Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-04-26
A WOMAN OBSESSED
BY CAROLYN BEECHER

but intensely jealous and unsympathetic
with the fup-lOving nature of her hus-
band. She endeayors to prevent a recon-
cilation with his father, and insults his
friends. After the death of their infant
she becomes more exacting. Bruces IA
Their and Muriel's younger sister, June,
visit them and Muriel is cold to both be-
cause of her jealousy. While walking late
one afternoon Bruce rescues a drowning
woman and takes her to her home in a
none too reputable district. He decides
to say nothing to Muriel about it, fearing
it will arouse her jealousy. He meets the
girl, Lulu Hammond, on the street. He
persuades Muriel to go to her old home
for a visit, hoping it will brighten her
up. Bruce goes to Waine to spend the
weekend with her.--Now go ON with the
story.
CHAPTER XXIu
kkA TICE way to treat me- Muriel said
N when he rushed up to their room to
tidy up for dinner, running off with
that child before we had hardly spoken to
each other. Oh, darling, how I have missed
you!" She hung on his neck, pressing kisses
upon his cheeks, kisses which he found it
hard to return. Why did she spoil everything
with her demands on him?
At dinner June talked and laughed con-
stantly, occasionally reminding him what fun
they would have playing tennis.
ooh, wish you lived with US always" she
said in her eager way. Bruce happened to be
looking at Muriel, and was surprised at the
look that leaped in her eyes-almost one of
hate. But it could not be. June was her sis
ter and such bright little thing.
They spent long evening on the front
porch Bruce and Mr.. Dangerfeld smoked
their pipes companionably.
Sweet dreams, dear!" Bruce said as he
babe Muriel good night and fell asleep almost
before he had ceased speaking.
She stayed awake until the early dawn
crept up and lightened the room, She stared
at the coming light, her face pillowed on her
hand, thinking of Bruce and how she would
surprise him by telling him she had visited
long enough. She would go back with him.
There was no use staying with the family
since June monopolized him when he came
for week-ends. At home there was no one to
hang on his neck and kiss him. When he
was there he was alone with her
She awoke late. He had dressed and gone
down stairs without disturbing her. She
heard voices and went to the window. He ana
June were having a game of hand-ball before
breakfast, while Kermit and the puppy were
rolling on the grass. With frown she hast1-
ly dressed and hurried down She called him
to come in, saying she wanted to talk to him
What is it, dear?" he asked, wiping his
face with his handkerchief. THAT Kid is al
most too strenuous for me-"
"Then why are you so silly with her? l
don't see why you bother. After breakfast
we will take a nice long walk by ourselves
Cali right A hike will do me good"
"Then this afternoon we'll take ride
/
can hire runabout."
''Why a runabout? If we ride why not a
big car and all go? But have promised to
play tennis with June this afternoon. Wen
get car and ride after dinner. It's the pleas
ATTEST time of day."
ct want runabout and don't see why
you must play tennis.
IT promised. I never break promise, you
know"
"But June is nothing but child. I don't
seeiwhv she should be considered before me. "
The breakfast bell rang.
Nothing was said of the days plans except
by June, who was excited over the prospect
of tennis with Brother Bruce. AS, they
rose from the table Muriel said TO Bruce:
"Ill get my sunshade and we'n start right
away"
where are you going?" June asked.
"For walk" co1dly replied Muriel.
"TH come. too Where shall we Walk"
Bruce and I are going alone. l want to
talk to him"
"Selfsh thing!" June said under her breath
and turned away.
regretfully after the disconsolate little figure.
It wouldn't have hurt Muriel to let the child
come with them.
"Hes miles and miles too good for her"
June exclaimed as she watched them go. she
went slowly into the house to help her mother
who was making a thick lemon pie for Bruce.
"Beat the egg for me, June, her mother
said noting the disappointment on the child S
face and guessing the cause. Put IN an eA-
ira one Bruce likes the frosting thick.
Her disappointment forgotten in the Joy OF
doing something for the new brother she
loved June beat the eggs with her strong
young hands until her mother laugh1ngly told
her to stop Then, her good nature restored,
she skipped about helping and talking of the
good time she would have that afternoon,
about the back-hand stroke Bruce was to
teach her.
Luncheon was on the table when Bruce and
MurieI returned She looked rather tired and
decidedly cross. She had used every argu-
ment she could think of to make him spend
the afternoon alone with her instead or keep
ing his promise to June. They had disagreed
about a car Muriel standing out for the run
about and Bruce declaring emphat1cally ne
would not go at all unless he took them all
"Muriel is tired. We took long nike,
Bruce said, when June asked her sister what
made her so glum. ''She isn't as strong as
you are, you know"
"I'm not tired at ALL" Muriel said.
"Then come out on the court and watch us
play" Bruce returned. Bring large sun
shade so the sun won't give you headache
mo, thank you. I've desire to sit by
while others enjoy themselves" But they
had scarcely left the house before she Wlshed
she had gone with them. She could watch
Bruce, see that he didn't get too silly and
| that June didn't make too, much fuss over
| him.
| Continued Saturday: Renew your subscrip-
ton now so as not to miss a chapter.