The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-06-10
The Final
Argument
BY BELLE STORMS


bloom, and they were sitting together
In garden on a rustic bench enjoying
the delicious perfume. He had just
proposed marriage. and IL would seem
that their surroundings would induce
that fervor which is to be expected al
such times, IL. 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-
err 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 I am
predisposed In your favor, but
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 a 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 marriage cere-
mony. But to us 1t will be 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.
II 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 /
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.
II have counter proposition to 1
make" she said finally. II 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-
bIuSI. ne bdlu BOlIiH6 lOi tlnCy
though he gave startled glance at his '
He was young. and this I
was his first serious experience with I
The proposition that had
lust been announced seemed trife
,ne sided.
would you consider that an equita- i
Die arrangement" he asked. q
Perfectly" r.
"Why SOP k
Because IL we should not get on to- e.
,ether-if you iii treated me, IL any Of a
he misfortunes Of marriage should y
ome upon us--I would be free to re- .
urn to my present state
And 1? What, in case Of these
misfortunes-what would r
dof'
These matrimonial misfortunes
would not be my fault. Therefore you =
would have no occasion to exercise u
reedom." t,
He was a law student and had the ii
az before listened to lecture of an II
minent Jurist on contracts" Is 1t to ii
e wondered that this specimen of d.
eminine Jurisprudence in the abstract
him?
IT think" he said, rising. that I
vould not care to enter upon matd- 81
lony with such an understanding" =.
why sof" she asked, looking up at W.
i'm reproachfully. III
1T would avail nothing TO give my in
sasons. do not care to do So"
How absurd! Didn't Just give y,
OIL my reasons?' tn
"Reasonsp Do you call them rea- di
,ns" no
"0f course Why not?" ~
VERY well. will give you mine. =. =,
am to be an attorney. perhaps some Ia,
~ a Judge. What would I DO with
stice in court and such want of JUS
re at home? Goodby."
He had taken but two or three steps
hen he heard a sound Turning. he
w her holding her handkerchief to
n eyes. while convulsive sobs shook
r. He went back. drew down the
lnds and kissed away the tears. Fli
You see." she said. still weeping.
hat was right Just think of being
ID to a man who would treat me soi" r
Sweetheart. I'll never do IL again" H.
He did in time become an eminent liz
dye. His decisions were always con-