Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-10-23
CHAPTER CYL.

!
= she isn't very happy with Tod.
Perhaps it is all my notion, and ina
sine il because my mind dwells on
those things. But she had never SEEM
ed reckless, or inconsiderate in her
speech and she surely is different. She
laughed a great deal when 1 saw her;
but L thought it a mirthless sort of
laugh. very unlike her former joyous
one.
She came alone and only remained a
couple of days. TOD was too busy to
leave" she said when I asked about
| him.
IF we were it was the first time I
told Myrtle, who was as puzzled as L
was over Hollands change in manner
Il shall not be home until late to-
night" Robert remarked. Holland
wishes TO consult me about Something,
and as [ haven't a moment disengaged
during the day shall take her to din
ner and see what she wants"
81 will ask her to dinner here, Roo
ert. Then you can talk as long as you
like" 1, replied, hurt and distressed by
the COOL way in which I was left out
of his plans.
THAT wouldn't do 1t all. She may
have business she does not care to have
any one else know; and then, too, here
we are liable to Interruptions
IT will efface myself after dinner" 1
protested. you surely can talk as well
here in the library as in public restau-
rant"
ct shall not be at home" Robert an
swered. with the air of finality that al
ways so exasperated me. 81 am sorry
mentioned the fact of dining with her,
yuo are so unreasonable. 1T is a bust
ness matter. and you, If you are wise.
would treat il as such"
| felt like crying that 1 was not wise,
that was only silly, loving woman
thrown back upon herself by his cold
ness. But swiftly the story Myrtle
had told me came to my mind, and 1
replied lightly:
"Oh, was only thinking of you, That
it would be easier"
'"Chank you for the thought he ans
wered in a different tone, but my
way is best We may have to go to the
office after dinner. You know L am in
the~dark as to why she wishes to see
me-"
I said nothing more and he soon went
out But | could rot help wondering if
he would tell me what Holland wanted
| made up my mind to follow Mrs.
Mulhanny's advice, and to try to coax
his confidence, instead of endeavOring
to compel it.
All the time l felt sure he would tell
me nothing.
. 1t was long after midnight when he
came in l had waited up for him,
reading a late magazine. / asked no
questions, neither did he volunteer any
information as to what Holland wanted
to see him 9bout.
AT breakfast the next morning he
said to me:
20
tonight. SO if you wish to see her
again you will have to go over to Myr-
ties this afternoon. Holland will be
busy this morning"
"I'll go right after luncheon IN
take the children. She used to be very
fond of them" I replied, hoping he
would be pleased, and tell me some
thing about her BUSINESS with him,
Yes, do! 1t will please Holland and
do the kids good. Bruce isn't picking
up as I wish he was" and his face took
on the worried look that any mention
Of Bruce's delicate health always evolI-
ed.
IT do not think he is any worse, do
you?" [ asked anxiously, everything
else forgotten for the moment.
mo, / don't think So" Robert an
swered slowly. But there is no such
thing in this world as standing still. If
he isn't improving it stands to reason
takes his strength"
But have you noticed how rapidly
ne is growing? He is much taller than
most boys his age. I know by the
clothes I have to buy for him. That
takes lbs strength"
Perhaps. But give him a long ride
into the country after you make your
call 1t will be good for him. Don't
keep him out after shutdown, though"
] watched his tall, handsome form
until he was out of sight-watched it
with a thrill of pride. Then l remem-
bered. He had left without telling me
anything of Hollands reason for keep
ing him out until midnight, part of
which time / was sure had been spent
in the solitude of an office in a building
practically closed for the night.
Oh, why did l always think of such
things? l. wondered as 1 turned from
the window. Was it because l had an
unusually suspicious mind?
In the afternoon 1 made my call on
Holland, but in spite of all 1 could do
she was so non-committal when 1 tried
to draw her out that 1 knew no more
when I left than when l came. She
was very sweet to the children and
talked freely about everything but her
self s-
After we had said good-by, and in
Difference to Roberts wishes, 1 was
driving along the country roads with
the children, 1 felt nay suspicious in
crease. Why had Holland come all the
way to Clearville? Was it to see Rob-
ert? And if so, was it Robert the law
yer or Robert the man?