Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-03-10
Chapter LXII

| Nj pldChlOu llctu given 1lCl oClL
| y all she was, so completely tc
the man who fathered her sor
that she had nothing within herself
| to satisfy the soul hunger that is
part of every woman's life.
When she married Blackton she
| felt a supreme sense of happiness
the primal happiness of Eden. She
| had no thought that he would ever
change or tire-because she knew
she never would. They were togeth-
er. She neither wanted nor asked
anything more. Her joy was in the
man himself. He was her superior
in all the things that go to attract
although she was, rather had been at
the time he wooed her, a pretty girl
But his was the broader education!
the better family, and he also hal
the money to cultivate all the pleas
ing virtues-make them appear nat
ural characteristics.
But she had one virtue, faithful
ness, of which he knew nothing and
cared less. True as steel to him
again and again had she condoned
forgiven. Until she found out about
Helen Westfield she never had lost
hope that one day she would win him
back-that once again he would be
wholly hers. 1t was this hope that
had sustained her. Up to that time
his affairs had been ephemeral-the
fascination of pretty face, a win
ming personality. But for Helen
Westfield he had perjured himself.
Had absented himself from his home
for months at time No wonder
the poor creature thought that he
might have returned to that allie
glance.
AS she considered the probability
all the love and passion she had felt
for this man rose in a storm of re-
sentiment and indignation at his
threatened loss. Her whole nature
master. She had but a little time
to live, and she must endure this
to the end.
Often she had known the feeling of
the deserted wife, but never had she
realized such torment of longing,
of helplessness, blank despair as m
vaded her whole being now. Sick,
alone, dying-and he with her.
At times the natural dread Of the
Decentralization after all is the only
dread of Death-rushed over her, and
she prayed wildly to be allowed to
live just a little longer than the doc
tors had promised. Just little more
time in which to try to win back the
prayed the gnawing pain told her it
was in vain-that the medical men
were right.
my only happiness" she moaned,
as she pressed her lips to the boy
satiny cheek or held him closely in
her arms.
Been sick AGAIN." John Blackton
asked, several days after Nell had
seen Helen, when he came to the
Here's mel The little boy came
inc in hi fc,Ax +oI.z 4
for the parcel he spied.
"See if you like that" Blackton
stopped and kissed the child. Gig
Cling with delight, Henry tore off
the wrappings of the unwieldy
bundle, exposing small, fully rugged
boat.
Mono worse than usual. I never
am quite strong, you know"
tits all nonsense! If you would
stay outdoors instead of moping in
the house you'd be all right. There
wouldn't have to walk in the street."
he added, then turned to the boy
A sudden impulse seized her.
Il have something to tell you,
John"
go ahead" He was telling the
child about the boat, explaining the
sails, their names, etc.
You know that time I was so i'll
in San Francisco? The time I had
that observation-disclosures you lost your
money!"
Yes"
"WeIl he told me then I could not
live-only short time, a couple of
years, maybe. And when I was so
1ll-here, the doctor told me the same
thing. Only now it is months, not
years"
"All bosh!' Doctors are always try
ing to brighten people"
"No-they are right! And they can
do nothing for me. I never intended
to tell you this, John. L thought I
would just pass out when my time
came. know you care so little
about me-any more" For the first
time her voice trembled.
Nonsense! You are nervous. They
have frightened you, that is ALL
Il would not have mentioned it but
for him-Henry." She paid no atten-
ton to his remark. But when [ 60
what will you do with him? VIII you
be kind-kinder than you have been
to me, his mother?"
I'll take care of the kid, of course.
But nothing's going to happen to
you, so forget it." In few moments
he left. But she had his promise to
take care of the boy.
Alone, she, for the first time,
thought of death as a refuge. His
absolute Indifference to her confess
sion had scared her very soul. Would
death not ease her WEAKNESS, wipe
the tears from her eyes, bring peace /?