Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-02-02
. LEFT Mr.. Colby's rooms in a great


y LEFT Mr.. Cclby's rooms in a great
rage. He had spoken to me as
no. man ever had spoken to me
before. He had made me feel the lash
of his contempt. Now l know that his
words were purposely bitter and cruel.
He had tried to arouse whatever rem
nant of real pride might have, that
might make an effort TO attain a de-
center and simpler mode of life. But at
the moment | hated him.
We'll, we would see, told myself.
l would amount to something yet, If
only TO show Mr.. Colby how erroneous
had been his opinion of me.
But, alas, my will was not as yet
strong enough for sustained effort to-
ward right. Scarcely had 1 left Mr.
Colby's rooms and returned to my own
house when June called me on the tele-
phone and asked me if | would not care
to go to a cabaret to have some supper
l did not even hesitate as ! accepted his
invitation. \ half hour after l left Mr.
Colby, telling him wildly he would see
Il would make something of my life,'
/ was driving in d taxi with June his
arm about me, his kisses on my mouth
as we made our way to one of the taw-
dry places Of amusement that dotted the
city.
Perhaps because my feelings had been
really stirred and | wanted to forget
the too recent scene, I seemed to re-
spond more fundamentally to June's
attentions. | permitted him to hold
my hand across the restaurant table;
then, when we danced, he crushed me
to him closely.
'Di," he whispered in my ear, Il be-
lieve. you do care for me little!'
"Of course | do l whispered back
and smiled at Fhim alluringly.
Nor did / dream how quickly would
be made to pay for my lie. For we had
not danced more than half dozen times
when June called for our check.
"Oh, we're not going home yet" 1
protested.
Yes" he said with long look.
Were going back to my home for
while"
What could / do. 1t was not as
though he had not already warned ms
he was not the marrying kind" And
on my lips the falsehood that I cared
for him had not grown cold. I could
not protest. l had to go with him. But
as We drove rather silently toward his
rooms my mind was working rapidly.
June, perhaps for other reasons, was
silent also And scarcely had my ad
mirer switched on the light in the sit
ting room when the storm broke. He
faced me, his eyes dark, half in anger
and half with another emotion 1 did no;
dare name to myself.
Dbl" he cried this can't go on,
We've got to have some sort of under
standing! I've been patient for weeks.
I've given your hundreds of dollars, Ev-
cry stitch you've got on / bought for
you. II you don't care for me a little
VIZ Oh HY,'f toll
are you going to do?"
ooh, June" 1 protested weakly, -
asked you for a little time to think. You
shouldn't force me this way
He had caught me by my shoulders
and stood staring deep into my eyes.
1--WE given you time to think" he
answered. You don't imagine you can
go on forever, taking everything you
can get from me and giving nothing!
tell you il isn't fair, Di! I'm at abe
end"
l was left without an argument. But,
like the silly, cheap girl L was. l still
tried to cling to this man for the sake
of his gifts
"Oh, please watt" 1 cried. Perhaps
after a while, when l care more
He thrust me from him with a ges-
ture that was so rough L caught at n
chair to steady myself.
Lord he cried, raging. II think
I've got your number now, You're not
as decent as the poor little drabs in the
street! If they take they also give. But
you"
He made gesture of wild contempt.
Gee, Dr. he said, 81 don't know
whether I'd want you now if l could
have YOU
The world was crumbling beneath my
feet: the room turned dark.