Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-26
[D[ANAof the GREAT GAME
~ THE STORY OF A WonAh5 HUNT FoRAMAN.
IAa8 ETHEL LLOYD PATTERSON -
BY ETHEL LLOYD PATTERSON y


tightwad."
L was silent for an instant.
Say, what's the NATTER? asked AIDE
laide. You got crouch? You're not
tired after just one party like that; are
you?"
NO" 1 told her. And 1 averted my
gaze. But IL don't know whether l
can go next Saturday night or not"
What's the matter with you?" cried
Adelaide. of course you can CO.!
And then in an injured tone, You don't
think it's not perfectly respectable do
you?"
l smiled. Such a thought had not
crossed by mind. Then resolved to tell
her the truth.
1T isn't that" I explained, but 1
didn't realize before, Adelaide, l
ought to have some kind of evening
dress You girls were all so smart last
night, it made me uncomfortable and l
haven't anything to wear"
Adelaide gazed at me thoughtfully
Don't you care" she said. I've got
a real sweet little white dress that would
look nice on you. 1t isn't becoming to
me. Ill bring it down tomorrow and
we'll fix it up at lunch hour. You'll see!
You'll be the belle of the BALI again"
And in spite of my protests my new
friend actually did do this thing for me.
Not only did she bring the promised
gown down with her in a dress suit
case, but she pinned and draped 1t into
place upon my figure, much smaller than
her own, until you would have thought
it was made for me. 1 surveyed myself
in the mirror and began to feel excited
and happy over the coming festivities
Also at home my mother threw herself
heart and soul into making it all sue
cess for me. l had told her truthfully
of the invitation and of the number OF
US that were to be present. Mother ap-
parently saw no danger in my going. She
was anxious as always for me to appear
at my best physically. so she finished
carefully the draping Of the costumes
which Adelaide had started. Then she
sought for and found among her things
a scarlet cloak that she herself had
worn years ago, and which she made
over into an evening wrap for me.
Thus 1T was a very happy Diana who
on the following Saturday night awaited
the arrival of Mr.. Boyd, who was to cali
for her. We were to join the others at
the theater. 1 was glad too to have my
mother meet this very presentable young
man and to see the light of approval Of
him flash in her eyes. Already 1 felt
strongly drawn to him, grateful for the
happiness he was throwing in my way
L had no impulse to resist or draw away
when in the taxicab on our way he put
his arm about me and kissed me and
told me I was "one of the prettiest girls
he ever saw" and that he was blamed
glad he'd met me-"
The theater to which we went was
a musical comedy and the glittering Co.'S
tunes and changing colors were like
fairyland to me, so seldom had 1 been
to one of the city's costly productions
And afterward at the restaurant to
which we went / sat and ate and drank
and laughed and talked as thought
were in a dream. Several times I felt
Howard Boyd's warm fingers close upon
my hand at it lay in my lap beneath the
Recurrently 1 felt the
steady gaze of his eyes on my face
uuestioning-questioni But / was
too gay and having too good time to
strive to find the answer to anything
then At last l was finding my way into
the world of pleasure of which 1 had
dreamed. For the moment I only wanted
to wander unmolested; to drain the cup
of it's last drop of sparkle and life.
When at last found myself back In
my own room alone could not sleep for
memories of color. words, music. ~ j
tossed uTpon my bed all night.