Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-04-11
Chanter LXI
Chapter LXI
WIEN l grasped what Annie was
NJ saying my first feeling was
w one of relief Then came the
thought that her going would

w y1EN l graSped what Annie was
s sayo n r ny r7 Tnf fss aa%e yss
thought that her going would
not necessarily keep Frank from car
ing for her. although it would to an
extent prevent their intimacy.
rs that your only 'reason?" I asked
her, referring to what she had said
about Frank and me being by our
selves.
YES, Olive. I have been very hap
py, happier than l ever expected to
be, with you. But L have heard that
no house is big enough for two fam
lilies. I guess it is true"
Suddenly there came to my mind
what Lawrence Hart had said about
another. If she married him all could
remain as it was-there would be no
need for her to go.
What about Lawrence Hart?" /
asked.
II don't know, Olive-really don't.
1t would be dreadful to marry him if
1 didn't care enough. Perhaps L am
want to love the man [ marry with
all my heart. and l want him to love
me in the same Way-if there ever is
him. [ have been thinking lot
about what you told US of that girl
in your class 1t would be terrible
to know for sure that the man you
loved cared for someone else. Do
you want me to marry Lawrence
Hart, Oliver"
"Why-not unless you care for
him." I was startled at the vehe-
ment way she asked the question. Il
would make you a very kind, good
husband. But you have to decide
this for yourself, you know"
Some way, Olive, L am not anxious
to marry. Remember what [ saw of
father and mothers life together
would not make me very keen to give
up my freedom"
But, Olive, there are many, many
happy people. My father and mother
were ideally happy and so are dear
Mr.. and Mrs. Curry. AND / was
about to mention Frank and myself;
Then the irony of it struck me and
1 hesitated.
'They were old and Mr.. and Mrs.
Curry are old One has only to read
the papers to see the unhappy mar
riages. Perhaps I am too much
afraid. But 1 have seen things
well don't decide tonight. Think
it over. Annie. Stay a week longer
Then if you still think it best to 60
L won't say word"
Very we'll, Olive"
l don't know what impulse drove
me, but I put my hand under her
chin and raised her troubled eyes tc
mine.
Il trust you, Annie" 1 said, then
kissed her good night and hurried
from the room, giving her no time
to answer.
Annie is going to leave u.s."
I made the announcement as soon
as l returned to the living room
Franks start, his pallor, showed me
plainly the shock it was to him.
Leave us. What do you mean
Is she going to marry Hart?"
81 think not. At least she has not
decided. She seems to have some
other reason. Perhaps you know
what it is." I looked directly at
him.
How should know any reason
she should leave US. It's the non
sense you put into her head with
your economically independent ideas
for women. The idea Of girl like
her, dainty, lovely, going to work
day after day"
He stopped suddenly. Evidently
he had said more than he meant to.
'I do net think it is anything
have. done that is causing her to
leave u.s." I said slowly. And as
for hel" work, she should thank God
she has it. There are things which
degrade a girl. But work is not one
of them"
Neither of us said anything more.