Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-03-06
CHAPTER XVII

Inc Master OF the House
rOR a moment the two stood there facing
II each other and there was about Anne
an inflexibility of purpose, hardness
against which Steele, accustomed all his own
life to having his own way, was powerless.
It was incredible that she should be stand
ing there refusing his offer and for reason
that showed only too plainly her lack OF
faith in men. For the first time and then
only for moment Steele thought OF Anne's
past What had she been forced to endure,
what agony had been hers to have brought
her to this point, But that thought was swal-
lowed up almost, Immediately by the stabbing
realization that he was not to have her.
He had a sudden impulse to take her by
force, to refuse to take seriously what she
had said. In the friendship that had sprung
up between them, she had shown him DC
casional glimpses OF herself; intimate little
revelations Of her character, and he knew
that deep in her there lay buried capacity
and to love as he did. Perhaps it was be-
cause Of that every thing she had huckled on
this armor Of sophistication. -
Anne" he said suddenly, "Anne!" But
at that moment the door clicked and Marcia
came into the room. Almost before he knew
| it, Anne had made her escape and mother
and son stood facing each other.
| For the time being Steele was beside him
self He was conscious Of walking up and
down the room like Gagged animal of say
| ing things to Marcia that he would never
have dreamed of saying in his right mind,
| and she stood silent making no defense, I'M
til finally when there fell momentary
silence, she said evenly:
"She asked me not to tell you. She didn't
want you to know" And then before he
could reply to this, she hurried on.
John, be reasonable. This girl could
never make you happy. I'm your mother
and / know what I'm talking about. just
now you don't care because you're infatuated
with her, but afterward when you are cool
headed and ready to think, everything will
look different I have obtained a position
for her with Elsie Barringer to teach the two
younger children. The work isn't hard, and
Elsie is more than kind. DR.. Henderson
thinks that Anne is strong enough to take up
light work now, and she is eager to go.
had long talk with her today"
Marcia paused. There was an expression
on her face half pleading and half tender
She wanted the best for him, II only he
would realize that, and in her heart OF
hearts, Marcia actually believed what she
was saying. She was certain that some day,
that spectef of Annes past would rise up
and make trouble for all Of them, and she
feared, because of her own experience with
Johns father, that mans love is not endur-
ing enough to withstand the ugliness of
suspicion.
But John Steele was visualizing Anne as
governess to two small irving children. Anne,
the variable, half woman, half child, Anne
the creature of fire and snow, a governess, a
little sister of the rich. Never, not while he
lived, whether she became his wife or not!
"She's not going to become a servant for
Elise Barringer," he said abruptly. "This
time, mother, you've Overstepped the mark
You had no right to make plans over my
head and without consulting me. For the
present Anne Temple will remain here as our
! guest. Well let the future take care of it.
self, but let this one thing be clearly under
stood. I will not brook any Interference
from any one where she Is concerned"
\ His dark eyes were brooding almost nenac.
ing and before them Marcia quaiIed. But
the next morning. strangely enough, Anne
had disappeared.
Next-"Unexpected Surrender Renew
your subscription now. We cannot furnish
back issues.