Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-04-24
CHAPTER XXI
TOM MASON had also seen Lula AN

4 served Bruce SuTT6pClClOuS SIduC6S,l
- But Tom singularly clearminded
fellow, one of the kind who thinks no evil
and attached no meaning other than a mans
admiration for beauty to his friends interest
in Lulu Hammond. He, too, thought her
lovely, but a little hard looking. But her al
most perfect features and unusual coloring
were attractive in spite of the hardness.
Tom said nothing to Ann of\Lulu, not be-
cause he feared to tell her but because he
was not a gossip. In fact before they left
the picture house he had forgotten all about
her.,
Not so Bruce.
He wondered who the common looking fell
low with her was and what he was to Lulu.
He was big, rather f1ashily dressed and
seemed rather attentive. She seemed to be
bored, scarcely speaking when he addressed
her. She wasn't married, he felt sure. She
would have called herself Mrs. Hammond had
she been, Well it was none of his business ne
thought as he let himself into the house with
his latch key and for an hour or more read
undisturbed, then went to bed.
Friday afternoon he took the train for War
ner. He sighed as he thought of the golf
links. The day was perfect and the boys had
wanted him to play foursome on Saturday.
He felt like brute. He never had been sep
arated from MurieI before and she had been
gone almost week OF course he was glad
to be going to her. Mrs. Dangerfeld and June
would also be glad to see him, and Mr.. DAN
gerfeld would give him welcome now that he
had forgiven their elopement.
THAI StdT(0u d Train VI LHOuSAI IndC IdSCSu
until the train drew into the little station at
Warner.
Why had they done it?
Murels father and mother would have
given their consent to- the marriage If they
had been honest and declared their plans His
father would have made fuss perhaps and
wanted him to wait But If he had found
them determined he would have given in and
Bruce could have kept on at college even If
he were married-many of the students did
until he was graduated, and so saved his ia
Their that sorrow. For real sorrow 1t had
been to the old man who wanted his son to
have the education that had been denied him.
Bruce asked himself why he did 1t. AS the
train rushed on the answer came. Muriel
had not objected had almost forced the issue
and he had felt her beauty, alluring and tan
TALKING, and the instant possession of her be-
came necessity.
What fool vast Of course we would
have married some time" he muttered, feel
ing he was unfair in putting any of the blame
on Muriel making him uneasy. But it would
have been better if we had waited"
He walked up from the station and as ne
neared the house he saw Muriel sitting alone
on the porch. She had not seen him and he
made no noise as he walked on the turf at the
side of the walk.
Hello, dear!" he called, startling her.
ooh, why didn't you let me know the train
you were coming on so could meet you, she
cried as she threw her arms about him. Il
have missed you so. never would have left
you if had known how unhappy should be
without you. Oh, love you so, Bruce. Have
you missed me? Tell me everything you have
done since left--everyone you have seen. I
hope you haven't been with the Masons and
that silly crowd"
Bruce had felt a rush of tenderness as he
held her in his arms, but what she said about
the Masons, whom she knew he liked i'm
mensely, dissipated it instantly.
where's the family?" he asked, drawing
away.
"Never mind the family, I'm here with
you," she replied just as June came around
the corner of the house and saw him.
Mother, here's Bruce" she called as she
ran to him and kissed him in her impetuous
way, kiss he returned with gusto. ooh, I'm
so glad you've come, Bruce! You'll play ten
mis- with me, won't you? Teach me that
back-hand stroke you were talking abOut?"
"Of course, will, you harum-scarum, YOU"
Bruce returned, laying his arm over the
child's shoulder Clear out now while !
speak to your elders" Mrs. Dangerheld mad
appeared in answer to June's shout of well
come.
''I'm so glad to see you, Bruce" She also
kissed him fondIy. Don't you think Muriei
looks better? She has more color and is eat :
ing more than when she first came"
Eyes, indeed, she looks hundred per cent
BETTER he said, looking at Muriel whose
face had flushed with anger at June's manner
of greeting Bruce.
Here's dad! Say how-de-do to him and
then come and see my puppy. He's the cum
ningest thing!" June tugged at his sleeve
"Glad to see you, Bruce Mr.. DangerfeId
said, shaking hands heartily, while Kermit
grinned at him from behind his father. Bruce
swung the little boy off his feet and after re-
spending to his father-in-law's greeting, said:
Lead on, June, and I'll get acquainted
with the puppy" He did not see the angry
look in Muriels eyes as he followed the girl
who danced before him, talking eagerly Of
the good time they would have on the NOR
row.
Continued Thursday. Renew your shbscrjp-
tiOn now not to miss chapter.
Aftor orccnipo with m IN for hall an hour