The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-13
CHAPTER Fl

went to bed. I heard him walking
 about, then he went downstairs. 1 had been asleep, but awakened when he again came up and went into our room. Finally all was quiet, and l again slept. In the morning Martha was in the din ing room as usual. I neither drank my coffee nor ate anything. Manville made no comment and left as soon as he had finished. l called Nancy and she served me breakfast. Martha audibly sneer- ing.
 "I never will give in again, never" 1 said to myself as I finished. have commenced, and will carry out what 1 have undertaken if it kills me.
 That afternoon Manville telephoned he had tickets for the theatre.
 Don't dress up much and meet me at Menton's restaurant. We will have dinner there and then go on to the theatre"
 "Oh, how nice! I will be on time" Really, I was delighted. l never even thought Manville had done it because he dreaded facing me across our own table again; that he would not be giv- ing in by dining elsewhere, and yet es- cape the unpleasantness of seeing me refuse to eat.
 I dressed very carefully, wearing a simple afternoon gown but l took great pains with my hair and wore a small, becoming hat. I was repaid when Manville said as he met me:
 You look very nice tonight"
 I wondered if he would ask me what would like to eat, but as usual he paid not the slightest attention to me. He ordered a delicious dinner. l was in no mood to ask for favors or to insist upon having anything he had not or dered, so we ate our dinner together, laughing and chatting as if we never had disagreed about the slightest thing. I had not enjoyed myself so thoroughly in a long time as did that night. After the play we had a rarebit at a quaint little eating house near the thea tre, then rode home in a taxi.
 Thank you for a very pleasant eve ming, Manville,' l said as started up- stairs.
 Coming into your own room to- night?" he asked in a pretended care less manner.
 "No-not until Martha goes. Good night, and thank you again. He made no reply. I was tired and went at once to sleep so I did not know until long afterward that he walked the floor in the library nearly all night trying to decide what to do-how far he would be justified in giving way to me.
 "You may take a vacation, Martha, until my aunt returns," he was saying to her when I joined him in the break fast room. Nancy will wait upon us until you return. I shall give you the same pay, of course," he added before Martha had time to object.
 "Very well, sir. When will you be wanting me back?"
 Aunt will probably be here in about two weeks. Leave your address. will let you know when to return"
 made no remark whatever, but ate a hearty breakfast, Nancy waiting on us. That morning Manville kissed me goodbye, the first time in three days 1 longed to throw my arms around his neck and ask him to be good and kind to me, to make me love him instead of fear him. But I controlled myself only saying:
 Shall you dine at homeT'
 "Yes, unless something of which know nothing turns up."
 was almost happy all day long Yet knew that really l had accom- plished very little. In not one of the things had enumerated when I talked with him had he changed. That he had sent Martha away was the only concession he had made and that he had done in his own way, a manner tC bring the least of comfort to me. He had given her a two weeks vacation with full pay and the promise of her place back when the two weeks were up Really had gained little.
 Cook and 1 were not discharged even if she threatened we would be, " Nancy remarked, when I told her she would have extra work because of Mar thas absence. ''I wouldn't care if ] had to work twice as hard if you want me to, Mrs Hyde. Neither would cook. l She told me to tell you so. We both