Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-01-27
CHAPTER XLVH
Edith Interferes


there waiting for Herbert to come back
I looked about the room and tried to
concentrate the furnishings. l wondered
what kind of people had taken in and
what they were thinking of us. Did they
believe that we had been for a drive had
they seen the luggage that we had in the
back of the car? And all these thoughts
only served to make me the more nervous.
l knew that I was doing wrong to worry
myself, for my cheeks and hands burned and
1 was sure that l must have some fever.
If only Herbert would return and Tut an end
to the suspense, no matter what news he
happened to bring with him.
And then my door opened and he came
into the room. Forgetful of my arm | tried
to straighten up but he was by my side in
a moment and was forcing me back on the
pillow.
Don't be reckless" his tone was sharp.
II was longer than I expected to be- but
couldn't seem to get through to Hilton.
It's all right, Joan, don't IVORY. Norman
is starting directly and he ought to be here
inside an hour or So"
1 drew a long breath, and it seemed to me
as I lay there looking up into Herbert's face
that I had struck him a blow. I suppose my
own features must have expressed my relief
and joy, and yet only short time ago
had consented to run away with him, and
Norman ever would.
I'm going downstairs" he said brusquely.
"Is there anything you want, can | do any
thing to make you more eomfortable?"
1 shook my head and tried to smile, but
the smile was CHASTITY effort and l knew he
was eager to get away.
Don't forget" were his last words. "Nor
has no idea of the truth" :
Again I nodded, and he left me alone
T t0 dO but
man, and in the Blessed certainty that he
was coming to me, that already he was on
his way, [ fell asleep.
l awakened some time later to the noise of
someone opening the door and my heart
leaped madly. Was it Norman, had he come
at last? At that moment I remembered
nothing of what had happened during the
last weeks, remembered only the fact that
he was my husband and that I wanted him
The door closed and quick, firm footsteps
came across the floor to my bed. A moment
later Edith was bending over me. I thought
she was going to kiss me. and quick as
flash my we'll arm went up to ward her off
In my longing for Norman l had forgotten
Edith, and her presence here now was a
mockery. 1t served only to remind me of
the unhappiness she had caused me-
She sat down beside me and began to
speak very quickly.
Don't be fool, Joan, I want to help you.
admit that you have no reason to trust
: ne and I'll tell you all about everything
later. What I want you to do now is to
listen to me, for I have only a few minutes.
Norman is waiting to come up and I don't
want him to suspect anything
| stared at her in amazement. What was
she talking about what did she mean by the
strangeness Of her attitude, and what had
become of her studied calm, for she seemed
to have forgotten all about the role she had
been playing. and was talking like a real
human being?
l was at disadvantage for 1 could hardly
have prevented Edith's saying what she liked
to me in my present helpless condition, and
she went on speaking hurriedly
II suppose you and Herbert have fixed up
this story between you about being out for
ride, but I happen to know that you were
planning to run away with him and I have
told Norman so. What you must do is to
tell Norman the truth. It's your one chance
to hold his love in the future!"