Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-08-11
A WOMAN !OBSESSED i
BY CAROLYN BEECHER
CHAPTER Xxx

A LMOsT crushed, Bruce wept out his
II sorrow on the breast of the old house
keeper who had mothered him. AL
though her own heart ached she soothed
him as she would child, pushing back his
hair from his brow and comforting him as
only woman like her can comfort.
The old gentleman was laid away They
gathered in the old familiar library to hear
his will read. Mrs. Flack had telegraphed
Muriel, but no response was received. It
had hurt Bruce that she had not come, that
no relative except himself had followed his
father to his last resting place. Only friends
and acouaintances attended the funeral
services But he was glad she did not hear
the reading of the WILL
Mr.. Conway had provided literally for
Mrs. Flack and expressed the hope she
would live with Bruce. few charities
had been remembered and the remainder
of his fortune a considerable one, was left
to Bruce There were no restrictions The
lawyer had written:
ITO my beloved son, Bruce Conway, who
has proved his worth.
Leaving Mrs Flack in charge Of the
house-she was to remain there until Bruce
decided what to do-he started back home
with a heavy heart.
Muriel received him rapturously, clinging
to him, telling him she had almost died
in his absence. and declaring he must never
leave her again. But she never mentioned
his father
cit was very sad for me. Muriel Father
month" His lips quivered.
Death is always sad,'I guess. But now
you will have no one but me. 1 shall have
all your love"
At that moment Bruce was sure he
hated her Not word of sympathy for
his grief, not a regret at the passing of the
father he loved. Coldly he untwned her
arms. Coldly he told her of the will
at was fathers wish Mrs. Flack should
make her home with us. She is provided
for financially, but she has no relatives
and has lived with father since l was
baby"
"she shan't come; won't have her!"
Murel burst out
'ske would make things very easy for
you, Muriel. She is a very competent wom-
an. Martha could stay just the same"
81 won't have her! Do you think I want
a woman in my house that you make such
fuss over as you do over her? She'll
never put her foot in it if 1 can help it,"
VERY WE'LL" Bruce said YEARLY. "Shs
will remain in the old place for time until
I decide what l want to do with it,
Il have everything all planned, Bruce"
Mupiel said. making no further comment.
Your father has left you rich. | rather
thought he might die and l have been look
ing"
Looking for what?" Bruce shuddered
at her callousness.
"a place in the country. < found one
that will be just the thing for u.s. Well
drive out tomorrow, and if you like 1t we
will buy it,"
81 shall buy house in the country.
have other plans"
But you are rich now, Bruce You
have no excuse to refuse to do as / ask"
Rich or poor, shall not live in the
country"
Muries hardness had created a hard.
ness in him. His words fell sharp and in.
cisive.
what will you do. with your money!"
She was crying now.
For the present, nothing. After bit
hall hrv int ho
will sell, and I think he will"
you mean to stay on here-here where
have been so unhappy"
81 shall stay here like my business and
shall like it better if it is extended. L like
the town and the people"
And I hate it all! The business! The
town! The people, hate them all! Oh,
Bruce darling love me enough to do as /
ask Go with me where we shall have all
our time for each other" She again chung
to him Historically.
Damn he calculated. I'm going to
the club" and he left her with rage in his
heart.
"T1l make him do it; I'll love him so he'll
nave to-" she moaned as the door slammed.
"I'll buy the house if he won't. TIL pay
a little to bind the bargain, and then he'll
have to take it,
All the time he had been with his father
she had nursed this selfish plan to get him
| away from his friends. The money his fa-
Their left meant nothing to her except if it
would favor her plans. He had no possible
excuse 1t not necessary for him to
work for living. Oh, how stubborn he
and how cruel!
The sympathetic condolences Of the men
in the office and their thoughtfulness in
sending flowers went far to heal the hurt
Murel had inflicted. He would have to en-
dure her reproaches, but he'd keep away
as much as possible. 1t was early spring
and he would take up his golf and outdoor
sports and stay away from her. He wasn't
going to quarrel all the time, nor was he
tn nod \ 40
ings and reproaches. He had endured ali
1t was in him to endure. If she drove him
out-why it her fault. She would
have to take the consequences. Never be-
fore had he deliberately planned to dis.
please her or to go against her wishes.
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