Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-06-22
By Carolyn
BeeCher

ert told the llttle IellOW as ne swung
him to his shoulder.
''AIuver cried hard!" the boy repeated
II wouldn't let the child see me if
1 were you" Robert said more sternly
than the occasion warranted. 1T isn't
good for a child. They do not under
stand"
Neither does any one else" 1 return
ed, angry hurt that Robert had not even
asked what made me cry.
1T is a foolish habit" was all his
answer. at which the tears rushed to
my eyes, and 1 left the room that he
might not see and be annoyed.
Robert had gradually neglected any
demonstration of affection, any evidence
Of his love for me I had begun to be-
lieve he cared nothing for me: that any
love he might ever have had was dead,
probably killed because OF his interest
in others. I never blamed myself for
the loss Of his affection, never thought
that / might have held him to the ex-
preston of IL had 1 been less self-cen-
tered, less selfish.
Utterly impotent 1 was and full OF Dit
terness When a man seeks out a worn
an because of some appeal which he
feels her nature is making to his. there
is some reason to fight. But when his
relations are wholly business ones the
wise wife allows him to be the judge
Of his own actions, and makes neither
herself nor him miserable because OF
them. The trouble with me was that L
was unable TO discriminate. 4 woman,
especially a beautiful woman. just a
woman was and nothing more.
CHAPTER XII
HOLLAND LANSING was back. /
did not know whether to be re-
= - lieved or sorry. She looked stun
Oh. wa d.
robe generously. and she certainly made
a delightful picture the day 1 first saw
her after her return. She was all In
dove gray, with touches of violet on her
broad brimmed hat; and a bunch of Vio-
lets at her waist.
II am about to beard the lion in his
den" she laughed IN other words, ]
am going to consult your husband, and
my lawyer. L have spent an unholy
amount OF money and must have some
more. 1 think some money came in for
me while I was away, and am going 10
find out"
You are very fortunate" I answered.
Am 1 notY" she questioned brightly
$50 many women and girls have so lit
tie. or have to work. 1 always feel
thankful for my Independence. Yet, do
YOU know have often thought l could
earn my living If 1 had TOT"
1 smiled in derision. The idea OF
dainty Holland Lansing earning her liv-
ing was ludicrous.
"Oh, but 1 mean it," she exclaimed
noting the smile. 81 believe most OF US
could II the necessity arose"
What could you do?" l asked.
"Oh. I don't know" she laughed again
Write, sell things. or something"
'I hope you will never have to try"
I returned ct imagine such costumes
as you have on would be thing OF the
past"
was envious, and a bit OF it crept
into my voice.
yes. I guess so. But clothes aren't
necessary to happiness"
Try doing without and see." l re-
torted. then went on to market while
the radiant vision walked toward my
husbands office.
On the very day of Hollands return
Robert deserted me. our babies, to lunch
with her He VENT now know-not
because of any special desire TO go, but
to save time, and because Holland sug-
gested It.
It had been as he had told me. He
had much less time to attend to his pri-
yate practice than before he went into
the district attorneys office. So ss
Holland was his best paying client, he
might never have known he lunched
with her that day had 1t not been for
Harper Carleton and his wife.
q say, Mrs. Drayton, your husband
is a lucky dog" he remarked when l
dropped in TO see them in the late art
ernoon.
"Of course, he is. Isn't he my hus-
band?'' I laughed.
THAT goes without saying, but 1t
wasn't what I meant saw MIN
lunching with that stunning Miss Ian
sing. She's a client Of his, isn't she?"
yes. When I met her this morning
she told me she had some business
with Robert" 1 answered, determined
he should not think me ignorant Of my
husbands business.
We'll, I say again. he's a lucky dog.
Lawyer for two of the handsomest wom-
en- in town: well started on his political
career. and with a lovely wife and chill
dren besides. He's more than his share.
I'm tempted TO take something from
him." with a meaning look at me which
I ignored and asked:
ITO what other handsome woman do
you refer?'
Why Mrs. Lawson. of course. He's
getting her divorce for her, isn't he?
At least this mornings paper said So"
"Oh, yes" I replied. but isn't IT too
bad she feels she wants one?"
SO she was to persevere and get her
divorce in spite Of what she had told
Robert. He must have influenced her
to continue the action. / felt hurt
that he had not mentioned the fact TO
me. He might have known l could not
speak Of her after the closet episode.
''Oh. / don't know. Peter Lawson
is all kinds OF brute. L imagine, al
though he has his good points, too
He's generous to a fault"
Most men of that kind are" Mrs
Carleton said. then accompanied me to
the door. Il feel so sorry for Phyllis
Lawson" she whispered. II guess he
was very cruel; and she's so sensitive ii
will be hard for her to endure the pub
lefty"
DO you know herr" I asked. as
tonished.
Yes, I have had a slight acquaint-
ance with her for years. When her
boy died I did what / could"
$50 it's true that she had boy?"
Yes. a beautiful child. He wasn't
quite two when he died.
AS l walked slowly home / thought
OF Mrs. Lawson, her beauty, her I'M
happy married life. and her lost boy
And unconsciously I began to feel sor-
~ for her. If my husband were neg
lectful. il I didn't have much money,
I had my precious children. I quick