Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-07-10
A WOMAN OBSESSED
BY CAROLYN BEECHER
CHAPTER TV

TIME short visit was drawing to a close
Mr.. Conway had kept the announcement
of what he had done until the last eve
ming. He had done everything in his power to
give Bruce and Muriel a pleasant time, but
with her he knew he had not succeeded
eff she holds on to money as she hangs on
to grudge what I give them won't be vast
ed" he said with chuckle. Then he sighed
Bruce looked old, much of his old sparkle was
gone. He had said nothing of this to his son
in fact they were alone scarcely at all. Muriel
had determined they shouldn't be. But the
last afternoon of their stay Bruce came into
the library while Muriel was dressing.
Its fine OF be with you, dad" he said
throwing himeslf into chair and lighting a
cigarette after he had filled his fathers pipe
for him.
Its fine to be with you, son. Is anything
troubling you, Bruce?" he asked after mo.
ment. "YOU don't Iook-well-quite happy >
"No-nothing. Business is great. l am
getting on famously, considering the short
time l have been working. I like it, 100
| Strange that [ should have the luck TO fall
into something I enjoyed" He told of sew
eral parcels of land, other pieces of property
he had sold, the commissions he had received
"The salary isn't so much but if fellow hus-
ties that doesn't count
"Im very proud of your success, my son -
Mr.. Conway answered. But he was not salts
fed. "You are sure you aren't troubled over
anything, that you have nothing to tell me-
that there is nothing l could do?" The keen
old eyes gazed into those of his son begging
confidence. where have all your high spirits
gone, Bruce? Why are you so-sedate? |
guess that is the word Don't be afraid to
tell me if there is anything. You are all I
have and / want to see you happy. l made a
mistake once, l freely admit it, but | won't
again"
Bruce longed to open his heart, to tel! of
his problems--Of Muriels causeless jealousy
of his work. his few friends her refusal to
have any cOmpanionship. Not only did he
hate to complain of his wife but he hated to
distress the old man who loved him. But
finally he said:
Il don't seem to be able OF make NTuriel
happy and it worries me?"
''She is very serious for so young woman.
have scarcely seen her smile since she has
been here. You have done nothing, son. to
give her cause for jealousy?" 1t was not So
much question as a statement
''No, father" Bruce had hesitated lust a
second, thought of Lulu crossing his. mind
But Muriel knew nothing of her, nothing to
cause jealousy ut isn't jealousy of another
woman. In some way she is obsessed with the
idea that we need no friends, that we should
be happy together and cut out all other So
ciety."
''You mean she has no women friends?" the
old gentleman asked surprise in his voice
! That is singular attitude. Most women have
too many.
"She hasn't one, won't have them. al
though several of the women of her age have
tried to be friendly, especially the wives of the
men in the office. 1t isn't good for her and
can't help worrying about the way she shuts
herself off"
You don't neglect herr" the shrewd old
man asked.
''No-I sometimes play golf or tennis and
occasionally dine downtown with the boys. 1t
IS good business as well as a pleasure"
surely she can't object to that. Perhaps
she is peeved over your inability to give her
as much she thinks her due"
No, She is too careful, too economical.
She has absolutely desire for money for
herself, cares nothing for luxuries. She is a
splendid hOusekeeper-all but the cooking
part, Bruce added with smile land Martha
looks out for that"
'You say she isn't happy. But why?"
Bruce determined to say no more Already
he feared he had given his father cause for
anxiety.
I'm sure I don't know But guess 1t
Will all come out right"
1T will if anything I can do will help. - Mr.
Conway smiled to himself. He enjoyed the
thOught OF the surprise he was going to give
them. Like most men he supposed money
meant everything to a woman, the erattfca-
ton OF her DESIRES. Bruce could buy her 4
home, jewery and all the things dear to the
heart OF young and dainty woman. He hated
to see his boy grow old so fast He had not
been able to win MurieI by kindness Perhaps
his money would make her feel and act more
like a daughter to him.
Mrs. F'lacll, the old housekeeper. had also
noticed Bruce's loss of spirits and had more
| nearly guessed the cause than had her EN-
plOyer She had mOthered Bruce ever since
ne was baby and resented Muriel's eviden{
demands upon his affection
'Shes jealous when he shows his Lore fo1
his father" she grumbled, land the dav he
put his arm around me and kissed me she
looked as if she'd like to kill somebody. Mar
ry IN haste, repent at leisure is going to be
true OF him, poor lad, or I miss nv guess
She's plain selfish, that she is. She care onI,
to keep him, all his love for herself And hin
such loving lad
Continued Thursday. Renew your subscrip
noh now so as not to miss chapter of this