Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-08-14

watching them as they drove off after
numberless warnings to James to be
careful of his precious load. Then we
started off on our walk to the restau-
rant, which was in the center of the
town, not far from Roberts office.
AS we entered the broad doors, it
looked restful and inviting. The or
chestra was playing softly, and the
place was fairly well filled with we'll
dressed women and substantial-looking
men.
We followed the head waiter to a
small table, screened by palms. just
the right distance away from the mu-
sic
After we had given our order Myrtle
looked at me kindly and said:
Now tell me, Margaret-if you can
what has happened lately that has
made you so unhappy"
"Nothing-that is nothing l can talk
about, Myrtle"
rs is something you can talk over
with Robert? He's so sensible" she
commented
l could have screamed with laugh
ter. Talk over my jealousy of Phyllis
Lawson with Robert. let him know that
I cared enough for him to mind it,
Myrtle did not know my pride.
mo indeed! he's the last one L should
talk to, If there were anything to talk
about. He's too busy with his clients"
Myrtle stared at me for a moment.
Then she laughed merrily.
"I believe you are jealous of your
husbands women clients if you did tell
me you weren't and laugh al me for
saying l should be If | were in your
place Don't dare let Robert think you
are jealous. That is always fatal. you
know"
Don't be foolish, Myrtle" / retorted,
frowning. L was not yet ready to make
her on any one my oonfidant.
I'm not foolish! I'll bet | have
guessed right the very first time
You're just plain jealous, but won't
admit it. That's the reason you moon
about at home so much instead of 60
ing out. Believe me, that's the wrong
way to do. Let him see that others
find you attractive. That always makes
a man sit up and take notice"
Just then the waiter brought our
luncheon, so 1 was saved the necessity
Of replying. While he was serving us
some one came in and took a table
across the room. L could not see them.
but Myrtle was facing them, and l
noticed a curious look cross her face,
followed by a worried expression. Just
then the waiter moved and l saw my
husband and Phyllis Lawson.
MYRTLE leaned over the table and
spoke very low SO the waiter could
not hear:
Listen she said. stop looking SO
angry and hurt. Laugh, talk, anything
so you don't show your feelings so
plainly. They haven't seen us, yet,
thank goodness I've been watching,
and they haven't once glanced this way,
so for goodness sake brace up!'
l picked up the menu and for a
moment held it before my face. Myrtle
was right. 1 must brace up!
Just as I felt that l could smile and
appear natural 1 caught Roberts eye.
I smiled and waved my hand lightly at
him. and he bowed gravely in return
That's bully. Thank God for wom-
an with a little character and grit
Not that L think there's anything
wrong. They are probably there talk
ing business. But it's just as we'll
they think you are enjoying yourself
If they had ever seen your face when
you caught the first glimpse of them 1t
would have been a dead give away"
Myrtle ratified on. I knew she was
talking against time to give me chance
to recover myself and was grateful
Careful, now they're both looking, and
Roberts coming over. Laugh as if
we're telling you joke"
We both laughed rather Historically,
desperation making me flush, as look
ed up indifferently, just in time to see
a fleeting look of admiration cross Rob-
ert's face as he said shaking hands
with Myrtle:
This is unexpected. I am glad to
see you out, Margaret. 1t will do you
good" Then with polite bow to both
he left US.