Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-05-29

Y put stones on the ends of the
- tablecloth so it won't blow up,
and pin the paper napkins at the places
we are to sit. Here's a pencil. write
our names on them and we'll play they
are place cards" and Myrtle, now that
she had set others to work, sat down
and commenced to weave a daisy chain
for centerpiece," she called after me
when we laughed at her Incidence.
Robert and Holland were quite a bit
ahead of me and I took no pains 20
catch up at first. [ was elated with
the success of my little strategem and
knew II would effectually prevent
any condolences on their part. of
sudden my foot struck a, root and l
fell crying out as I did so. Robert ran
quickly back and helped me up. I was
unhurt but had soiled my dress and
hands The table linen and the paper
napkins were scattered about. l was
mortified and angry that Holland Lans-
ing should see my discontinue, and
even Roberts solicitous inquiry as to
whether I was hurt did not comfort me.
Come along with us, Margaret, and
take my arm for while, you're stu
trembling" he said. kindly, and picked
up the tablecloths while Holland Lans-
ing ran after the napkins.
81 caught them all but one" she eX-
claimed breathlessly.
"There are more than enough, so you
need not have bothered was my un-
gracious reply.
Just then Robert saw place he
thought was level enough for the tables
and left us alone moment while he in
vestigated 1t. ....
ITS all right" he called. I'll help
you over that log, Margaret and whlle
you and Holland are laying the cloths
I'll go and report
Don't be long" l implored, dread
ing to be left alone with Holland.
mo, dear; not longer than neces-
sary. But what's the great hurry"
ooh nothing!" ! laughed, II guess my
tumble has made me nervous"
He was gone but a few minutes, dur
ing which Holland and l busted our
selves win the laying of the table, say
ing little Then they all came troop
ing toward us, Bruce and Robert in the
lead with a big hamper between them,
Ned and Howard Cutting carrying the
ice cream freezer. Myrtle had her daisy
chain around her neck and exclaimed
with delight when she saw the spot
Robert had chosen.
Now get. busy the little autocrat
ordered. Pm hungry as bear.
In a very short time everything was
ready. The luncheon was delicious.
There were delicate sandwiches, deviled
eggs. chicken salad, olives and cakes,
iced and hot drinks in thermos bottles,
everything one could think of to make
such an outdoor feast a success. Bruce
sat between Holland Lansing and Miss
Sloane. while Robert and | were on the
opposite side of the table, with Ned
and Myrtle. Tod Freeman, who had been
invited. but thought to be unable 20
come because of some business, came
up Just as we sat down. and Myrtle
sat him. on Hollands other side.
AS may be imagined, this adjustment
of position pleased me, and l was hap
pier than I had been in long time and
laughed and chatted all. through lunch.
When we finished Myrtle said:
Now you single people can wander
off and do what YOU lik~. Margaret and
I will clear up with Ropert's and Ned's
help" -'.e ~ .-~
Really Myrtle and I did the work
while the boys smoked, but l didn't care
When we finished / stretched myself on
the ground beside Robert and listened
to him and Ned talk. l knew that Bruce
and Holland Lansing were together, and
that Tod Freeman was with Miss Sloane,
but for once I wasn't ignored by my hus-
band. His arm had stolen around me
while he talked, and I was wildly happy.
"Oh, it's raining!" Myrtle exclaimed
Just as 1 felt a few drops on my hand.
"C6me on, good people, let's get the stun
in the car, then we will sit in it and
wait until the rest come back Too bad
if they get wet"
I don't think / have the worst dis
position in the world, but the thought
that Holland Lansing might come back
rola uyaS
me, as 1 glanced down at my own soiled
skirt.
We hurriedly put the boxes in the car,
and settled ourselves comfortably. We
had not long to wait Just as the faint
rumblings of distant thunder told of an
increase of the Storm the four came up
Holland wrapped In Bruce's coat, look
ing as spick and span as ever, Miss
Sloan protected by rod Freeman's
sweater which he had insisted should
properly belong to any picnic equip
ent.
How are we TO go homer Tod asked.
Robert, you and Mr.. Belden (Bruce)
take Hallond home in the runabout. She
can sit between you and won't get wet,
and YOU are already dripping. You come
in here with US, Miss, Sloan. Tod, you
can drive us. No need for Ned to get
wet, too"
/ wanted to say that L would ratneI
go with Bruce ard Ned in the runabout.
that I wasn't afraid of getting wet, but
while I hesitated Holland laughingly
jumped in, and then Robert and Bruce
took their seats each side of her.
thought she leaned a littIe toward Rob
ert. and / saw that it was him instead
Of Bruce who spread the robe carefully
over her knees so that she should no.
get wet.
leaned back in the corner of the big
touring car. miserably unhappy again.
My day, which had promised so much,
had ended in gloom.