The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1913-05-02
The Final
Argument
By BELLE STORMS

pTOpoSeu udrridge. ana IL would seem
that their surroundings would induce
that fervor which is to be expected at
such times, If, indeed, the case was one
of mutual love. But the lady was
above such influences. She was look
ing at the step before her analytically
The wherewithal to keep house togeth-
er did not concern her, for each pos
sessed fortune. Her mind dwelt
rather upon those matrimonial quick
sands married persons are liable to fall
into and which. though she knew them
not. she dreaded.
IL confess" she said, that l am
predisposed In your favor, butt
But what?"
1T is not marriage with You that
causes me to pause. 1t is marriage it.
self Indeed. we hear more and more
every day of the disadvantages of two
persons binding themselves together
for lifetime. We hear q great deal
Of divorces, of marriage being fail
ure and lately of experimental mar
riage and independent marriage. These
things Indicate that the world has
passed beyond that old fashioned union
Of the sexes wherein the man provides
the woman takes care of the home
and the children. and domestic life is
like field OF growing cabbages."
Not a garden of roses, with their
delicious perfume"
And their thorns."
What do you say to our entering
upon independent marriage?"
There are many marriage contracts
that may be classed under the head of
independent marriage. To what par
ticular form do you refer?'
Suppose we consent to live together
as man and wife; that we may not
shock society and for the sake of our
children we submit to a marriage cere-
mony. But to us IT will be a form
without meaning since we will live
together only so long as we both de
sire to do so. The finances are kept
separate"
silence followed this suggestion,
during which the lady pondered and
the man waited.
81 cannot see" she said. that your
proposal can alter the case. We will
be on the same footing as other mar
ried persons"
There is this advautage-we will
feel IN Independence, a freedom that
we would not feel if married under the
understanding that the contract was
till death do us part"
Again the lady maintained silence
turning the matter over In her mind
Stretching oUt her hand, she grasped
rose growing near her and held its
stem so that iiS waXen petals fell
against her lips while she inhaled its
perfume.
81 have a counter proposition to
make" she said finally. Il will ac-
cept your proposal. 1t being understood
that you are bound till death do us
part, to be free. as you have stated
1t was now the mans turn to con
slider. He said nothing for time
though he gave a startled glance at his
companion. He was young, and this
was his first serious experience with
womankind The proposition that had
just been announced seemed a trihe
one sided.
"WOuld you consider that an equita
bic arrangements he asked.
Perfectly"
"Why so?'
Because If we should not get on to.
gether-if yOu i'll treated me, If any of
the misfortunes of marriage should
come upon us-l would be free to re
turn to my present state"
"And I? What, in case Of these
matrimonial misfortunes-what would
doT'
"These matrimonial misfortunes
would not be my fault. Therefore you
would have no occasion to exercise
freedom"
He was a law student and had the
day before listened to lecture of an
eminent iurist on contracts" Is 1t to
he wondered that this specimen OF
feminine Jurisprudence in the abstract
astonished him?
81 think" he said, rising. that |
would not care to enter upon matri
mony with such an understanding"
"Why SOP" she asked. looking up at
him responsibility.
at would avail nothing to give my
reasons. / do not care to do So"
How absurd! Didn't just give
you my reasons|
''Reasons" Do you call them rea
sons?'
''Of course. Why notf"
Every we'll. l. will give you mine
am to be AN attorney. perhaps some
day judge. What would do with
justice in court and such want Of JUS
tice at home? Goodby."
He had taken but two or three steps
when he heard sound. Turning, he
saw her holding her handkerchief to
her eyes. while convulsive sobs shook
her. He went back. drew down the
hands and kissed away the tears.
"You see." she said. still weeping
that ] was right Just think OF being
tied to q man who would treat me so.'
Sweetheart, III never do 1t again"
He did in time become an eminent
Judge. His decisions were always con
firmed by the upper courts. But when
he went home he left justice in the
courtroom. And yet his wife said to
him one day:
uJ dop,< sao ho- n man coo hr N