Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-01-09
CHAPTER XXI
CrOSS-PurpOSeS

The dinner for the Benedicts was certain
ly strange affair, and when 1 looked back
upon it afterward, it seemed as though much
of what followed dated from that evening.
I had told Edith before 1 left her in her
room that the affair was informal, but when
she trailed downstairs to the living room,
she made ViVien Benedict and me look like
a couple Of women in last years frocks To
be sure her dress was not strictly formal, al
though it was cut low in front, but it was
sleeveless and of some transparent black
material made over tight-fitting silver slip.
She would have been correctly dressed for
the most formal kind of dinner party and
yet everything about her was too exquisite
~ simple to be out of place.
Where had she learned to dress like that,
and where had she perfected that manner of
hers?
When I introduced her to Vtvien Bene-
dict, 1 could not help noticing that beside
Edith, Mrs. Benedict's natural vivacity that
l had thought so charming in her own en-
vironment, seemed too florid and highly col
ored Edith was so slim and dainty, so flow
er-like, and yet there something about
her that drew the attention of every one in
the room.
At dinner I felt thrill of satisfaction
when 1 saw Norman's eyes rest on her again
and again, and at the end of the meal
Vivien's eyes mad little danger lights in
them and she purposely devoted her atten-
ton to Herbert and turned a cold shoulder
AS soon as he could Herbert escaped ana
came over to me.
cts good to see you again, JOAN" he
said simply.
I smiled UP at him gratefully 1t was good
to hear him say that, but dear as Herbert had
always BEEN 1 could not believe that he rear
ly wanted to be with me with Edith and
Vivien Benedict in the room. 1t was that con-
viction that made me ask quickly, what do
you think of my little sister,"
His eyes followed mine across the room.
Edith was leaning back in a big chair. Her
Jade cigarette holder and her scarlet lips were
the only touches of color about her, save for
the CLINT of silver through the black. She
was telling a story and both Norman and
"Bennie" seemed to be hanging on her words.
Vivien sat back little from the other three.
She was watching Edith closely and without
the brilliance of her smile, her features We're
rather heavy. Plainly she was furious be-
cause Norman was paying so little attention
to her.
what do I think of herr" Herbert re-
peated the words after me. do you want
me to tell you the truth, Joan?"
"Of course" I responded eagerly.
"You won't mind if l say exactly what /
Think"
Certainly not" and my tone showed my
surprise. ,..,,,-o
most I have seen any number of them at
dances and affairs this last season. She
clever and she affects sophistication and
worldlness as a pose. Nothing she does or
says is natural, everything about her IS cultl-
waited Beside you she's like an orchid
raised in a dollhouse, while you are like an
open-air rose, with your roots firmly embed
ded in the fresh earth"
In spite of myself I flushed, although l
answered him lightly.
"'Why, Herbert, what charming compll-
ment!" But the look in his eyes as they met
mine made me realize that he had not intend
ed to pay me compliment, he had told me
the simple truth and something fiercely glad
rose up in may heart in response to his loyal
ty Here was one man who could not be won
away from me. even though my husband
seemed interested in every other woman but
me-