The herald., 1913-06-05
The Final
Argument
BY BELLE STORMS

that their surroundings would induce
that fervor which is To be expected ut
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 a 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.
II confess" she said. that l am
predisposed in your favor, but
But what!'
1T is not marriage with you that
causes me TO pause. 1t Is marriage IL
self Indeed. we hear more and more
every day of the disadvantages OF two
persons binding themselves together
for Il lifetime. We hear a 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 a field of growing cabbages."
Not 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"
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 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
a rose growing near her and held its
stem so that its waxen petals fell
against her lips while she inhaled its
perfume.
81 have a counter proposition to
make" she said finally. 81 will ac-
cept your proposal, it 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
lust been announced seemed a trifle
one sided.
would you consider that an equita-
BILE arrangement he asked.
Perfectly"
"Why soT'
Because If we should not get on to-
gether-if you ill treated me. If any of
the misfortunes of marriage should
come upon us-I would be free to re-
turn to my present state"
"And 1? What, in case Of these
matrimonial misfortunes-what would
Ido?"
''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 a lecture Of an
eminent jurist on contracts" Is it to
be 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 so?" she asked, looking up al
him reproachfully.
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 not?"
Every well. I 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 step!
when he heard a sound. Turning. b,
: saw her holding her handkerchief t.
her eyes, while convulsive sobs shool
her. He went back. drew down tn,
hands and kissed away the tears.
you see," she said. still weeping
, that was right Just think of bein.
tied to a man who would treat me sop
Sweetheart, I'll never do it again"
, He did In time become an eminent
. Judge. His decisions were always con
firmed by the upper courts. But wheI
he went home he left justice in The
courtroom. And yet his wife said tt