Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-20
ByCarolyn
BeeCher
ONE WOMAN'S
STORY

enough similarity about the costume TO
make my detection more difficult
The fun grew more hilarious as the
evening went on. 1 had danced until
was tired. and was leaning against the
piano resting when Robert came UP and
apologized for not being able to speak
Spanish, then asked me to dance
1t was terribly exciting. l trembled
like a foolish girl. What would he say
to me? How did my husband act when
alone with other women? / knew a
few Spanish expressions and words, so
used them when L spoke, also Disgusting
my voice "a much as possible.
You are charming" he finally said,
81 am so glad you reconsidered and I
came. 1t will do you good" -
81 murmured something in reply. VINO
did he think l was? Like a flash 1t
came to me that he thought l was Phyllis
Lawson. and that the other Spanish girl :
was she, and that Robert knew what she
was to wear.
Yes" 1 almost whispered; 1T will DO
me good"
You must overcome this sensitive -
ness, Mrs. Lawson. Phyllis, you have
been in no way TO blame, so why allow
it to ruin your life? Really you are
foolish" and his hand pressed my arm
Fortunately his speech required no an
SWeT, naQ H. II "Oulu nave IudNC ~
difference. 1 could not have spoken 10 >
save my life unless 1 had screamed my
identity at him, and so prevented him
talking further.
You are very quiet; aren't you en-
joying yourself?' he asked after mo-
ment.
"Oh, yes, 1t is delightful" 1 answered.
almost laughing at the irony of it all.
I'll dance with you again before We
i GsA Cfn NaA =
Thank you," / replied then. is Mrs r
Drayton here?" l asked "a.
Yes. But / am not sure who Ia She
She had a great idea of fooling every
one, so wouldn't tell what she was 10
wear, although she did say something
about representing music, or some mu-'
steal character. I'm not sure she isn't
that harpist." He referred to woman
dressed as a harpist, who was about
my size. 80
ITS a pretty costume 1 ventured..
Neither as pretty nor as becoming
as yours will be when we unmask, lllo
wager" he replied as another partner q
claimed me. "a
l neither knew nor cared what he said
l felt that l had satisfied myself as
to Roberts feelings for Phyllis Lawson,
1 decided entirely to my own satlsfac-
ton that he was in love with her; and
that, OF course, L meant nothing 10 MIN
on that account.
We were unmasked at ! o'clock.
decided that before that slime l would
leave, then 1 remembered that II l did
so l would not be sure that 1t was Phyl-
lis Lawson who was wearing the other
Spanish costume. No, l would remain
behind the heavy curtains leading TO the
hall and watch the unmasking; then
quietly find my way out and home. Once
more 1 would spy upon my husband.
Just as the clock struck one, and the
music, with a crashing of chords stop
ped, l quietly slid behind the curtains
which draped the door into the hail.
With much laughing, and many excited
calculations the unmasking went on.
Before | had taken my station / had
found the Spanish girl, and now did not
take my eyes from her. l cared moth
ing about the others. go
1 scarcely breathed as 1 saw her ,
raise her hand to her mask. then almose
disclosed myself in my eagerness to see'
1t was Phyllis Lawson. 1 had known
1t all the time, yet the surety came with :
a distinct shock.
For several moments stood absolute-s
ly incapable of moving. Then, as the
gay. laughing crowd hurried out to sup
per 1 quietly let myself out and almost
ran home. -"
l had always been rather timid about
being out late. and here l was at 1
o'clock in the morning running through
the streets of Clearville, with no thought
of fear; my only desire TO get home and
in some way prevent Robert knowing
that l had worn a Spanish costume.
l know i should have to deceive him
in some way, so decided to tell him
had become suddenly i'll and so unable
TO go. OF course. 1 had to take MatildSE
into nv confidence. but made her think
it was all part of a joke, and the simple
soul never thought of doubling me.