The Washington herald., 1920-12-03
The Marriage Mill
By Mildred X. Barbour
Copyright. 1920. BY The Wheeler
Syndicate. Incl
THE ACCUSATION.

THE ACCUSATION.
Ovens mother detained Alison
as the latter was making her
adieux.
Surely you're not going, Alison?
We're having a little informal sup
per for the receiving party. Why
not phone Larry and have him join
us?'
A half gasp from Gwen at her
mothers faux pas and Diane Evans
quick, eager glance. brought the
blood to AIison's cheeks.
so sorry" she managed to an
swer' evenly. Larry is out of
town for a few. days and / am stay
ing with mother. We have some
people coming to dine tonight"
1t was a fagrant untruth, but
she told it well. She was rewarded
by seeing a look of curious relief
cross Diane Evans mobile face.
Was 1t possible that the girl did
not know of Larry's departure, and
thought herself neglected?
Charming party. Gwen" Alison
continued easily. "How about the
nineteenth for my luncheon for you
and Miss Evans? / think I'll have
1t in town at the Blackmore, and
we can do a matinee afterward
What do you say?' turning to the
girl.
Delightful" murmured Diane
evans. but her dark eyes smoldered
~esentfully. 1t was evident that
she did not relish overtures of
friendship from Alison Osborne.
Out in the chill winter darkness,
Alison turned resolutely homeward.
She shrank from an interview with
barbara Wales, yet her curiosity
with REGARD to the outcome of the
lawyers visit impelled her
She was crossing the Avenue un-
der an arc light. when a car drew
up beside the curb and high
pitched voice called her name.
1t was Jane Wardwell. Alison
realized with little sinking of
the heart, and .Larry's mother oc-
cupied the seat beside her. Myra
drove, as usual.
With a sigh of resignation. Ali
son crossed to the curb, managing
to summon a faint smile.
Get in!'S Mrs. Osborne swung
open the door of the tonneau and
motioned perenptorily.
Ncaiiy ueRan Alison,
But before her mother-in-law's
stony glance, she obeyed help
lessly.
well. must say things have
| come to a pretty pass when the
only way We can see Larry's wife
is to pick her up off the street,''
| sniffed Jane. You're certainly
/ acting queerly of late, Alison. We
! went to see you night before last
and you didn't come home all even
| ing"
IF you want to know the truth"
returned Alison deliberately. 81
didn't want to see you. knew
what you wanted to say to me, and
had no desire to be taken to task
| like a naughty child"
oh, stop ii, for Heavens saker'
Myra spoke up for the first time
! Cant We all be together a second
| without rowing? Jane, you're pos
itively insolent! It's none of your
business il Alison would rather go
out in the evening than listen 10
your pointed remarks"
Jane snorted. but her angry re-
tort was interrupted by Mrs. Os-
borne, who broke in peremptorily:
This matter rests entirely be-
tween Alison and me. i win con-
slider 1t favor IL the rest of the
family keep out"
"Indeed!" Alison's ready temper
was rising. Il beg to disagree
with you. This matter concerns
Larry and me only. 1t lis nobody's
| prerogative to mix In"
Larry is my son." Mrs Osborne
said sharply.
And my husband" Alison re-
minded her. THE question is now
and has always been-which of us
has the greater right to himy'
! You have abused your right"