The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-05
"TEMPORARY HUSBANDS"
New Tourist Plan to Assist Women
 Who Are Seeing Europe

London, November oo.-(Reciprocal News service.)-An old established travel bureau has taken another forward step in keeping with the times. The woman tourist is no longer to be condemned to travel with a party, but may be guid- ed, counselled and befriended without submitting to the gaze of the tourist curious" population of Europe.
 Madam does not need to submit to the uniformed attendant, although she may have him, dressed like an admiral or a general, if she so desire. But, in de- ference to the quieter. and costlier, tastes of the travelling public, the bureau pro- vides partners whose appearance is in keeping with the position of the trayeier provided of course, that she pays the bills.
 With her he travels through the coun- tries, stays at the same hotels and watches the bills for possible over charges, looking after her with all the care and none of the unwillingness of husband He usually dances and plays cards well, knows all the ropes and holds restraining hand on my lady's extravaganza. piloting her through the mazes of European antecedents. And is discreet withal. The bureau has looked into his antecedents. and his employers know his family connections backwards He may be the son of war-poor noble He had the grand manner. and escorts madame. conscious of the honor of her company and the privilege she has of traveing with him.
 Does the new scheme work? The ladies seem to like it. Tt is such wonder. ful relief" said Mrs. Calimania at the stately and famous hotel which she call ed the morgue. Isn't he handsome? But he's such a tightwad that I can't have any sort of real time. The only time he lets me spend money is when slip him and go off on my own"
 The conversation didn't seem to fraze the count-he must have been count at the very least-he was used to it.
 Perhaps some sort of apprehension crept into my face as her comment ran on, for she turned in surprise to me. He likes me to talk like that. He says ft is so. so refreshing, which is more than I can say for this place. A morgue, exactly. But we are going tomorrow. By the way, count, did you get that coat for me yesterday?
 No, madame, 1t was too expensive. You will get the sane coat for one-third the price when you reach Italy. and it will save the trouble of carrying it around"
 "And when we get to Italy he will say, wait till you see Cairol And there you are. But it is great invention. this new temporary husband business, with all the advantages of a man manager. and none of the disadvantages. Because. in the last decision. I win. And I win so easily comparatively. that is.'
 That is the new method Every con venience for the requisite fee. charm ing and agreeable companion, well edu- cated. polished. polite and trustworthy. who takes all the burden of travel and terror of arrangements from the happy tourists. and is at homo in Stratford or Capri. What more could be desired? The lady pays the bills and gets the advant- ages, the bureau moves with the times, and profits by it. Men of good family and education find remunerative em. ployment. and everybody is happy.
 There are other suggestions. however. Standing by the fireplace was tall. lonely tourist. A man. He probably over- heard our conversation. 1t would not be difficult to catch. When the temporary 'husband'' had hurried his charge off to the theatre the lonely man shyly offer ed his hospitality, and his suggestions.
 Really they are all summed up in one. eff only they'd reverse the proceedings now. and send a temporary wife around with a stranded, lonely desperately wasteful man.tourist. ciuld sec come sense in it."