San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-04-06
A Woman 0bsessed
CHAPTER LXN.
BY CAROLYN BEECHER
cnnrrirht. 1923. by CAROLYN Beechel

marriage, Ddu NJ AhVlS
Bruce's needs, of his innermost self,
than she had at first. This may have
been a mutual failing, for he frankly
admitted TO himself that he didn't
understand be . Bruce craved COM
pauionship and friends ard a certain
amount of gayety. He had TO let
off steam" occasionally. He wanted
TO be honest with Muriel and lonSed
for a happy home, but did not know
how to get what he wanted. She
thwarted him md disregarded his
most innocent wishes on every hand.
She, too, longed for peace and happi-
ness. But she wanted it in her IN
way and in no other. She would
have Indignantly denied any selfish
ness, as she had to her mother. She
held that her great love entitled her
to all she demanded and more.
So at cross purposes each fought
for the happiness that daily was
leaving them farther from the wished
for goal.
"Win he never do what 1 want?"
was Muriel's constant wall.
will. she ever learn that a man
needs something besides a woman's
selfish love-" he cried.
Muriel had not grown more willing
10 take her place in society as time
went on. The dinner :hey gave had
not been followed by other entertain
ing. She called upon no one and
really was as friendless as when five
years before she came TO Westtleld
as a bride. Bruce had at last ac-
cepted this situation and no longer
urged her to take part in the social
life of the town. When he wished
to entertain lie did so at the club, or,
if ladies were TO be present, at a
restaurant. On the latter occasions
she frequently put in an appearance,
invariably giving the signal TO rise
from the table the instant dinner was
over. At times she pleaded illness,
and refused to go. Then Ann Mason
would act as hostess for Bruce, and
they would linger long over coffee and
cigarettes. Bruce knew his friends
all pitied him, but was upheld by his
pride, and never by a word had he
allowed them to know that he was
not perfectly content to have Muriel
do as she pleased.
June had visited them two or three
times during her vacations, but as
she grew older-she was now six
teen-Muriel's opposition to he- pres
ence grew stronger. She still showed
frankly her affection for Brother
Bruce" and still made a fuss over
him in an innocent, girlish way. She
had grown very lovely. Her wavy,
dark brown hair, her dancing eyes,
her spargle and sense of humor de-
lighted Bruce even more than they
did when she was younger. She was
a real outdoors girl, too, and was
always ready for tennis and golf, or
in the winter 10 skate or join in any
other sport. She loved to dance, and
she and Bruce would dance TO the
music of the monograph Until wear |
led. if Muriel did not interfere.
But it was some time since she had |
been with them. Muriel had so
plainly shown her distaste for he
visits that June had noticed her at |
titude, and said TO Bruce:
Il won't come again. I'm sure |
Muriel doesn't want me-"
But l do" had been his answer, !
unable TO deny that she was right !
about Muriers attitude.
Il know. You're dear old thing |
But l guess its home for me during !
vacations after this"
Mrs. Dangerfield had also made |
them several short visits. not pro-
longed, because she saw Muriels mis-
takes and was unable to help her. Her
fondness for Bruce was not dimin- !
ished. Her fears, however, were in
creased. She saw them drifting
apart. They had scarcely anything
in common. There was nothing that
Muriel would talk of that interested
Bruce. She complained bitterly be-
cause when he received that money
from his father he had refused to
consider her wishes and buy a home
in the country.
Never urge that, Muriel," her
mother said. Bruce is altogether too
young in the first place to give up
business, and he is too f5nt of So
ciety. You would find yourself living
alone before many months"
sim not at all afraid Of that"
Muriel replied, haughtily. "Once |
SOt Hlu away dlOHe WIFI me, HP
would be happy and contented. It's
all these people who make him think
he likes to be away from me-the peo-
pie who urge him to play golf and
do other things"
There was nothing I could say that
moved her." Mrs. Danger.ield told her
husband. "She IS obsessed with her
ideas about what her love for Bruce
entities her to. No one could ques-
ton her love for him. It is really
pathetic. 1t is the kind of love that
never considers its object. and only
makes demands. Poor girl! It is
good thing Bruce has such good
principles"
"He's too good for her." June said.
just as she had when n child. Il
never heard Of any one acting as she
does. She doesn't want the poor man
to DE- thing but sit where she can
see him and tell him how she loves
: him. And she's jealous, too-jealous
even of me-. Goodness. wouldn't she
be something awful if he SHOULD fall
in love with some one else? I almost
wish he would, He deserves n square
deal. and he isn't getting 1t from
Muriel, even il she is my sister"
''You mustn't talk like that. June
As long as Bruce is what he is. there
is hope that some time Muriel will
see her mistakes. II what you sug-
rest should hannen. there'J he no