Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-03
MY WIFE AND |
BY CAROLYN BEECHER
CHAPTER XXXIV

~ FTEN at this time, as I had when was
J first married, I wondered If knew
- Natalie at all, the real Natalie.
was constantly being surprised at something
she would do or say. When we went out
whether with friends alone, she was as
full of vivacity as ever, seemed to care for
nothing but pleasure And when she re-
manned at home she never pouted, was never
cross or unpleasant, but she held herself
aloof and frequently took a book and retired
to her room early to read, leaving me alone.
She had accepted my decision anent going
out because she must. She still craved the
old excitement, still longed to "have some-
thing doing every night-so | believed. We
entertained our friends perhaps once week,
went out two or three times That was all.
and compared to the hectic life we had led it
was a noticeable change.
"You two have at last decided to settle
down into old married people, have you?"
Ned Church asked.
Bruce has so decided Natalie answered.
81 for one don't blame him for wanting to
keep you to himself" Ned replied, laughing
a little. "Yet he never had any need to
worry. You never gave the rest of us a
chance to run away with you"
why change the ills we know for those
we wot not OFF, Natalie said with one of her
brightest smiles
why, indeed?" Ned looked at her sharp
ly. whats come over you, Natalie? Tired
of all of us?"
Eyes, and of myself" she replied, then
changed the subject.
She was so bored. I tried to think OF
something to interest her. to take the place
of the excitement she so evidently missed.
1t was Uncle Robert who accomplished what
unable to. do.
We had been married three years. I spent
hours in the shops trying to find something
to please Natalie, something l could afford.
Finaly,-I decided upon diamond and plati.
| of Of mir Jocio
Our anniversary came on a Sunday. I had
begged Nataies permission to ask Uncle
Robert to have midday dinner with us. In
the evening we were to hear Galli-Curci sing.
He came early and had been with us but
few moments when the loud honk-honk OF a
car drew me to the window He followed.
smart coupe was drawn up at the curb and
l noticed that Uncle's chauffeur had brought ,
it. His own car stood some distance away.
Uncle took folded paper from his pocket
and laid it on the table beside Natalie.
my gift to you and Bruce he said
looked oyer her shoulder as she unfolded the
paper. 1t was receipt for the car.
"How kind" l said as thanked him, my
eyes on Natalie. She rose, went to the VIM
dow, then turned and kissed Uncle Robert
you are very good to us. I haven't de-
served it from you she said.
OF her own volitiOn she. had kissed my
uncle. l think at the moment it meant more
to me than his gift 1 had noticed with pleas
ure that she had acted more considerably
and spoken more kindly of him of late-but
to kiss him. His dear old face flushed with
delight.
II knew we should be friends some day.
Natalie" he said softly.
AS she turned away l her eyes were
moist.
you've forgiven me?"
1--WE nothing to forgive, my dear, unless
could get another kiss by pretending I
had"
Once again she kissed him.
James (his chauffeur) shall teach you to
run it, then you can drive Bruce down to the
office and go after him whenever you
want to-
The maid just then announced dinner, and
did not hear her low-spoken reply. Would
she learn to drive it or would she insist upon
having a chauffeur? And if she did insist
should I agree to having one? I decided I
would not. I would stick to my guns no
matter what the cost.
had laid the box containing her bracelet
beside her plate
ooh, how lovely! Thank you, Bruce"
That was all. She had not offered to kiss
me. She had changed-but not toward me.
l tried to hide my depression and was sure
it had passed unnoticed.
would you like to try the carr" Uncle
asked Natalie as we rose from the table. II
told James to come back, thinking you
might"
II should love it. The car Is a beauty,
just the color 1 admire most" 1t was rich.
dark blue.
II had a special body made and told them
to fit it up for very lovely little lady whose
taste mustn't be offended" Uncle said
After we had seen Natalie roll away with
James, Uncle Robert turned to me-
Il am very glad that Natalie has at last
accepted me. And, my boy, l believe she
will be all you desire in time. 1 haven't
been blind to the fact that all was not we'll
between you, that you weren't as happy as I
could wish. You are sure you aren't in some
way partially to blame?"
Il have honestly tried to do everything I
could" YEARLY replied. 1--WE never quar-
rel. L wish to God we did. 1t might clear
the air. She is bright, always pleasant, never
nags or pouts. But she is far from me as
the stars. And can get nearer. Some
times wonder if ae wouldn't be happier il
let her CO.,
This story ends next Tuesday. Renew
your subscription now to avoid missing the
final chapter.
MN NODJTE CTODIEC l-I