Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-04-22
MY WIFE AND |
BY CAROLYN BEECHER

What has GONE before.-Rohert Bruce
Henderson, young lawyer, falls victim to
the charms of Natalie while on busl-
ness trip to a small western town, and
marres her at once, without knowing
much about her or her family. Within
two weeks they begin housekeeping in
New York apartment. Roberts uncle,
for whom he was named, disapproves OF
the haste Of the wooing and wedding,
but says nothing.-Now go on with the
story.
CHAPTER "
~ USILY at work, l had not heard the
K door open.
~ Hello, old man! How are you?"
GARTH" l exclaimed springing up. i
thought you were somewhere at the ends OF
the earth. When did you get in, and how
are your
'Fit as a fiddle. SO you're benedict? I
expect pride would make you swear to be-
ing all right, even if you were the most mis-
cradle man on earth
cynical as ever" l replied as In response
to his invitation we left the office to lunch
together
'No-but can't get used to the idea Of
I your marrying. It's incongruous-oh, well.
what's done can be undone nowadays, so
here's hoping you'll be happy until that day
arrives
mo such day will ever come, so try to
stihe your unholy glee in the thought
said as we entered the restaurant.
| Garth Holden, handsome, cynical, rich, had
! been my chum in college and we still kept
| up our intimacy. l resented his inference
| that my marriage would be indefinitely
! happy yet was not offended, knowing him
and his fOndness for me.
"Why not dine with us tonight?"
"The sooner the better" he replied. II
am anxious to meet the woman who has
taken my place in your heart" he added
laughingly
'Nonsense!" thrilled as I thought of his
surprise when he saw Natalie.
Back in the office l found thoughts OF
Natalie intruding upon my work. Garth's
questions, his quickly aroused interest when
1 told of my hasty wooing, had someway dis
! turbed me. How little after all 1 knew OF
her, the real Natalie, the inner life of her.
| She seemed all amiability and sweetness
but what was she Iike-really?
| With shrug [ bent to my tasks. l was
happy, why question?
Twas anxious that Garth should like Nat
allie, that they should hit it off together.
telephoned her I had asked him to dinner
| hurried home earlier than usual, sure
| that Natalie would want to know more about
Garth before meeting him.
whats he like?" she asked while she
| finished dressing.
I Its hard to describe Garth" replied.
| "The best fellow in the world, cynical, clev-
err, handsome and fairly reeking with money.
He doesn't believe very strongly in mar
riage-but We'll make him change his
mind"
"a composite picture" A flicker Of in
terest in her eyes "He doesn't approve of
| your marrying me-" 1t was not a question.
He will after he sees you"
| "Fatterer," she returned just as Garth
arrived.
| She greeted him charmingy I noticed
| slight lifting Of his brows, a trick he had
when surprised. She had aroused his inter-
est at once.
! She wore a soft clingng dress Of an in
descrbable color like pale moonlight. 1t was
daring in cut but became her wonderfully.
She wore no ornament save a 1avallfere a
single large diamond hung from a slender
platinum thread, my wedding gift. Her
I dark hair piled high her small head add
| ed height and grace. | very full OF
pride as I saw the impression she made
Garth admired the rooms, the furnishings.
''Natalie's TASTE" I told him.
The dinner was delicious and as he was
/ something Of a trencherman l watched his
I admiration grow.
| After dinner we played cards, three
handed game Of poker Natalie won and it
added to her gaiety. She fairly scintilated
''You have met Bruce's uncle, of course"
! Garth remarked. "A delightful man.
eyes, but he doesn't like me-" she replied
| Again Garth lifted his brows. Uncle's
home had been open to him always and
real affection existed between them.
"Natalie imagines uncle doesn't like her.
I broke in. He is lonely, misses me, and is
| more quiet than usual, but l tell her that as
soon as he knows her he will love her"
! "Of course he can't be expected to act as
impulsiyely as Bruce did Garth smiled at
Natalie. But he is a wonderfully kind and
Just man"
Natalie made little moue
THAT means he will like me II deserve
it," she Queried, then spoke OF something
else, giving him no chance to reply.
1t was midnight when Garth left.
I'VE shall expect you to make this your
second home" ! told him. l had insisted
they call each other by their given names.
Good night, Natalie" He bent over her
hand with cOurtly grace.
Good night, Garth" She flashed him a
look that l never had seen in her eyes be-
fore, look | could not analyze.
We'll what do you think of Garth?" I
asked as the door closed after him.
Il don't know think he is-interest-
Ifng." StiAed a yawn.
l was disappointed. She hadn't cared for
my friend
Continued Thursday You will find this
new story by Miss Beecher to be even better