The Washington herald., 1920-11-26
SAFFAHsS: :WASI iINGTON AID ELSEWIIERE|
The eMarriage Mill
BY Mildred X. Bdrbour
DOWNRIGHT. 1880, b. The Wheslss
syadicsts. lSc.l
STRANGE SOURCE OF ADVICE.

A STRANGE SOURCE OF ADVICE.
In the end. Atherton had to re-
turn to town without seeing ALI
sons mother.
The little chafpg dish supper
ended. Alison went 70 the telephone
and called UP her mothers resi-
dence. only to be answered by Bar
bara Wales.
Well, you're an ungrateful crea-
ture" remarked that lady acidly
where on earth have you been for
the past eight hours7 Your impos.
stble tn-laws have Just left after
creating . ridiculous scene. II was
fortunate that was here to look
after our rights. Your mother 10 80
chicken-heartedi"
Thank you, Cousin Barbara" re-
sponded Alison meekly. I'm quite
sure my interests couldn't have
been In better hands. Your are-er
--homo for the eyeningT'
'Naturally-after having my ey-
ening spoiled by that vain Osborne
woman and the foof Jane Ward
well. I had intended to so to town.
but as it is"
Come now, Cousin. Barbara, own
up that you absolutely adore .
row." urged Alison wickediy.
But Miss Wales rang of with dig
nifty.
Alison turned to her listening
father with q shrug.
NO use!" The coast won't be
clear tonight"
You couldn't suggest that Emily
come here?"
"In mos aihIat Co,Stn p.,k..,
would be instantly suspicious, and
she would insist on coming too.
You'd better plan to see mother In
town, IL you think you must see her.
Personally, ! think IL 10 q waste of
time. Mother doesn't want you
back. She Is happy now. and too
wise to risk another marriage with
YOU"
He laughed harshly.
1t isn't exactly another mar
riage l want. It's her influence with
barbara in the interest Of a loan"
Alison stared at him curiousIy.
Why are you so frank with me7
] adore nay mother and am loyal to
her"
He smiled unpleasantly.
You are. frst Of all. your fathers
daughter, Alison. You may not
realise It, but you have inherited
traits from me which will make
you forever alien to your neither.
Look in the mirror look into your
heart--and you will discover that !
am telling the truth"
Alison shuddered. and turned to
the hre, as II for warmth from the
spiritual chill that shook her.
She knew that he was speaking
tha tFnth What
had told her; what her mother had
whispered in dread, was fact. She
was her fathers daughter, and only
environment and n stronger will
than her own could save her from
following In his footsteps.
You must 60 now" she told him.
1T is getting late and there Is no
chance vhatever OF your seeing
mother tonight will promise to
arrange an appointment for you in
town. Tonight have enough
troubles of my own without both
ering with yours"
He picked up his hat and stick
with a shrug.
I'm used to disappointments
But never give up. Thanks for the
bite OF supper. Hope I haven't got
you In wrong with your husband.
say. Alison" he paused for a mo-
ment. as though weighing what he
was about to say, II only got a
glimpse Of the chap. but he looks
like an uncommonly good sort III
were you, I'd think twice before I'd
let him go. Life at home with only
your mother and Barbara will be
hell. know what I'm talking
about. and I'd strongly advise you
to try to make a 60 OF marriage
with this Osborne. Barbara will
promise you all sorts of things
she's got the disappointed spinster's
fondness for breaking up other peo-
ple's homes-but when you try to
cash In on them, she'll make you
sweat"
Alison made an impatient little
gesture.
Il know. But what can / do now?
It's too late. Larry and / are get
ting farther apart every moment
through a chain of circumstances"
go find him and have II out.
There1l be a row. Of course. but IL
Will end up in his arms
You're the second person tonight
who has given me that advice"
unused Alison.
Long after her father had gone.
she sat before the dying fire. think
ing. thinking.