Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-03-10
BARBARA LUNCHES AT THE CLUB
WITH NEIL-AND BLANCHE,
CHAPTER XXXV.

Everything I did seemed so futile at
this time-every move made, without
result. I was apparently happy and
contented-really was, most of the
time But underneath was ever a cur
rent of anxiety, a fear of something,
| knew not what.
questioned Neil. We had been very
quiet save on the fourth anniversary
of our marriage when we had given
large dinner md reception. b 1t it had
gone off wonderfully we'll, and there
tad been no'hing in Neil's manner tG
cause me worry. He had ever teen
temperate in his drinking will the
guests, and had shown Blanch orion,
who was, of course, invlLeC-no
more attention than he had others.
Neil was, however, with me less than
he had ever been since we had been
married. When l spoke of it. of how
he was getting later ana later for din
ner when he came honln, and CT, how
often he remained out, lie Invariably
headed business, and told me to go to
The theater or something not to sit
p.are.
One morning at breakfast he had
teen out very late the night nelo:G-
he said:
Come down town 20 the club to
h1cheon with me to-day if you Lae
Fab"
was delighted. 1t was real treat
for me to lunch at one of The business
n.en's clubs, and though Neil titen
lupched there he seld1la asked me.
7 dressed very carefully l wa ted
Neil to be proud of me- Eut in spite Ct
ny delight at his invitation, l was a
little peeved and more than disappoint-
Ell when he came to greer me to see
that Blanch Orion was there also.
81 thought you two could shop or
go to a matinee afterward," he said
nonchalantly, although he flushed a
little.
l had not wanted her. l could not
help wondering just why Neil had
asked me to come down when she was
there, but I had learned to accept the
unexpected where Neil was concrnd.
Blanch looked lovely, as usual, quite
putting me in the shade. Ordinary wo-
men, those of no particular individual
ity of coloring and features, cannot
hope to cope with the unusual few
who, like Blanche orion, attracted be-
cause they are so different.
Both Neil AMI Blanche drank cock
tails, each of them two, although l
frowned at Neil. This was one other
thing l held against Blanche; Neil
always drank when with her.
Neil was plainly preoccuped through
lunch and both Mrs. orion and l teas
ed him about it.
"You shouldn't invite ladies if you
are not going to be entertaining" she
: pouted.
The waiter had seemed to know
Blanche. Was she accustomed to
lunch herewith Neil? Had he been
seeing her very much more than
dreamed? The thought was a painful
one and l tried to dismiss it. If he
had, what did it all portend? l could
not even try to think it out there
with her sitting opposite me.
But it was with inexpressible relief
that | saw Mr. Frederick make his
way toward us. 1 had not known he
was in town Neil had not mentioned
seeing him. He was very cordial, and
accepted with alacrity when Neil ask
ed him if he wouldn't lunch with us.
Neil, however wasso quiet that
Blanche rallied him upon it, declaring
he must be bored with her society, and
finally she turned her attention to MIR.
Frederick, saying that ne at least
might appreciate her
ims gined she acted as she did 20
pique Neil. But it did not worry me
as did his own actions. 1t was not
usual for him to be so quiet and ap-
stracted-especially when Blanche Or
ton was around.
omorrow-Barbara Refuses to go 10
n Nrntinnn with Blanche.