Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-11-27
CHAPTER XIII

NJ either Peter or Althea to Kenneth
Moore, although he called t"a@Hently.
Peter noticed in self-condemnatory fashion
that Altheas dressing table was now seldom
bare of flowers, choice blooms: He had been
too busy to think of little things-he was
sorry. He had no doubt as to who sent
them but would not demean himself by mem
tioning them, save in admiration II ne
hoped Althea would volunteer any Informal
tion he was disappointed.
Occasionally, too, Moore's smart motor
stood before the door, waiting for Althea to
ride with him. For time he pretended NOT
to notice, then one day he said:
81 see you are going for ride with
Moore"
Eyes. Have you any objections?"
"Oh-I thought-no-" he stammered.
"You take Miss Howard to ride, and only
the other day I saw Mrs. Williams get into
your car. l have the same privileges as you,
l hope"
miss Howard is my nurse l was going
her way and common decency made me offer
to drop her off. And as for Mrs. Williams,
her chauffeur did not return at the time ne
was told to and as was to make call near
her home told her would take her NOME
Peter explained.
"Well, go simply and solely for the pleas
ure it gives me. / make no excuses ANneA
replied, pulling on her gloves.
IT trust you will enjoy your ride he re-
turned slowly. then stood aside for her to
pass him.
"I expect to-" was her reply.
Peter stood inside the door and gay cnatter
came to his ears as Moore helped her into
the car. He turned into his office with
sigh. Then Strengthened his shoulders. lie
wouldn't lose her without a struggle.
For the first time Althea consented that
night to dine with Moore at country inn
dine alone 1t was lateAwhen she returned.
Half way UP the stairs she dscerned figure
standing On the landing at the top. mo-
ment later Peters voice came out OF the
darkness 1t was very gentle, almost tender.
IT am so glad you have come was be"
coming anxious about you"
Althea laughed sarcasticaly Il am cap
able of taking care of myself. You had no
need to be anxious"
Peter made no reply, save the closing OF
his door.
HE does as he pleases, I shall do the
same!" she declared as she undressed. But
there was bitter smile on her lips as she
said it, longing look in her eyes that seemed
to contradict the idea that she had enjoyed
herself.
The door bell tangled raucously
She heard Peter so soft-footed down the
stairs. a murmur of voices, then Peter as
cending again. In a few moments she heard
him 20 down into his office, then the street
door opened and closed.
She sprang from her bed and looking from
the window car at the curD' refer
entered it and the chauffeur drove off.
She was eating her breakfast when he re-
turned.
He took his place at the table and greedily
drank his coffee. He was pale and haggard.
"You were out all night?" AEhea re-
marked.
"Yes-I tried TO save him, but it was inn
possible" A groan escaped him as ne GOV"
cred his eyes with his hand.
"Save who?"
Little Glen williams. His poor mother"
If he had not mentioned the mother Al
thea would have felt pity, for she was ny
nature tender-hearted. But the way he spoke
of her. the tender pity in his voice, hardened
her.
80 the boy is gomez" she said.
''Yes-about an hour ago. 1t is one OF the
saddest cases have ever known. The father
was not there. She was alone"
$50 you stayed with herr"
"Of course. 1 remained until Mr.. Williams
came in"
When Peter rose from the table he went
to his room, bathed and dressed, then went
Immediately to his office. How he worked,
how wrapped up he was in his profession!
If he cared half as much for her as he did
for that weak little boy-but was 1t the boyT
Was it not rather the boys mother?
Then remembering his delight In being
consulting surgeon at the crippled childrens
hospital, how he labored to help them, 10
straighten their limbs their little crooked
bodies, she flushed with shame at her unklnd
thoughts. No, Peter would have done the
same for any child.
Peter went to the boys funeral. He did
not tell her he was going, but the day he was
to be buried he came up and dressed in dark
clothes, then went out 1t was late when ne
returned and he wore a worried, anxious
look But Mollie was with her, had dropped
in to dinner so Althea asked no questions,
said nothing.
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