Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-09-18
CHAPTER XIX.
Ncra's Mistake


a LONE with Rolf after the others had
~ gone Vera drifted over to a seat nearer
him. He watched her lazily as she
htted cigarette into long holder, and then
leaned forward to light it for her, but she
was too quick for him.
"Oh, no, Rolf, you are not to do anything
like that-yet We must spoil you for q
while until you're really yourself"
m getting tired of being spoiled. You
have no idea how tyranncal every one is.
And the things they make me eat It's like
being on a steamship, and having food six
times "a day.
Vera inhaled deeply, expelling the smoke
in a fragrant cloud. "Gloria doesn't spoil
you any too much, does she?"
Watching him closely, she saw his lips
tighten, and she hurried on without giving
him time to answer.
every one thinks Gloria has behaved dis
gracefully The truth of the matter is, she's
spoiled, she thinks of no one but herself.
Why isn't she here with you? Why did she
rush home just. as soon as you had passed
the crisis? 1t certainly looks as if she only
came in the first place so as to keep people
from TALKING"
Rolf sat up suddenly. what was that
you said?" His voice was sharp. what do
you mean about Gloria's leaving as soon as
the crisis was past? Do you mean she was
here during my illness?"
"Why, yes" Vera answered before she
later, she saw her mistake. She had blum
dered sadly, and yet how absurd to think
that he didn't know. How had it happened,
and why hadn't she been more careful?
Gloria was here, actually here in this
house,"
Eyes, of course, but surely you must have
known" Vera's voice was sullen. She had
no idea how to eXtrcate herself from this
difficult position, and there was something
about Rolls attitude that puzzled her. Could
it be that he cared for Gloria? Was that it?
Rolf, the cynical Rolf, who could have any
woman he wanted, Economically in love with
a woman who cared nothing for him! The
idea was ridiculous.
81 didn't know" Rolf was speaking quick
Iy. "But why wasn't I told? 1t was the
fever, of course, and the fact that I was
delrious most of the time But why didn't
Townsend say something about 1t? 1 can't
understand it at all.
but the fact remains that she left as
soon as she decently could interposed Vera.
Good heavens, Rolf, where's your pride?
GIoria's cold and selfish. She thinks of moth
ing but herself, she hasn't it in her to care
for any one" Veras slim white fingers were
on Rolls arm, her warm vivid face was close
to his. She was trying desperately to regain
the ground she had lost, but Rolf seemed en-
tireIy unaware of her propinquity.
"Gloria was here" He kept repeating un-
der his breath. '"Then I didn't dream it
after all She was here, she held my hand,
she kissed me-"
The words were not spoken audibly. Vera
could hear only a confused mumbling, and
her grasp of his arm tightened.
"Rolf what are you saying?" Her voice
had a petulant note. Tt irritated her to feel
him so far away from her. And then sud-
denly the scene was Interrupted by the cool,
serene voice of Miss Mitchell. Vera started
and drew back as the nurse approached.
"AIr TempletOn, I'm afraid you must come
IN now It's getting damp out here, and you
must have your supper. I'm sorry" she said
turning to Vera. "But you see, Mr.. Temple
ton is still somewhat of an invalid. He isn't
strong enough to stand too much excite
ment."