The Washington herald., 1920-08-26
The Marriage Mill
LII-THE ULTIMATuM.
By Mildred X. Barbo'fr
Copyright. 1920. BY The Wheeler
Syndicate. Incl

Slipping out of her bridesmaids
gown and into a neglige. Alison
curled UP on the window seat where
the soft night breeze could fan her
hot face and throat that stin quiv-
cred with anger and resentment.
She had not long to wait for
Lawrence. She heard the car stop
before the house. and leaning out
gfimpsed her young husband strid-
ing up the path from the gate.
There were a few moments OF
low-voiced conversation on the
veraBda; then she heard him come
bounding up the stairs in his usual
fashion. three steps at a leap.
He came into the bright light of
the room, blinking a little after the
darkness.
For Gods sake. Alison what sils
your" he demanded. Jane says
you've just insulted the family be-
cause they suggested you oughn't
to drive at night with Bradley. Is
that true?"
Alison eyed him mutinously.
Its perfectly true-if you call
telling Jane to mind her own busi-
ness an insult"
He made an impatient gesture.
Never mind about Jane! 1t Is
true that you've been driving with
Bradley"
Alison stood up, her whole slender
figure trembling with fury.
Yes, it's true! And what Of it?
I've a right to drive with whom l
please, It's none of your business
nor your family's! You deliberately
left me while you took them for a
ride: you didn't care how 1 got
home or who brought me. II
wasn't fortunate enough" she pro-
nounCed the sentence with scOrn-
full sarcasm. ito secure an escort
of whom you fully approve, you
can't blame me. And l won't be
taken to task like a naughty childI
won't! l won't! Do you hear" she
cried Historically, stamping her
small foot.
ALISON. for the love Of Heaven!
Do you want the whole of Maple
wood to hear you! What do you
suppose the family"
a shrek of hystericaI mirth cut
short his words.
The family. of courseF Always
the family. Never me! won't
stand for it, I don't have to and
I'm not going to. 1 won't stay
under this roof another night. You
can take me to town nOw-or III
go to mother at the Springs"
AlisOn's voice had suddenly
calmed. She announced her ultima
tum quietly. Though she had not
definitely planned putting any such
decision up to Osborne, she haG
known subcOnSCiOusly ever since
receiving her mothers comforting
letter that the way was clear tC
force an understanding.
Don't be a fool he told her i'm.
patiently. I'm not taking you tC
task for accepting Bradley's escort
I do consider that il was damned
indiscreet."
oh, do you?" mimicked Alison
She went over to the dresser and
began to pull out the drawers and
toss their contents on the bed.
What are you dOinE?" demanded
Osborne.
Packing" succinctly. Are you
blind?'
He started forward.
Alison, for Gods sake
i am going to my mother. dc
you understand? I want to see her
l need her"
AAE > al Lt-u AOL " Hl u d CuLlOus
light in his eyes.
Allison, do you mean"
His tone. the question, were un-
mistakable. She blushed vividly.
Certainly not. Don't be absurd
l am going to mother because life
in this house is Unbearable. I can't
stand the constant criticism and
chickering's and exchange Of innu-
endo. When you are ready to give
me a home Of my own, you can
come for me"
Ignoring her last words, he stood
close to her. looking down at her
averted face.
Allison. why did you say how
absurd Don't you want children ~
She met his eyes braveIy.
Not while we are still fighting
for our own right to individual ex-
istencc. What chance would a poor
helpless baby have in this family?'