The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-10-30
TOMLINSON'S CLIENT.
[From the Record Herald.l

FROM the tNeCOIu I1tldlu.I
He was browsing over some old let
tiers in the study of his law office when
the boy brought in her card. snow nel
In said Lawyer Tomlinson. reading
the name Mrs. j. Craney Fotherlng-
ham," She entered hesitatlngiy, but
with fine grace and he saw that she
was very handsome, very fashionable
and very much embarrassed. SO he
closed the door and fetched chair
what can 1 do for you madam he
began, facing her so that the light from
the window fell upon her radiant face
"I-you are Mr.. Tomlinson. the laws
yer, are you not2"
He nodded, and she contemplated his
serious face with undisguised adrnlr3-
ton. Then. after a pause which made
him wonder she resumed: Il wanted to
talk to you about getting divorce. l.
what's the matter sir2'
He had risen and was walking up and
down with his hands in his pockets.
Observation-Disclosures That is, ex-
cuse me, madam. I don't believe in di-
vorces. How long have you been mar
ried?' His manner was brusque.
Seven years and. oh sir. l can't
stand 1t any longer With pathos br1m-
ming to her fine eyes she looked at him
Whats the trouble? Does he beat
you? Is he unfaithful? Or. or, CONT
now-youre in love with some one else?
Eh?"
mo. mol Not at all He-he just
doesn't understand me- We're not COM
patible I was only child, sir He
doesn't care for me now at all. 1 wish
he'd get the divorce, but
"Of course" laughed TOmlinsOn, he
can't find any fault with you. But you
haven't answered me. Do you want to
get married again?"
7? Oh no, sir 1 hadn't thought of
that"
well that sounds sensible enough
Have you any children p. -.---~-
Yes. sir. Just one"
'Wel.that settles it." snapped the
lawyer, sitting down. 7 won't get you
a divorce. See here Mrs.-ah-Fother-
ingham Take my advice. It won't cost
you anything-this time. Put the di-
vCrce idea out of your head. There's
nothing in it. IF your husband is rea-
sOnably kind, keeps sO-that is, if he
offers you no indignities, social moral
or physical why you'd better let well
enough alone. What the devil-excuse
me, ma am, what's the use of disgracing
your child. getting your name into the
newspapers, casting off your domestic
responsibilities and-weH making a fool
Of yourself generally? I don't want your
Zee. You'll find plenty Of lawyers who'll
take that-but take my advice, and don t
do it"
When he looked I'D at her she was
smiling almost affectionately into his
eyes. She sat thus, quite still for a mo-
ment, and the lawyer felt a bit scared.
But she asked. very softly: Are you
--A.+A
"Ah, er-well 7 should say so Mar
RED! I've a daughter as big as your
But he was more astOnished at her
query than he cared to show, and he
waited for her to proceed
Il didn't say that" he replied. less
harshly. Il just advised you not to start
1t. you'll excuse me now. I've got IL
30. Let's seel Oh, yes. Write out your
causes for -everything-and
come in tomorrow at half past 3. Thai
1t. Good day"
She went out very slowly, looking
coquettishly over her shoulder and Isnl
Ing, "Goodby then, till tomorrow
Lawyer Tomlinson was much puzzled
ABOUT tbs odd client. If he had been
on confidential terms with his family
he might have talked her over with
his wife. But Tomlinson's home liz
hardly deserved the name. HIS
wife was very intellectual vvo-
man, but she wasn't interested in the
law. She belonged" to too many things
She was tangled up in a dozen s.n0Ve.
ments.' reforms. cults. He wasn't. and
Tor two years, ever since his daughter be-