Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-15
HIS BROTHERS WIFE
BY RUBY M. AYRES
CHAPTER XXVI
n;ff:nxrIt oath
A Difficult p

CHAPTER AANl
A Difficult Path
TTE took her down to the stables, and
Fl showed Her the loft where he and
Nigel had played as children; he
showed her the stepladder staircase down
which Nigel had once fallen on the last Gay
of the holidays.
"He cut his forehead badly dare say
you have seen the scar-but / don't think
he minded, as it meant extra week at
home. He always hated school, I
Eyes, I know" she answered vaguely. (
She was wondering what would happen If
suddenly she stopped, turned to this man.
and said?
Il am not Nigels widow. I was never
his wife I have no right here at all.
am just deceiving you all along"
| She went to the door of the stables, and
stood looking across the sunny garden with
eyes that saw nothing. David came so
stand beside her, there was sort of COM
passion in his face.
81 hope you will be happy herewith
u.s." he said. II hope you will believe that
[ am anxious to be your friend. If there
is anything troubling you, wish you would
| tell me, and let me help you.'
His voice sounded kind and sincere
there was nothing but earnest sincerity in
his eyes; for moment she longed to take
him at his word, and make clean breast
OF the whole miserable story, but something
prevented her; she even forced herself to
laugh little, though the tears rushed to
her eyes.
you are very kind; I will not forget.
But-but there isn't anything troubling me
there isn't anything at ALL
And now she was no longer looking at
him. She moved out into the yard again
as If to prevent further conversations
! David followed at once. He talked trivi-
alltes until they were back again in the
house.
Mary escaped to her own room then She
was afraid of David; his new friendliness
| toward her made her afraid. Something
in the steady kindness of his eyes seemed
to pierce the mean little receptions of her
heart and leave her ashamed.
But it's not as if I were trying to get
anything for myself" she argued with her
conscience. Il only want to be here in
N1sels home for little while for just a
few days. I will be quite willing r. %
away them
She tried to comfort herself with this as
surance; but she felt miserable as she went
down to lunch.
1t seemed as if everyone must know =.
IL the very servants knew that she was
an lmposter; even the eyes of the faded
portraits that lined the room seemed to ha
looking their contempt and condemnation
at her; she could not bear to meet their
cold, steady gaze.
She was reused from her thoughts to tha
sound of David's voice; he was speaking 70
Miss Varney. Aine ~
L heard from Monty Fisher this morn
it 80. Plorence, wish you would
write to Miss Fisher, and ask them both
Gown mere for weekend" He turned to
MARY Have you ever met Fsher?"
CHAPTER XVIII
A Respite
HE stood looking after her as she ran
i [ up the stairs. When she came down
again ne was waiting in the hall He
wore big coat and a soft hat: fur-lined
cloak hung over his arm.
inns Is Tor YOU" he said seeing her
o0lI
warm day, and the wind is chilly this after
noon" He wrapped it around her laughing
When ne saw how much too large it was for
her slim figure w ~
Its beautifully warm she told him.
Miss Varney came to the door to see them
start
"Be very careful now," she admonished
David. "No accidents"
She looked at Mary
L never will go out in the car myself"
she said. "And I'm always in dread that
something will happen to David oh, no.
know you're not reckless driver my DEAR
as ne Ventured a protest. but it's the
other people on the road who are reckless.
Dom you let him drive too fast Mary
THE started smoothly AWAY Mary
leaned back in the luxurious seat beside Da-
vid and gave herself up to the enjoyment of
the moment. She would not think of any
thing unpleasant; she determinedly thrust
all shadows of the future behind her
care you enjoying it," asked David He
looked down at her smilingly
II think it's lovely! I've never been in
such big car before
"I'll teach you to drive some day, If you
care to learn. It's quite easy when you know
| how"
81 don't believe I could ever learn"
"Nonsense!" He moved a little nearer
to her, pointing out the various brakes and
handles.
"When we get into a quieter road we
will change places, and you shall try" ~s~
She assented eagerly. About half a n1iIs
farther along he stopped.
NOW you take my seat
He sat with one arm behind her, his hand
on the wheel, ready to control it; he showed
her how to the electric starter Mary
gave a little excited cry when she felt the
car moving forward under her control.
David laughed at her.
"You look like child with new toy
he said. Turn the wheel little more to
the left-were too much at the side of the
road"
Her eyes were bright and her cheeks
flushed when he turned her back to her own
seat.
81 can't allow you to drive through the
village" he said. Besides you haven't got
a license We shall have the police after
warmly around her; there was something
so intimate and friendly in the little action
| that Mary felt suddenly if she had known
| him all her life
! Once again the desire cameA to her to
! speak about the Fishers She stole shy
| glance at him; he was looking at her.
! "Wel?" he encouraged
She sat up suddenly
! "I wonder If Won would think n very