Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-08-16
A WOMAN OBSESSED
BY CAROLYN BEECHER
CHAPTER LXXL


| never again displayed his feelings as he
- had when he impulsively kissed Lulu on
their moonlight automobile ride. often ne
he would say 10 himself
"I'lI see her this once more and kiss her
eood-bv," But when the time came his
resolution was forgotten.
He thought of the warm heart hidden I'M
der that beautiful exterior. Her beauty and
CAV brave words concealed strength for de-
votion and self-sacrifce. 1t happiness
to be with her, all the real happiness he mad.
All the bitterness in his heart rose at the
thought of giving her up-and what for?
For woman who had used her love 10
make his life a hell.
Sometimes he wondered what Lulu felt
for him. She mustn't care TOO much. Ihen
he would be detached cooler than usual
and she realizing the reason, would drop her
.aIlurine manner and be the simple comrade
again But never had she forgotten or for
given Muriel. Never had she ceased to long
for revenge on the woman who had insulted
her But there was voice In her that
warned her to be patient. She-was certain
she would win Bruce's love in time-if all
ready it was not hers. The happiness of life
would be won to her once she was sure OF
his love. Further than that she did not look.
Bruce showed an increasing interest in her
AFFAIRS ana she tOlu Hlu pIOuuly she Wdo
getting on and her pay had been raised.
Would you still like a shop of your
OWN" he asked one day after she had out
lined a plan she had for increasing the bust
ness, a plan she had not as yet spoken OF
10 Nine. Orion.
''Of course / would. But it takes money
to go into business in the right way, so |
shall probably stay with Nine orion as long
as she will have me-.
81 am a rich man, Lulu. My money brings
me very little real happiness l will set you
up in business"
Joyfuly they planned. Lulu insisted upon
everything being on a clear business basis.
Gust as if / were man." she told him.
"You lend me the money. | will pay you
the interest and then pay off the principal as
fast as / can
He laughingIy> agreed, although telling her
she need not worry. He drew the money
from the bank, had her make deposit in
her own name, and then told her to "go
ahead
Ann Mason read the advertisement of the
opening of ANEW shop, and called Toms at
tention to it.
tom Mason, I believe that is the Ham
mond girl Bruce is with so much,'' she said.
do you suppose he has set her up in BUSH
ness?"
I'm sure l don't know. When a mans
in love he is apt to do most anything"
''You think he is in love with her?''
Looks like it, doesn't it?''
Speak to him. Tom. Don't let him ruin
himself"
''All right. I've been intending to for
some time. 1 may get myself disliked, but
Bruce is worth the attempt The girl evil
IDENTIFY is working him.
''She is so lovely! Poor Muriel. I met
her the other day and she looks fifty. l
never saw anyone go off their looks as she
has"
Bruce looks old, too, too old for his age
If he wasn't interested in the business it
would be bad outlook for him 1 guess
neither of them is happy l used to be
sorry for her, but I've no more pity. She's
been an awful fool trying to keep a man
away from decent people and forcing him to
look for society where he get 1t without
having to be embarrassed"
Tom spoke to Bruce the day following this
conversation.
you mean well, Tom, but forget it. A
fellow has to have a little relaxation and
you think there is anything wrong you have
another thought coming. Miss Hammond is
as straight die. She's entertaining and
a pleasant companion. Now let's drop the
subject-for good"
LAS you say, Bruce 1t was my liking
for you made me speak. The gossips are
busy and l feared Muriel might hear and
make it hard for you.
God knows she couldn't make it any
harder than she always has!' Bruce broke
out bitterly; then asked Tom to forget what
he said 1t was the first time in all his
married life that Bruce had given voice to
his unhappiness at home. He was ashamed
the moment the words left his lips. 1t
wasn't sporting.
"It would be good for Muriel to get out
more" Tom said, his heart full of pity for
the younger man. "She stays too much
alone
II know. She is too quiet, but she al
ways has been averse to society I guess it
is too late now for her to change"
When Tom reported his conversation with
Bruce to Ann she said:
Il knew they couldn't be happy. I wish
[ knew some way to help them but guess
we can't interfere. Poor things! They are
both young"
Continued Saturday. Renew your subscrip-
ton now so as not to miss the concluding
chapters of this absorbing story