Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-04-15
CHAPTER NXNIiI
\ Temporary REIMBURSEMENT

far as Miriam was concerned, the fact
y that she had been forced to take a stand
where her work was concerned made
things somewhat easier for her. She never
afterward felt so humble in Mrs. Breen' s
presence, she never again tried to be some
one other than herself she never again took
the attitude Of apology to Anthony's mother,
and Mrs. Breen never forgaTe her for 1t.
She could have forgiven the girl If she
had admitted herself nobody, if she had
been willing to be patronzed, but she could
not overlook Miriam's defiance, for that was
what she called it, and, although she accept
ed her for Anthonys sake, she reserved her
liking.
Anthony was very silent on the way home
that night and Miriam made no attempt to
lead him into conversation. 1t wasn't until
they had reached Mriams apartment and
were alone in the lamp-lghted living room
that Anthony referred to what had happened
that evening; then he said
I'm sorry that this had to happen"
Like his mother, he waited to give Miriam
chance to humble herself, to ask his par
don, to tell him that she had been entirely
in the wrong and was sorry, but Miriam did
no such thing.
I'm sorry, too, Anthony, if you feel that
way about it. But, after all, wasn't it in
evitable? Sooner or later it would have
come out, and you know I'm not ashamed of
my work; the contrary, I'm proud of it.
I'm sorry you can't feel that way about in
something you feel ashamed Of"
Anthony looked at her, but with him it
was different He loved this girl. He loved
her so much that he could not bear any
thing to come between them. In that he was
unlike his mother, and suddenly it seemed
to him that nothing mattered save his love
and that Miriam seemed very far away from
him at that moment
Miriam!' His voice had the old husky
note in it.
Instantly she turned, and her proud young
eyes meeting his defantly, suddenly softened
and fell, but she did not move.
1t was he who crossed the room to her,
who gathered her up into his arms. ut
seems years since I've kissed YOU" he MUIR
INJURED, "eternities since I've held you in my
arms
His. lips were on hers and, after an in
terval, she spoke teasingly. do you love
me enough to forget that I'm working
girl?'"
THAT you've been working girl he cor
rected, for, after all, you're giving that up
very soon now, aren't you? | don't intend
to wait for you, sweetheart; there's no rea-
son why we should"
Il expect to give up my work" she an
sWered, Just as soon as | can arrange
things. But Anthony, you trust me, don t
You? You believe that l am honest with
you, and that l consider myself entirely
worthy of marriage with your"
L think you are the most wonderful wom-
an in the world he murmured passionatelv.
4 believe you're as honest as a man. and
Tor man who has never before believed in
woman, that's saying a great deal"
He was holding her in his arms now and
Miriam was too much in love to discount
that fact. The reaction from the misery she
had telt during the whole evening spurred
| her on to be generous, to make concessions
and she said impulsivey: Il want vour
mother to like me- Anthony, and if it would
make you happy, I'll go down and stay there
as soon as [ can arrange things After all.
| m glad she knows about my work [ feel
Ireer because of it. | don't think | could
ever be happy if L felt that | had to plav q
part"