Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-27
ONE WOMAN'S
STORY
By Carolyn
BeeCher

rooms Had he, | should have told him
frankly; but as long as he didn't care
enough to notice, L said nothing.
As I have said, no thought that Robert
would object to my playing in public
had entered my mind. So that when
told him. and he at once forbade it, |
was too astonished to speak, even to
object.
Mime. Dorian has her own accom-
PIANIST There is no possible reason
why you should put yourself on exhibit
tion," he told me.
but, Robert, you do not understand"
I exclaimed when 1 could recover my
voice cit is for charity"
81 can't see why that necessitates your
acting as accompanist. | will give them
check That will release you from
all obligations"
But, Robert. I must play. We
have been practicing for ever so long.
| didn't tell you because 1 wanted to
surprise you. 1t is too late to make
any change now"
II thought you would be plea sed. Lee
more is coming in after dinner and we
were going to show you how well we
could do-rather how well l played
for her"
Pm obliged to go out" he answered
in his uncompromising way. You will
make my excuses to Nine. Dorian Also
if you have any regard for my wishes
you will refuse to appear on the stage Of
a theater."
81 told you it was too late, I shall
have to go on with it now" | returned.
all pleasure gone because of his attitude.
Very well, but remember, Margaret,
I will not have my wife appear in public.
I absolutely forbid you ever to do so
again"
So this was the way all my dreams
/ of singing and playing were to end. I
was not to be allowed to make use
of any talent l might possess even for
! charityS sake | had not realized, until
Robert forbade it, how my heart had
been set on doing something; having
some outside interest to compensate me
for the lonely hours I spent at home.
was Mr.. Drayton really angry?'
Lenore Dorian asked. II cannot mag
} inc it. I thought he would be so pleased
and proud"
YES, he was very much annoyed"
| returned, land has forbidden me to
ever appear again
Il am so sorry! You have undoubted
talent and would make a success on the
concert stage
Robert thinks a womans place is
at home"
Her place is wherever she can do her
!
an neglect her home and children-you
know [ am quite proud of my house
keeping abilities and the way | ami
bringing up my children. But 1 should
stifle if | were not allowed to give ex-
preston to my music, TO achieve my
| ambition"
| made no answer, but now I even
more bitterly resented Roberts attitude.
We went through the hour of final praC-
/ fI1a ri
of either. Her mind as we'll as mine
on my husbands refusal to allow me
to go on with my plans.
l had purchased my dress and ac-
cessories. They had been expensive,
and l had taken some of my own nest
egg rather than tell Robert how much
| was spending. Now l was glad | had
done so. 1t might have been an added
reason for his Directing. My dress
was pale yellow crepe, made very SIM
ply. but was very becoming. Usually 1
should have called Robert and asked him
to enthuse over my appearance. But
when | was ready 1 only remarked:
You are coming, aren't you, Rob
ert?"
Il will come after you. 1t is doubt
full if 1 get there in time to hear any
of the concert
knew by his tone and manner that
he wished me to understand that he
would not be there when / played, and
it was a relief Had l known he was
to be in the audience disappearing, 1t
would have made me nervous. So l did
not urge him.
1.-THE concert will be over by II o'clock
at the latest" I said. IT will leave
by the south door"
VERY, we'll" he replied, and l left
the house without a word concerning
my appearance or a wish for my sue
cess.