The Washington herald., 1920-10-23
WONAN'S AFFAIRS: WASE 1NGTONA NANDE LSEWI4ERE|
The eMariiage Mill
By Mildred X. Barbour
Copyright. 1870. by The Wheeler
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Alison caught the 6:22.
Her mother was still mysteriousIy
absent, and Barbara Wales, having
wrung from her what she intended
doing, washed her hands of the
whole affair. to quote the lady her
self, but not until she had made
long and caustic comment upon
what fools women were and how
men could wrap them around their
little fingers.
Despite the hostile atmosphere,
Alison determined to go through
with it. She felt as IL she were
moving in a dream; as though not
she. but some other woman with
her hair and eyes and slim sveIte
figure garbed in. smart tailored
suit and jaunty. hat with a sable
around her white throat were
boarding the e:22.
She had even stopped to pur-
chase an orchid at the florists. and
wore it tucked in the front of her
ccrsage.
The nap. taken at Larry's sug-
gestion, had left her eyes bright
and>sparkling. Her skin was fresh
and fragrantly pallid as the petal
of a lily. Her red lips were never
quite so red.
Several men cast an appreciative
glance after her as she made her
hn afg gIa 80 -.
SEAT
Suddenly a hand reached out TO
detain her, and Gwen Parker's
voice said:
This is luck! What takes you
to town so late?"
Allison sank into the seat beside
her.
"Going to dine with Larry. And
you?"
Gwen looked away, her eyes fol-
lowing the dark landscape that
flashed by as the train tore through
the night.
i've a dinner engagement, too"
she admitted. DO you have to ask
more?"
Allison shrugged.
ais it wiser"
Are women ever wise-when
they lover parried Gwen.
But your guest-Miss Evans?''
Gwen made a wry face.
That is the reason for this trip
to town. She's a dear. but she
tries TO monopolize Warren. We've
planned one evening alone. 1t was
fate that she happens to have an
old admirer looking after her this
evening"
Alison hesitated. She knew that
she was treading on delicate
ground.
But. Gwen, in view of the pos
sible divorce, can you afford to be
seen alone in town with Mr.. Brad
ley?"
The look Gwen turned on her
brought a flush to Alison's cheeks.
Have you ever considered that
Alison's glance faltered.
Il don't-what do you mean?" she
stammered.
Alison" Ovens tone was very
quiet, but it had a quality which
Alison had never before detected,
do you think l don't know? Dc
you think I haven't seen Warren
flirting with you? Do you think I
was blind not to know you had
gone riding alone with him."
| "But-but-that was different"
protested Alison; Il am married
and-and-"
Exactly" remarked the other
/ girl dryly. And you young mar
ried women think you can get away
with anything. If you have one
man safely anchored as a badge Of
! convention and respectability. you
think you can fiirt pretty much as
you please. don't you?"
! Alison was silent. She knew that
she had no defense.
! oh. Alison. Alison" whispered
/ Gwen, do you know you have tor
tured me? have seen Warren
slipping away from me day by day,
and l was powerless. haven't
even the right to claim him as an
admirer. to resent his attentions
to you. And I love him! 1 have
no pride left, I should hate him
q he is everything I detest in a man
/ But don't hate him, I cant! Love
comes without reason, all un-
sought"
The train was drawing into g
: station. Behind the two girls q
! woman rose and passed down the
aisle. For a moment under the
electric light her features were Yisi-
BILE through her chiffon yelling.
Gwen Parker clutched Alison.
arm.
THAT was warren's wife" she
gasped.
CTo be continued Monday