the reservoir. dark blue in the
afternoon sun.
HOh the beautiful, beautiful day"
Beatrice exclaimed impulsively, then bit
her lips as she appreciated what a COM
monplace and un- original remark she
had uttered.
But Maynard was satisfied with it.
Yes" he replied, gaiy, ut was made
for YOU and me, I Think"
The words were uttered lightly
enough but there was something in his
voice that brought the color to the
Womans face and a throb to her heart.
Yet she laughed with affected lightness.
What an egotistical thing man is, y
she retorted. u suppose that each per-
son driving there"-nodding toward the
line Of motors and fashionable equip
ages rolling by on their left-'is think
ing the same thing
Perhaps so. dear lady" Robert re-
marked with deprecatory smile but
only one of them is driving with you,
and | claim the day as mine by right
Of the greatest happiness.
Again Beatrices heart gave that
happy leap with which she was becom-
inc familiar but this time she made no
reply.
Maynard was an excellent driver and
his control over the blooded horse was
perfect He was one Of the men who
can manage horse. and vet pay at
tention to the companion who sits by
him
MANY men have a way OF talking SO
much to the four footed animal that
they have little to say to the biped
who happens to be present. This was
not the case with Robert and beyond
the fact that he mentioned that the
horse he drove had belonged to his wife
Tan item that Beatrice wished to for
get). he seemed to think little about it..
But the woman knew that he was al
ways watchful and ready for any
chance fright or sudden shying which
might startle her She felt exhilarated
by the rapid driving yet perfectly safe
brightly and amusingly as they sped
smoothly around the great square OF
water and turned south toward the MI
scum OF Art.
Spring and a Hint of Summer.
Spring was IN the air and summer
near The warm sunlight the young,
deHcately tinted leaves, the merry
shouts OF children romping on the
green turf all proclaimed it. and the
flush on Beatrice's cheeks became more
frequent and her laugh more ready
under the influence of the day and her
companions presence. Tennyson has
attributed certain emotions to young
men in the springtme. but the senti-
nent Is probably quite as delightful to
those whose first youth is past and
who are anticipating a second summer
OF life Beatrice. in her girlhood, had
never been more attractive than now
when, taking full advantage of the per-
feet stage setting in which she found
herself. she chatted sparkIiugly. know
ing that she was fascinating an eigi
BILE and attractive man
It is doubtful if Helen Robbins would
have seen any trace of the sometimes
discouraged and depressed Beatrice in
the blushing. eager girl who managed
her conversation with the ease of the
born coquette. And Helen would GER
tainly have had difficulty in reconci-
Ing the grief tinged bearing of her
dead friends husband with the ooyish
whole souled abandon Of the dashing
gallant. driving the horse which had
been the property Of his dead wife. Yet
each OF the actors in this little drama of
two was conscious Of playing a part
and the woman noticed with satisfac-
ton the contrast between her escorts
department upon this occasion and his
behavior in the presence Of larger
audience