Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-10-24
ININ

VTyHEsN Mrs. Rowland finally deigned
w to put in an appearance looking
pale and weak from her long sojourn
indoors. matters had somewhat adjusted
~, themselves Mrs. Rowland took the re-
proachful attitude toward everything.
and no one could play the martyr role
better than she when she wanted TO play
IL. Ruth had begun 70 take matters
more calmly, and she did not allow her
mothers attitude to get on her nerves
as II would have directly after affairs
had first happened. She tried instead 20
laugh at things, and to try 10 get her
mother 10 see everything from the van
tage point OF a sense Of humor, which
was difficult enough
Mrs. Rowland would sigh deeply and
inquire about some lovely wedding g!tt
that had been received.
II had just pictured your little home
and you In the blue dining room pouring
coffee from that lovely old coffee pot the
Martins sent" she would mourn, or
"whatever did you do about the candle
sticks from the Graveses?' she would
exclsim IL the question happened 10
spring suddenly into her mind.
You'll never do as well again she
said once, and when Ruth laughed. al
though her heart ached at the viewpoint
her mother took of the entire matter,
Mrs. Rowland looked as panied and dis
approving as though Ruth had said
something wicked.
Mother. I want to go To France u
Ruth said suddenly one day AZ the
table.
Mrs. Rowland started az though she
had been shot. We'll. upon my word
What will you think OF next?" she re-
turned. ready 10 weep on the instant.
Well, after all why not?" Ruth per
sisted
Because | don't want you 10 go.
Mrs. Rowland returned. Heaven knows
Ruth, you have gone against my wishes
In the matter Of this work that you have
persisted in; you have had your owr
way about breaking off the engagement
and that after the presents had beer
sent; I; you have caused me more worry
than even Helen Brsnder has caused her
parents in the way Of talk and gossip
and now. on top of everything YOU want
10 go to France. I simply will never
consent.
Whatever put the idea into YOU
head?'
why, its natural enough. mother
Ruth said passionately surely yo'
didn't think l was happy about matters
did you? | want to get away where
can work hard and forget if | can. II
feel better II | can be in the heart o
things and l know that women ar
needed
That's nonsense. France is cluttere
with women who are useless; girls VIII
are eager to get into the adventure an
then fall down when they are asked I
do hard work.
Ruth was surprised at her mother
sagacity. Where had she heard OF sue
q state of affairs?
IAN the more reason why women VIII
want to work and are willing to d
anything should go across" she arsue'
Are you willing 10 do everything
.'Oh, mother; I wish had II
chance
'Scrub floors in hospitals, wash dish'
in canteens. all the things that preti
sirls like you find so dirfcult?''
Yes YES Mother. would you /
willing for me to go-would you?'
Mrs Rowland shook her hea'
.'Neyer." she returned never II
ali right for girls like Myra Briggs
girls who are physically unattractiye al
conAparatively safe but girls like 80
are not needed. what about your dut
10 your home and TO NEE
"But you were willing for me TO b
married to Jack and leave you"
AS IL there were any similarity b'
tween the two cases. Then YOU woul
have been right near me here in Me-
York, safe and sound. and there woul
be 40 need q worrying about you.
teil you, Ruth. this worrying is bad 70
me- ana I oushtnt TO have any NOR
o{ Il. II you care anything at all "a
1h< way I feel. YOU will give up thI
A. wIi1 Idea and stay at home with ma
rckor Bradley says 1 must not silo