The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-05-06
SOME PRIVATE
INQUIRIES.
BY MARIE DELoCoFF.
Copyrighted. 1903. BY Associated
Literary Press,
By MARIE DELoGoFF.

There were compliments, congratula-
tons and showers of rice and slippers
when Livingston Perry and Marjory
Manners were wed. Some people ac-
tually said IL was love match and
that the honeymoon would last for
years. Only some people said that
however Others knew ii to be simply
a fashionable weddi.
Not that the turtledoves do not COO
when fashionable wedding takes
place. but they must COO very gently
and cut it as short as possible. 1t is
not good form for Cupid TO frolic in
high society.
In this case the skeptical ones soon
had reason to say. Il told you sor'
There were various little things that
brought 1t about, but the principal one
was that after three months Of ex-
tremely conventional politeness Mr..
and Mrs. Perry discovered that they
were not suited to each other.
Both were full Of opinion. and both
were stubborn. Both were extrava-
CANT Both felt the loss of personal
freedom. Feeling thus. II was easy to
find fault. and fault finding soon led to
more serious things.
They declared an armed truce for
another three months. and then each
decided that separation was inevitable.
Still. husbands and wives cannot very
well separate without somp reasonable
excuse to give to their friends.
Marjory couldn't think Of one. and
Livingston was In the same predica-
ment. Both bent their minds to the
problem. and. as they had plenty Of
time, they did It faithfully.
On the same day and almost at the
same hour bright thought struck
this unhappy couple simultaneously.
1t was to hire somebody to investigate
and ind the valid excuses that were
needed.
They had known each other for q
year and half previous to marriage.
but after all. that was nothing. For
mality had prevented each one from
even knowing what relatives the other
had. outside Of Marjory's matchmak-
ing mamma and Livingston's rather in
different father. Her hand had been
kissed. a declaration Of lore made. the
engagement announced. and that was
the whole story OF their lovemaking.
There must have been something In
the life Of each TO give the other
the advantage sought for. The way
TO discover II was through private
inquiry agency-"Inquiries made. the
past investigated: secret, honorable
experienced agents. terms reasonable"
why. of course" thought Marjory.
Easiest thing In the world" thought
Livingston II didn't so happen that
both husband and wife called for the
services of the same agency. but the
Investigators began 10 work az about
the same time. And while they were
investigating there was continuation
Of the truce between husband and
wife.
II was the calm before the storm.
They were so placid and pliable that
at times. many times during each day,
they seemed to have reached the point
where they appreciated each other.
Some OF their dearest friends almost
feared that the couple wouldn't sepa-
rate after all. and thus another choice
subject for brilliant conversation
would be lost 10 society.
After about four weeks an official
looking letter was delivered 10 the hus.
band az his club He had been wait.
ing for just such letter. and he was
so anxious 10 see its contents that he
glanced only carelessly Ut the super.
scrlption.
His first surprise came a moment
later. when be saw the words Dear
Madam" swimming before his eyes.
Nov. be was not dear madam :
Yet be went right on aud read that
private inquiry report to the end. lie
couldn't help II. though be felt that be
was base.
I'VE find that your husband was
known 70 have a very bad temper as
far back as twenty years ago." wrote
the investigator. people who know
him best are unit 10 agreeing that be
= very selfish by nature and hopeless.
b tenacious Of bis opinions.
Ills overbearing disposition" con.
tfuued the report. has alienated many
friends and several relatives. In one
instance. during bis bachelorbood
days. be nearly threw dish at bis
cook and would have inflicted serious
injury had be made good bis threat. as
there n every reason 70 believe be
might have done.
I'VE have not been able TO prove. but
stiIi strongly suspect. that you are not
the frst nor even the second nor third
woman be has loved or pretended TO
love.
I'VE have II from his ex-vaiet that
he arose several times at midnight to
wander around his room or smoke
cigarettes. as n greatly worried This
should b. . strong point for q good
lawyer 20 work up"
Livingston Perry felt rather DAT
when be bad read 90 far. IL struck
him that. AZ sesn By others, be was
hardly what could be called an excit'
ing character.
.smokes fifteen cent cigars. drinks
A.. ,ss..f .x.ansfva wdnox uaya his