Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-08-07
"A WOMAN OBSESSED
BY CAROLYN BEECHER
CHAPTER LXVH

A Bruce sat opposite Lulu in the road
- house he felt singularly content. How
- ~ pleasant it was to spend an evening
with one who understood him, who respond
ed to him instead of annoying him.
He spoke Of her success in her work and
questioned her a little.
II could run such business as Nine. Or
tons if [ had the capital she told him. IL
sell to more people than the girls who have
been with her for years. II a customer S
hard to suit I always get her, and. if l do
say it. l always sell her before she leaves
the shop. Nine. orion has taken many OF
my suggestions as to the fitting up of her
shop. 1 am really the most fortunate girl
alive to have found place with her" she
added lightly, then talked of other things.
She led Bruce on to speak Of himself To
no one had be mentioned his plan to buy an
interest some day in the business, but lured
by her sympathy and her interest he out
lined his idea.
How fne!" she intellectually exclaim-
ed Il love to see a man ambitious. You
will surely get what you want. You are
the kind who does 1t is wonderful to have
could help loving you and doing all thy
could for you, even if you are capable of
travelling on your own"
How different from the talk he heard
at home! 1t was wonder Bruce was
fat$ered and that he enjoyed Lulu's society.
at her praise.
mo, it isn't nonsense, Bruce. I'll bet
anything you want that all those men in the
office like you. l only hope their wives
don't spoil you. I saw you with the Masons
the other day, and she was mighty attentive
to something you were saying"
Her pretense of jealousy did not offend
Bruce He laughed merrily, and then told
her Ann had not forgiven him because she
did not go to her to sew.
1t was late when they started home The
moon but twos fingers wide scarcely illum-
ined the darkness. They spoke little.
Slowing down, Bruce looked at the beautiful,
vivid face at his side. Impulsively he
leaned toward her and pressed a kiss on
her parted lips.
II couldn't help it, Lulu, you are so love-
ly!" he said, tremor in his voice. $50 love-
ly and so sweet, he added.
She said nothing.
You're not offended, Lulu, girl, are
you? We're good pals, you know"
''No-Im not offended, Bruce. But we're
not to spoil things by" AS she hesitated
Bruce said:
Would a kiss from me spoil things,
Lulu?"
''They might I might want to kiss you
in return" She spoke gayly and even
laughed little. But he was conscious of
the feeling vibrating under the lightness
He drew her to him, saying: Return it now,
Lulu
Thrilled and silent after her kiss, he
turned, speeded up the car, and rapidly they
neared town.
II will see you again soon, Lulu" was all
he said at parting, but his voice had not been
quite steady. 1t lacked the gay insouciance
of his previous partings
Not until he lad left the car in the garage
did Bruce give thought to his impulsive
yielding to his desire to kiss Lulu,
brute!' he said he hu cd
home. "She never thought of such thing.
1t was all my fault. But what man could
help it? She's such dear, good sport /
won't do it again. 1t isn't fair to her-or
to Murel. I don't know what got into me ;
She was different some way tonight-more
lovable."
Mure was waiting. Her eyes were red,
when he went in she was quietly
81 have been so lonely" she said, throw
ing her arms about him. Where have you
been?"
Il had some business to attend to some
distance out, and so l got my dinner in the
country. | telephOned you. You should not
have sat up. You can't afford to lose your
beauty sleep" Unconsciously as he looked
at her fading blondeness, her red eyes and
disordered hair Lulus dark, piquant beauty
came before him. Her laughing eyes, her
shining hair her red lips.
cit is your fault if lose my beauty. 1t
1t because you won't stay with me-"
ut is the first time 1 have been out in
the evening in long time. DO give a man
a bit of freedom without finding fault
I'm not finding fault. l don't ask for
freedom. Neither should you. To give you
my love, possess yours, is all I want in the
world"
We'll it isn't all I want" His answer
was impatiently given.