Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-05-12
A WOMAN OBSESSED
BY CAROLYN BEECHER

What has gone befOre.-Bruce Con-
ways wealthy father cuts him off be-
cause of his elopement with MurieI Dan
gerfeld before finishing college. Muriel
proves to be intensely ejalous and I'M
sympathetic with the fun-loving nature
of her husband She endeavors to pre-
vent reconciliation with his father and
insults his friends After the death of
their infant she becomes more exacting
While walking alone late one afternoon
Bruce rescues a drowning roman and
takes her to her home in ne19J %Do rep
~ utab1e district. He says nothing about
it to Muriel, fearing it will aggravate
her jealousy. Later he and Muriel meet
the girl, Lulu Hammond, on the street.
They speak, arousing the angry suspi-
cion of Muriel and of George Downey,
Lulu's escort. After quarrel with Mu-
riel over acceptance of an invitation to a
reception, Bruce leaves the house in
anger. Lulu Hammond joins him on
the street and asks him to take her to
d1nner.-NOw go on with the story.
CHAPTER Xxx
LHolR2, i9 moment mo Bruce hestated. He was
r still hot with indignation, still angry
that Muriel could not see she was wrong
and was standing in his way when she re.
fused this invitation from his employer. They
were sure to have good time, too. Oh, well!
III he went home he would only feel sore and
perhaps they'd have another quarrel-they
were becoming frequent lately-and he hated
them Muriel, assisted by a sensitive con-
science always put him in the wrong, even
though he knew in his soul he was right.
"All right. Which way?" he said to Lulu
rather reoklessly. Il believe I'm hungry,
too"
Good! Nobody can be utterly miserable
when they are hungry" she replied smil-
ingly archly at him.
The little restaurant to which she took
him was clean and in its common way rather
attractive. Colored paper shades on the
table lights, Japanese lanterns strung near
the ceiling gave color to the drab walls. The
linen was coarse and spotless, and the food
plain but undeniably good. Before the din
ner was half over Bruce had begun to enjoy
himself. Lulu was bright companion and
laid herself out to amuse him. 1t was new
sensation, made more so because of Muriers
quiet manner, her satisfaction in simply be-
ing where he was without either exerting
herself or caring to have him do so.
Lulu might be a little coarse, bit COM
mon, but she was undeniably good sport
and an entertaining companion. Her unusual
coloring, her dark, piquant beauty seemed to
atone for anything that was missing in her
manner Bruce found little to criticize.
The dinner finished they chatted while
CHey smoked. Lulu tOlQ MIN something OF
herself, of the fat, communicating man with
whom she had been going about and whom
she was desperately trying to get rid Of.
81 hate him He's brute!" vehemently
she declared.
"Then, why"
''Why?" she interrupted shrilly. why does
any girl go about with a man like him? !
was up against it, up against it hard, when
I met him. had no friends, He claims he
loves me; wants to marry me. I'd rather be
dead!"
That was why you tried to-that night in
the lake?"
"Yes-I couldn't stand living any longer
I thought I couldn't. I was poor and lonely.
But it's strange how much we can stand ii
we make up minds. I imagine you know
something about that You don't look happy
you are changed in this little time since I
"Never mind me-" Bruce replied rather
sharply. Are you still seeing him--that
MANI"
What else can do? He has loaned me
money when 1 needed it badly"
Bruce fumbled in his pocket.
"Im far from being rich,' he finally said,
taking out roll of bills But If this will
help, even for little" he gave her fifty
dollars you are welcome to it," 1t was
the last fifty Of what his father had sent
him. 1t flashed through his mind that what
he earned he had no right to give away. That
fathers, the money Muriel had rather not
have had, he could do with as he pleased.
Thank you'll" she tucked the bills in the
bosom of her dress
He was silent a moment, then hesitatingly
he asked:
- isn't there something you could dor"
What? 1 never had any training" A
bitter laugh ended the sentence
But there must be someth1ng-you could
go anywhere there would be a better OPP
portunity." AS he spoke he thought should
she take his advice he would miss her-little
as he had seen her.
''No-I can't go away. Not now!" she
returned meaningly. But Bruce chose not
to understand, even though the glance she
gave him from her midnight black eyes told
him her reason.
What will you do?" a4r
"God knows-but don't worry about me.
I'll get along all right Her tone was reck-
less.
1t was getting late Suddenly she said:
II must go. You stay while after I
leave" Without waiting for answer she
hurriedly left the restaurant.
Lighting fresh cigar, Bruce gave himself
over to thoughts of her. She was inherently
good. Circumstances, life, had been too much
for her-pOOr girl. How lovely she was and
what gay companion. She had not whined,
never would have told him of herself had he
not pressed her. So lovely and-poor. 1t
was hard world for such as she. He would
do what he could to help her. He must talk
to her again about getting work-that was
the solution of her problem, the only one he
could see. Perhaps in roundabout way ne
might help her find a position. Surely peo-
pie weren't so hard that II girl wanted
to reform they wouldn't help her.
He looked at his watch. Ten o'clock. He
must go. Muriel would be waiting-waiting
to reproach him.