The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-31
The Reuoh Of
 Susan Hyde
By Caroline Beecher

H was akin to love, I should per-
 haps not have hugged the sym pathy Lawson gave me so closely to my hungry heart. When he left me I sat quietly going over our conversation, living over every moment of the time we had spent together. The striking of the clock warned me that if were to escape a scolding must stop dream ing and go to bed. It was 1 o'clock. Manville and his aunt might come in at any time. Lawson had left at Il. The two hours had remained in the library dreaming of him seemed only moments, so quickly, had they gone.
 I'm so glad didn't go," I murmur- ed as 1 rose. The front door opened and Manville and his aunt appeared.
 Not in bed, Susan?" A frown on my husbands forehead caused me to wish had not waited so long.
 Il thought I would wait up and hear if you had good time," I pre- varicated.
 "We could have told you in the morning. The party was great sue cess. Aunt Cynthia won first prize for the ladies'" Then: ''Go at once to bed. And don't repeat this. I dislike exceedingly to tell you the same thing more than once, and you have been old never to sit up for me-"
 "Oh, how nicev I exclaimed. May I see it, Aunt Cynthia 7? I would not be hurt by Manville's severity. would not let him spoil my happy eve ming.
 ''In the morning you may. In my youth wife obeyed her husband. But wives nowadays seem to do as they please, although the Bible says the man is the head of the house."
 crept off to bed without another word, hugging still closer the thought of Lawson Mckee. In the morning aunt displayed her prize, an exquisite solid silver vase.
 In the days that followed the knowl- edge of my love for Lawson Mckee came to me, At first it made me deli ciously happy; then soon settled into a keen heartache; a hertache for myself and for Lawson. For I had quickly recognized and realized the hopeless ness of our love.
 Lawson had told me of his love. 1 had gone over to June's. She was out and while I waited for her Lawson called. At last he could keep still no longer. And confession had followed.
  fessed return of his love at the same time that decried my wickedness. If any one had told me that l would listen to love words from a man not my husband-and loving to listen to them--1 should"
 My darling-girl of my heart. You are doing no wrong. You are married to a man who cannot appreciate you, your sweet, loyable nature, who makes you intensely unhappy, who belittles you in every way. And"
 Tt doesn't alter the case, Lawson, dear. l love you-a man not my hus- band"
 There is no sin in that love, dear. From all you have told me l am as- tonished that you have remained the quiescent wife so long. Every one knows of Hyde's penchant for Ruth Markham--to call it by a mild name. You did not plan to love me, 1 did not plan it. We met and luck, destiny-or a pitying God let us love. We have wronged no One-nOt even our own souls. But-is it-wOuld it. be wrong II love you so? And wonder of won ders-you love me-"
 Don't, Lawson. Such philosophy isn't wOgthy of you. love you. Yet never can I come to you. Help me, Lawson! Help mel" I burst into tears. He took me in his arms and had barely comforted me so that they were dried before June came in. Law son soon left.
 What is it, Susan? Something has happened-you-and LawsOn?"
 ''Yes, June. I love him-we love each other. That's all" All! Isn't that enough? Poor Su- san, you had all you could bear be- fore"
 My love will help me-but Lawson. Never mind, June. have done no wrong. I will fight it out in some way. Lawson kissed me once-nOt on my lips. That is the only action would keep from Manville in all my married life. Do you suppose he could say as much? am going home now, June home to-Anna. Thank God for her. She will keep me brave and good. What do people do who have no children when they find they love oth- CTS than those they have married, June? They have nothing to hold them"
 Dear Susan. I wish could make things come right for you. l will walk home with you"
 No, please, June. It is my own