Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-24

aged well. when even she was fooled
CHAPTER Tx.
n TYRTLE came as promised, and
MI at luncheon we talked over the
dance of the night before. My
plans could wait until later.
Such a queer thing. Margaret" she
told me. Med swears there were two
women dressed as Spanish girls, yet
when we unmasked there was only one,
Phyllis Lawson. and she looked per-
fectly lovely"
Perhaps Ned mad visited the supper
room too often" 1 suggested.
II accused him, but he pooh-poohed
me and said he guessed he knew what
he was talking about. Really we al
most quar.eled at breakfast"
1 shivered as 1 realized that, after
all, l had had a narrow escape. Then
l changed the subject, fearing my nerv-
BUSINESS might betray me.
Whatever in the world shall l do
that hasn't been done 10 DEATH"
asked, referring to the party l was to
give. "Of course, don't want to give
a masquerade so soon after yours, and
my wits seem to have gone wool gath
ering, judging from my paucity OF
ideas"
"Oh, there are loads of things you
come as hungry Henrietta!' she Tested.
81 think as it is the first big affair
have ever given, Robert would like
it rather dignif1ed," l replied. Perhaps
1 better give a musicale and supper
That would be delightful, but not
nearly so much fun" Myrtle returned.
Il might have Lenore Dorian sing,
and get some other professionals from
the city. Then we could have supper
and dance"
That sounds good to me. So long
as we dance sometime before the even
ing is over don't much care what else
l do" Myrtle was dance crazy, Ned said'
and she did dance beautifully.
We'll, / haven't got to decide today
but 1 wanted to talk it over with you.
Come on upstairs. 1 promised Bruce II
he was a good boy and didn't tease to
come down to luncheon with us I'd bring
YOU up ufterward. He usually lunches
with me, but today 1 wanted to talk
comfortably"
1t was no punishment for Myrtle
Caldwell to spend her time with the
children. She was very fond of them,
and they adored her. Bruce climbed on
her lap and begged for a story, while
the baby cuddled close TO her skirts
hanging on to keep from falling.
For over an hour she told stories
little nursery rhymes. Then she put
Bruce down and took the baby and sang
her to sleep.
What shame that you have no
children" 1 said, when we were again
alone, you love them So"
at is a great sorrow to me, Margaret.
You don't realize how much you have TO
be thankful for. But If I had children
of my own I wouldn't be fairy god
c. "
thing has compensations.
"They love you dearly; almost as
much as they do me-" 1 replied.
THAT is because they know I love
them. I think little children always
know when older people care for them.
can't remember the time when babies
wouldn't come to me and stay contented.-
have always loved them. Mother used
to say that my dolls were alive to me
even after 1 was a big girl. was an
only child, you know, and because of
mothers delicate health had few play
mates.".
"You should adopt a baby"
ct have often thought of it, but Ned
objects so strenuously. Not that he
doesn't love children, but he had friend
who adopted a child who turned out very
badly. and caused a great deal Of
trouble"
but IHdI'S only one case L
There are hundreds OF homeless chill
dren who woulf turn out comfort
Eyes, know! and some day-perhaps,"
she stopped abruptly, and we talked of
impersonal things until she left.
All this time 1 had been studying
hard both voice and piano Twice a week
took lessons, and spent many hours
each day practicing. Lenore Dorian had
heard me occasionally and was delighted
at my Improvement.
You are doing wonderfully" she ex-
claimed one day when she had run in
while I was working. You must play
for me the very next time I sing. That
will give you confidence to appear alone
when the big musicale they are planning
for charity comes off"
'I hadn't heard anything about It;
when is 1t to be?" I asked. interested at
once as I always was in anything
musical.
'Tn about a month. They are to have
the best talent procurable have prom
ised to sing; and you must play my &C
compartments. Well commence to prac-
tice very soon. / haven't decided what
1 shall sing as yet, but as soon as I
do we'll get TO work"
Naturally I was excited and fattered
had never played in public, although
before I left home 1 had at many ex-
elusive affairs. But this was to be in
the largest theater In town. I should
have to buy new gown, and IL would
mean expense in other ways, as I should
take the score to my teacher and have
him coach me. But no longer worried
because of some slight extra expense.
Robert was making money, and was very
generous with 1T. Then I had some
of my little nest egg left: so that 1 could
always buy any little thing 1 wanted
without asking him.
That he would object to my appearing
in public, especially as it was for char
ity, never entered my head I had much
to learn of my stern, uncompromisins