Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-09-21
CHAPTER LXXXVIII.

7 SHALL always remember the week
that followed my visit to Mrs. Null
hany. Whether 1 caught cold,
whether my nervous apprehensions con-
corning Robert were the cause, 1 do not
know, but | was taken suddenly and vio-
lently i'll. l ached in every bone in my
body, and if L tried to raise my head
from the pillow l became faint and
dizzy
Myrtle urged me to telegraph Robert.
but 1 remembered the lying message
had sent him, and refused. 1 was glad
that l had when a letter came from him
saying he was starting home the next
day.
1 was no worse as the days of wait
ing passed bat 1 also did not improve.
/ could not read, so / lay and thought
bitter thoughts, and grew more morbid
and miserable every day.
Then Robert came.
He appeared extremely anxious about
me and was remarkably considerate in
the weeks that followed. / was often
feverish and cross, but he was kind and
patient with me. Only once did he show
any annoyance. I asked him something
concerning his trip. the business which
7 had taken him away.
I'VE will talk of other things, or
will read to YOU" he said.
You never tell me anything" I whis-
| pered weakly.
Il tell you of the things which con-
Germ you. Margaret"
But l like to know of things that
concern you" l persisted.
Myrtle called up a while aEO to ask
the morning and sit with you" he chang
| If you would like her to come over in
ed the subject, and / knew that my
weak attempt to find out anything about
his trip had failed.
why. yes: she's been a dear all the
time l have been sick. l get so tired
of my thoughts, and the doctor won't
| let me read. If / could only have. the
children a little while each day; but
l do not think it wise to have them in
| sick room"
You are right, The sick room is no
place for children. l am glad you are
| so sensible"
Being sensible, as ne called it, always
| appealed to Robert.
From the first the doctor had approx
ed of my isolating the children. While
| he did not think my illness at all con-
| tagious, children were susceptible and he
| thought 1t better to take no chances.
But l. longed for them.
| III send Martha to you now while
| l eat my dinner, and then I'll read to
you for a little while before you go to
| Steep hODGTl Sdlus IHGn DenI over anu
| brushed my hair from my forehead. How
/ wished he would kiss me, but he didn't,
| and the tears oOzed from between my
| eyelids as he turned away
| He had scarcely left the room when
Martha came in with box in her
| arms.
Where shall l put the flowers.
ma'am?" she asked. They just come,
and Mr.. DTayton sent me in to you"
1
| interest People are very kind to me.
| Bring the box here and let me see
| them"
l had been wonderfully remembered.
| My room resembled a flower garden, so
| filled was it with fragrant blooms.
Martha brought the box to the bed
and cut the string. Then 1 lifted out
wonderful bouquet of orchids, with
| Harper Cartoons card attached. He
had gone away the very day I was
taken sick. end l had not heard of his
| return.
Aren't they beautiful / exclaimed,
put them in a vase Martha, and leave
them where / can see them"
| They sure are lovely ma'am," Mar
tina enthused as she placed them ac-
cording to my directions, then left me
alone.
| l had kept the card in my hand and
| as soon as the door clOSed turned II
| over and read the message written on
the back. There were only a few
words written in pencil:
81 was grieved to hear of your ILL
ness The flowers are my message to
you. They will at least remind you
of one who will be anxious until he
| sees you"
Sick as 1 was the message gratified
me. 1t was a pleasure to know that he
thought of me so kindly. Then 1 Won
dered idly what Robert would say when
he came in and saw the flowers. Would