Evening journal., 1913-05-09
The Final
Argument
By BELLE STORMS


that fervor which is to be expected at
such times, II. 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 a fortune. Her mind dweli
rather upon those matrimonial quick
sands married persons are liable to fall
into and which, though she knew them
not. she dreaded.
II confess" she said. that I am
predisposed in your favor. but
but what7"
1T is not marriage with you that
causes me to pause IL Is marriage Il
self. Indeed we hear more and more
every day Of the disadvantages Of two
persons binding themselves together
for a lifetime. We hear a great deal
Of divorces. Of marriage being a 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 a field Of growing cabbages."
Not a garden Of roses, with their
delicious perfume"
And their thorns"
What do you say 10 our entering
upon independent marriage"
"rhere are many marriage contracts
that may be classed under the head Of
independent marriage To what par
ticular form DO you referT
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 Il will be a form
without meaning since we win live
together only so long as we both de-
sire to do so. The finances are kept
separate"
A 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 advantage-we will
feel an Independence. freedom that
we would not feel II 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 graspec
q rose growing near her and held lis
stem so that its waxen petals fel
against her lips while she inhaled IL
perfume.
81 have counter proposition e
make" she said finally 81 will &C
cept your proposal. it being understood
that you are bound till death do u
part 10 he free, as you have stated.
II was now the mans turn TO con
slider. He said nothing for time
though he gave a startled glance at hi
companion He was young. and thi
was his first serious experience will
womankind. The proposition that ha'
just been announced seemed a trih'
one sided.
would you consider that an equita
bic arrangement" he asked.
"Perfectly"
"why soy
Because If we should not get on to
gether-if you i'll treated me. if any o
the misfortunes OF marriage shoul'
come upon us-I would be free to re
turn to my present state"
"And I: What. in case Of thes
matrimonial misfortunes-what woul'
dog'
"These matrimonial misfortune
would not be my fault Therefore yol
would have no occasion to exercis
freedom
He was a law student and bad th
day before listened to a lecture Of a.
eminent jurist on contracts" Is it {
be wondered that this specimen o
feminine jurisprudence in the abstrac
astonished him;
Il think" he said. rising. that
would not care to enter upon matri
mony with such an understanding"
"why so?" she asked. looking up a
him reproachfully.
1T would avail nothing to give M
reasons. do not care to do So"
How absurd. Didn't ! Just Civ
you my reasonsf"
Reasons" DO you call them res
sons?"
''Of course. why not?"
'Verv well. 7 will give you min'
I am to he an attorney. perhaps som
day q judge. What would 7 do wit
justice in court and such want Of jul
tice at home? Goodby."
He had taken but two OF three steT
when he heard sound Turning. I
saw her holding her handkerchief
her eyes. while convulsive sobs shoe
, her. He went back. drew down n
hands and kissed away the tears
"You see." she said. still weepin
, 'that was right. lust think OF beiI
tied to a man who would treat me so
! Sweetheart. TIL never do II again .
He did in time become an emlneI
: Judge His decisions were always col
. firmed by the upper courts. But whe
he went home he left fuetfce IN ~