Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-29
CHAPTER XVI
IOrdinp IL Over Her

IN the meantime, Gloria had done her best
1 to make her own rooms in Templeton s
~ house 1ivable. During Rof's absence on
several afternoons, she had taken down all
the mauve silk and gold lace that cluttered
the bedroom, substituting old English chintz
curtains and several chairs upholstered in
the same material The chaise tongue she
had had removed and a big comfortable up
holstered one put in its place. The bed she
| had covered with white lace and piled with
small lingerie pillows.
Her sitting ROOM too, underwent a
change. The heavy velour curtains were
taken down and plain gold ones that let the
! sun in were hung across the windows. The
velour davenport removed, together
with the heavy mahogany furniture. Now
GlOria's black lacquer writing desk stood be-
meath window. A black enameled day bed
upholstered in dull blue stood between the
fireplace and another window. Low cases
filled with books were built into an alcove
at one side, and there were things about
! that gave the room personality, such as a
low tea table on which reposed fragile pale
gold china, a magazine stand, a small sewing
table, several good pictures and some COM
Portable chairs
Gloria felt strangely comforted when the
rooms finished. She could hardly be-
lieye that her small domain was actually a
part of Rolf Templeton's house.
cts my very own" she said to herself
delightedly, "a place where I can be myself
where [ can rest and read, or just sit and
dream"
But her idea of privacy was shattered the
very next evening when, after dinner, Rolf
said with a grin, Aren't you going to show
me your new suite?"
Gloria flushed scarlet and for moment
did not answer.
I'm sorry you didn't like the scheme of
things" he went on mockingly. why didn't
you tell me?"
Because I wanted to do everything my
SELF" she flashed back. ~ wanted those
two rooms for my own. I paid for every
thing with my money"
"You intrigue my interest" Rolf said tor
mentingly I'D like to see your idea of in
terror decoration"
He rose to his feet, holding out his hand
and in silence Gloria led the way upstairs
Of course she could have refused, but what
good would it have done? He loved nothing
better than to overcome her will and make
her realize the uselessness of resisting HIM
1t was like the lOyemaking which he delight
ed in forcing on her. When he was home
she lived in constant dread of his sudden
fierce embraces. She hated the touch of his
arms around her, she had grown to loathe
the insistence of his kisses. Always there
was something about his manner that was
mocking, light. 1t made her feel almost
soiled to have him touch her.
Rolls hooking eyes swept over each de-
burned at the intimacy of the scene. A blue
satin negligee was flung the back of a
chair, the dressing table glowed under the
soft light of tall electric candlesticks and
over its surface were scattered ivory toilet
articles, crystal bottles, all the charming
paraphernalia that women love about them
delicate scent hung over the room, scent
of yioets that was somehow part of Gloria
herself.
"Not bad" Rolf remarked condescending-
ly. II think I'll enjoy your sitting room;
it's cozier than the room downstairs"
Gloria's hands cenched and she turned on
him suddenly
81 hate you!" she famed.
Il know you do he said evenly. 1--WE
known that all along. It's a new experience
for me, it keeps me from being bored. You
may not know it, but I'm having the time of
my life, and after all, you ought to be salts
fled. Think of the publicity you're getting
If it hadn't been for me, you wouldn't have
had a chance"