Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-05-22
By Carolyn
BeeCher
ONE WOMAN'S
STORY

land?"
yes" he answered absently in the
tone he used when he would not be qVes-
toned or did not want to talk.
!, without knowing it, had reached a
critical point in my relations with my
husband. 1t needed but an excuse to
bring matters to a point where I should
fierceiy quarrel with him-if nothing
worse.
After his monosyllabic answer,
nothing more said by either of us dur
ing the dinner. /. remember even yet
how sweet was the smell of the lilacs
through the open window of the dining
room as We faced each other. There
was an ancient tree just visioned from
where | sat, the gnarled old trunk cast
ing a shadow across the window direct
ly behind Robert. AS we rose from the
table I again made some reference to
Holland Lansing, and he smiled, then
shrugged his shoulders. He always had
a way of discussing a subject, anything
by definite gesture. often 1 wished he
would answer me angrily, instead of
treating my remarks so carelessly.
At times an overwhelming longing
possessed me to surround him with my
arms: to keep him beside me In spite
Of any one or anything. / longed to feel
the beat of his heart against my own
and with loving lips to kiss away all
barriers, all misunderstanding.
knew nothing whatever of the sim
pie psychological fact that man who
is absorbed in his work. especially a
professional man, ceases to consider any
one or anything unrelated to that work.
Presently I became definitely aware,
however, that Robert did not propose
to pay any attention to me; that his
mind was wholly occupied by other
Things, and that / should have to make
the best of it.
After dinner we adjourned into the
living room. I picked up a basket of
mending, and slipped one of his socks
over my hand I detested darning, but
Anything was better than sitting idle.
Still as q mouse L sat sewing, trying
not to feel hurt at his silence.
All at once ] began to feel very much
shut out Of his life / finished darn
ing the sock, and the dusk was too heavy
to commence another. Still he had not
spoken.
I started to say something checked
myself with an effort. then again walt
ed I did so want little attention. His
preoccupation annoyed me. Finally he
laid his paper down, and 1 ventured:
WAS there anything interesting in
the paper tonight?'
Nothing you would care about"
How do you know unless you tell
me. Try me and see!'
"Here read for yourself. I must go
out now" he laid the paper where
could reach IT, then turned on the
lights.
Must you go out?' the words came
falteringly
Yes! 1 told Holland 1 would see her
by o'clock. I shall be late if l don't
hurry"
shall I go with you? 1 haven't seen
Myrtle in several days"
Myrtle and Ned are both away. 4
have business matters to discuss with
Holland. You read your paper he kiss
one knew how long with Holland Lans-
ing. and they would be alone Ned and
Myrtle were away. I would not endure
1t, I thought as I pressed my hot face
against the window and watched Rob-
erts long swinging stride as he hurried
up the street I raved. 1 walked the
floor, wringing my hands But all e.
sire to cry had left me. My eyes were
hot and dry, tears would have been
relief.
waited until ten, half-past, eleven.
Then I went upstairs and flung myself
all dressed as I was upon the bed. The
violence of my emotions had exhausted
me- When 1 Weakened Robert was TAX
ing off my shoes.
"You must not overdo Margaret Il
never knew you to sleep so soundly. |
Get up now, dear, and let me help you
undress"
I accepted his ministrations without |.
a word. I was too utterly weary .
slipped into bed again and was asleep
almost before l touched my pillow.