Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-06-16
CHAPTER VII
Surrender

tT N the room where Lorry sat alone with
courtney Harrington, dusk was falling.
The twilight gave her an uncanny feeling
OF unreality. She could hardly make out the
outlines of Herringtons big body from where
she was sitting, and always she felt his ewes
on hers, compelling her to look at THINKS
from his standpoint, drawing her in spite of
herself.
The words that she had flung at him.
why do you want to marry me when Won
know L don't love you?" still hung in the
air between them, and then finally because
he did not answer, Lorry went desper-
ately on.
More than that" she said passionately,
when 1 am in love with another man" -
"You mean Tom? You still care?"
Eyes, still care"
But not enough, is that it?"
The girl thew out her hands to him in
gesture of appeal. She had an impulse 10
tell Harrington what she had hardly admitted
TO her own heart as yet, that loving Tom as
she did, perhaps she would have been hap
pier in the long run if she had forgiven him.
you don't love Tom Ransome," the mans
voice was curt. Not as you'll some day
come to love me-"
His assurance almost deprived Lorry of
breath and she sprang suddenly to her feet
IL never love you; sometimes I think
hate you,' she burst out. why do you keen
alone?"
He was on his feet now coming toward her
and although something in Lo!ry's heart
warned her to fee while there was yet time.
rer feet felt leaden, and it seemed as hough
she Were chained to the spot
He came very close to her, but still did not
touch her. When he spoke his voice was
very deep and there was a husky note in it.
why do you struggle against me, Lorry
when the whole thing is inevitable? I'll
take the responsibility of everything
swear I'll make you happy. You've volun-
tarily separated yourself from Tom, and still
you're not happy. Then, why not give me
chance? Surely you can't be more miserable
than you are at present, can your"
Standing so close to him, Lorry felt the
magnetic power of the man sweep over her.
1t seemed as if her strength were leaving
her, as if it were too much of an effort to
struggle any longer. At that moment it was
easier to give in than to look forward to
the grayness of the future and the terror of
knowing that he was always in the back
ground of her life waiting to swoop down
upon her.
KNOWING all there is to know about me
If you still want me-" she began family
But before she could finish, his arms were
around her, powerful sinewy arms that
seemed relentless, almost cruel. AS her head
went back on his shoulders, his lips met hers.
The strength of him seemed to engulf her;
his lips were insistent, demanding, and in
that moment it was borne in upon Lorry that
she had taken the irrevocable step. Never
again would she belong to herself. The
Lorry of the past, who had been so free and
happy in her love for Tom was dead and the
Lorry of the future would belong to this man
forever. When a woman loves, she feels it
glorious thing to lose her individuality; the
terror of it is lost in her desire to give to the
utmost. But Lorry did not love Courtney
Herrington; she felt only the cruel relent-
of
magnetic personality, and the thought of be-
longing to him utterly filled her with alarm
even though she hadn't the strength to do
anything about it.