San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-04-12
A Woman Obsessed
(C) 1898 Carolyn Bsecher

that the boyish manner had beer
replaced by a new recklessness. H'
refused TO answer Muriel's questions
las TO where he had been or with
whom. He wouldn't tell her the truth.
lOften he would sit knoodily smoking
at the club, trying to pass the hours
until bedtime. AT other times he
would join his men friends. More fire.
quently as the weeks passed he would
seek Lulu Hammond and in her So
ciety find forgetfulness.
Mr.. LOngworth had been only too
| glad 10 extend the business by let
ting him come in as partner. West
field was growing fast. More money
and new blood were welcome in his
lfast increasing business. a real estate
mortgage and bond department had
been added and they were building as
well as selling. Bruce was enthusiast
| tic but his enthusiasm was shown
only to the men in the office and to
Lulu. He had spoken to Muriel of
the new departure. his belief in the
future OF the town and the need of
new housing but she had replied in
her usual disheartening manner.
After that he had never mentioned
his business. She wasn't interested
and it brought only means and tears
because he insisted upon remaining
in Westfield
Once in fit of impotence he said
"If you want TO live in the coun-
try find little place to suit You and
I'll buy it for you
will YOU go with me?"
"Nol You can live in it alone. You
have no friends and refuse to have
any. You might as we'll live away
bury yourself IL that will make
you happier. You can take Martha
and I'll have Mrs. Flack come and
keen house for me-"
If he hoped she would take him up
or consent TO his proposal she speedily
put an end to the hope.
Live without youi WIN Bruce.
what are you thinking of? I'd rather
die than not he with you, If Won
won't live as l want you to-and it
is your duty now that You have
money! will never leave you no mat
ter how ! suffer in knowing you care
so little TO please me-
"Its your own fault If you suffer.
ms you say. I've done all / could to
make you like a human being. Now
I'm through Do as you please. I'll
do the same
Muriel was not worried. Bruce was
her husband. He'd never do anything
really wrong. She Rugged this
thought even when NIGHT after night
he remained out until late, even when
she was most unhappy. Her love
world hold him-always.
Rruce's friends. esDecially Ann and
Tom Mason. were not ms sure in snite
Of their fondness for Bruce and their
belief in his good principles. He had
become holder in his attentions to
lulu Hammond. He no longer waited
for darkness to hide his identity when
hn took her 10 ride in his roadster.
We no longer met her. bur rode onenly
n her boarding place and waited I'M
I'll she cane down. His business
never WIS neglected for her or for anv
one. but aside from his devotion to
that he spent his time as he wished.
"Muriel will soon hear of il if he
GOES on MS he is now" Ann said. "If
that Miss Hammond were nicer I
could almost hone she would hear
md divorce him. have an idea Eliza
beth Longworth is fond of him.
She'd be an ideal wife FOR him. They
like the same things. She's fond of
society and"
Don't build air castles. Ann.
Muriel Conway. will never let Bruce
60"
ITO be continued.)