Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-13
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Story
CHAPTER LIN.

marvellous feeling of energy
- that had l not quarreled slightly
with Robert before he left for the Of
fee, would have made me aflame with
the zest of being alive.
1 determined TO drop everything and
go for a brisk walk, then perhaps call
on Mrs. Mulhany. 1 had almost reach
ed the entrance to a small park toward
which l had walked unthinkingly when
1 heard a step behind me. 1 walked
quickly along, and just as l turned from
the main walk into a bypath, Harper
Carleton caught up with me.
81 thought ii was YOU" he said
breathlessly. How do you do? May
join your
His eyes sought mine. l thought
eagerly. He was tall and strong. Many
would have called him handsome. But
I could not help but compare. him. as
I did every one, with Robert. He al
ways made every other man seem plain
to me. L really wanted to walk by
myself, but l had no excuse ready, so
nodded assent.
'T shall be glad to have you join
me-" 1 told him, although my walk is
nearly over"
"Prolong 1t little for my sake.
want to talk to you. 1t is a wonderful
morning, and ii will do you good"
said. II was tired of myself, of the
house, of everything but this glorious
out doors, so ran off by myself"
Then l thought 1 had been ungra-
cious, so / ended, But 1 can't be tired
of you, as 1 haven't seen you for some
time"
NO, not since the night we brought
Lenore Dorian to call. She was most
enthusiastic about your voice as well
as your playing"
she was charming" l replied. II
shall be glad to meet her again"
You shall have the opportunity. Mrs.
Carleton is going to give musicale
and she will sing"
That will be lovely"
81 was sure you two would hit it off.
Temperament, ETC., you know. But I
didn't want to talk to you about Lee
more Dorian. but of yourself, Mrs.
Drayton, 1 want to help you, be your
friend. 1t hurts me to see you un-
happy Let me make life less lonely
for you"
He spoke very low, but also very
earnestly.
Immediately thought of the speech
I had made the night they called anent
nv music making me less lonely when
Robert was away, then of other similar
things Harper had heard me say 1t
was NV own fault that he had made
this overture to me; 1 could not be
angry with him. 1t surprised me 10 find
that I did not want to be, that his SYM
pathy and understanding was soothing
to my vanity.
1--WE can't have too many friends"
I replied after a moment.
But don't want to be placed IN that
general category" he returned. Il want
a little niche all my own"
1 stammered, then tried to change the
subject b., making an inane remark
about the weather. As I looked at him
1 saw a peculiar expression cross his
face. Unconsciously 1 turned and saw
what had caused IL. In a taxi going
past very slowly were Phyllis Lawson
and Robert evidently completely en-
crossed in each other. Neither saw us.
and without again glancing in the direc-
ton the taxi had taken I commenced
to laugh and talk almost Historically
with Harper Carleton.
Why shouldn't 1 accept this mans
friendship. so eagerly proffered? Rob-
ert lived a life from which I was shut
out almost entirely, why shouldn't / live
nv life regardless of him? My face
flushed and my heart beat fast as 1
thought / would show Robert that some
people admired me, liked to spend their
time with me. even If he did not. !
have no excuse to offer for this reason
ing. There is none. But at the time it
seemed very plausible to me, very jusT.
Come you haven't answered my ques-
tion," Harper said after a little 81
won't be put off this way. Don't think
I am not aware of what's going on, and
that l would help you if l could. But
the only way 1 can help you is by being
the very good friend 1 want to be, and
so keep you from the loneliness that IS
yours"
Had I been older 1 should have per-
have no excuse to offer for this reason
But I was young, sore and suspicious !;
Jealous and miserable. So l listened.
circumstances. she is either wholly, or
IN part convinced.
81 shall be-very glad to have you for
s-friend." 1 finally answered slowly.
"You have seen that 1 need one" The
last bitterly.
81 have known that you needed one
for long time" and in that short sem
tence Harper Carleton did more to win
me to him than any protestation of
friendship or love could possibly have
done
He was sorry for me, and If he, why
not others? / had always been intense
ly proud. That people should pity me
was unbearable. SO 1 laughed and gave
him my hand.
Here's to friendship I cried. as he
drew me toward him and then as L
pulled away. kissed my hand.
ITO our friendship" he repeated.