Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-03-09
A Clear Statement of Facts

Dear Miss Thomas: Being one Of the new
ones. 1 gladly accept the generous invitation
you offer us.
am looking forward with interest to what
the Householders are going to say to Muriel
TO help her out Of her peck OF trouble. The
widower who makes her an advantageous
offer of marriage IS Of exemplary character. is
weil-off in this worlds goods is a good pro-
wider and has eight children. There is no
reason why she should not accept his pro-
posal? But she does not love him. In my
judgment that is sufficient reason Respect is
all very WELL but that one should have any
way: but Il does not take the place OF affec-
wife. and one should have heart full Of af-
lection for the father, fondness for children
and an inexhaustible store OF patience II sne
contemplates this step. With a one-year-old
child and others older in the home, there
would be long years Of weary work and many
responsibilities.
heart Muriel. could you bear that sentI-
ment living with a you could only re-
spect? And would it be fair to him to marry
him when you love another? No; then II you
do not love, do not marry. The connubial
yoke sits easy on the shoulders Of Love. but
Is most CALLING II deprived Of this one and
most sufficient support. Singleness is blessed
ness compared TO marriage without affection.
Be true to your own SOULS high ideals.
Perhaps no folly holds so strong place in
woman's mind that she can reclaim the
one she loves. IF he is a little fast now" she
tells herself. he will settle down after mar
riage. into quiet sensible husband" 1t IS
hack out she wakes TO find the will Of her
husband stronger than her own, too selfish for
any control, and her life begins its long agony
OF misery.
Yet. in spite Of the Indebtedness OF drunk
ards wives. young are continually
willing to marry men who are in the habit OF
indulging in the social glass A young woman
who marries man addicted to drinking
liquors is attaching to herself a dead weight
that will draw her down with himself
Muriel as life is precious to you and you
value II highly, take no such chances. Rather
than marry a man who drinks only now and
then for mis- friends sake. wait a while longer:
do not despair. there are many Young mer Of
noble character who are looking for true
pure wives and your chances are not TO be
considered finished
Most women have ineffective wish -
marry man superior to themselves in one
way or other. for their honor Is in their hus-
bands; their status in society is determined BY
his Once In while woman has force OF
character enough TO lift her husband up to
her own level. but II is at the peril Of her
higher life. II she finds Il impossible to Htt
him TO her level to sink 10 bis there re.
mains only lifelong regrets and bitter shame
and self-reproach. or the forcible setting OF
Of despair than hope. NY advice to Won
summed up. is to stay with your parents A
while longer. Il is no dishonor to be an OLD
maid and there is a God-like work for them
to do
Leo. we neighbors; therefore am very
much interested in you, your work. and youl
letters. I met you New Years night at a
party. Do you remember?
There are many things I wish to write about
in future. but time presses now.
With best wishes to Miss Thomas ard all the
Household, HOPE