Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1920-04-30

had no sense of money value, and an
impending baby-how 1t ate into ones
mcconnell Arthur Brooks realized that
he had made foolish mistake in mar
rylng so young. Naturally, however,
he did not tell this to Theodore. He
was not unkindly enough for that, and
besides, 1t was he who had asked her
to marry him. She had not been over
ly anxious at first. Arthur, though
economical, was Just,
And then, as by horrifylng mir
acle, the thing happened.
The little baby, for 'whose ward
robe Arthur's precious dime and PEN
ny banks had been rifled, at last ar
rived. It lowered for only one brief
hour in this unloVely world, and then,
clasping Theodora's hand, wandered
back again into the great unknown
from whence 1t came.
They buried Theodore with her
baby Rugged to her bosom.
The lips that he had loved were
curved In their wonted smile: her
hair, smooth and satiny like birds
wing, was brushed smoothly back,
and the clear brown eyes were closed
forever.
1t was Theodora's mother who gave
the money for a simple monument.
She wanted to do that much, she said,
for her daughters memory; but she
did not tell Arthur that she took mon
ey which should have gone instead to
pay a long-standing grocer's bill. It
was easy to see where poor Theodore
got some Of her shiftless habits.
And so 1t happened that Arthur
much wisdom and no membranes.
1t was snowy night and there
were gathered about the wide fire.
place In the library at the club several
men, rather good friends, all Of them.
The club itself spoke eloquently of
the wealth which supported 1t. There
were long mahogany reading tables
lighted by red-shaded electroliers,
great leather easy chairs, and thick
rugs which cost fabulous prices. Only
a rich man could afford to seek en-
trance here.
Yet, as It often happens even
among rich men, these friends, grown
communicative under the gentle slim
illus Of their after-dinner cigars, were
discussing the cost of living and the
financial aspects Of married life. One,
a robust, red-cheeked old fellow, ex-
banded genially for the benefit Of his
attentive audience.
II was poor as Jobs turkey when
/ got married." he asserted earnestly.
1--WE had uphill work of It for twenty
years, my wife and I. Just as soon's
we'd get a little something, there'd
be sickness or a new baby to swallow
the savings.
"Tve been In debt-many and
many's the time-and my wife had to
work hard-harder than wanted to
see her. But we've been happy. l
haven't regretted day of it-no
Stree, not onel I'd do the same thing
over again. I'd advise any man to
marry young, If he finds the one girl
he can love. You see, 1t makes all the
difference In the world when you have
each other"
A young man sitting near the fire
laughed suddenly. He rose, stretched
himself lazily, and yawnedy
81 don't believe it." he interrupted
"A man-especially II he's poor-has
no business to get married. What Is
1t they sayf He travels fastest who
travels alone There's sense for you.
whats your opinion, Brooks7 I'm
right, am l mott"
He turned for confirmation to an
other one of the party.
But the man whom he addressed did
not answer.
Arthur Brooks pillOwed his head In
his arms on the polished mahogany
table and uttered stihed groan.