The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-11-08

the complacent look becoming more settled. T do pity married women who are dependent on their husbands Tor every blessed cent. It does make man so vain. too"
 Her hance reused himself.
 You believe that wife should pay her own way, then? Share house hold expenditure, and rent, and that sort of thing?"
 Della was taken aback. She had not expected this.
 IT m. l wouldn't go so far as to say all that. It's a mans clear duty, isn't it, to provide for his wife?"
 Then what are you talking about my dear?' Farrel lit a cigarette, and eyed her surreptitiously. It might be just as well to have a definite money understanding between them before the great event took place Women were slippery creatures when it came to paying up.
 Della was Mustered for the mo- ment.
 Don't be silly. dearest. Of course, I'll do my bit. To begin with, I'll buy my own frocks and hats, and pay my own dentists bills and doctors bills and that sort of thing, you know"
 Farrel puffed at his cigarette. There was an odd, quizzical sort of expression in his eyes.
 You're generous. my dear"
 His tone was noncommittal. Della wondered if he were joking.
 'I intend to be. But isn't 1t rather early in the day to start talking money matters?'
 He smiled synically.
 Who started 1t? Not I. I'm sure"
 She stretched out q beautifully ringed hand and very gently stroked his hair. He was sitting at her feet on d comfortable padded cushion. an article of furniture which was pop tiar in Delia's little flat.
 Don't be cross, old boy" Then, making an effort to be generous. she added: "I'll tell you what I'll do after we're married I'll keep Nj nette on as my personal maid, and pay her wages myself"
 The gratitude she had expected to see on Farrel's face did not manifest itself noticeably.
 Don't you think that's right and fair?"
 He took another whiff or two, and then he answered lightly:
 "H'm. don't know. my dear The establishment in Philadelphia may not be big enough to warrant your having lady's maid as well an an- other servant"
 Inwardly he was thinking of the time Ninette had slapped his face when he had once-and only once tried to kiss that pert hand maiden. The untoward event had happened many months ago. but the memory Still ranked What temper the French hussy had displayed, She Tad threatened to tell her mistress. .co. Perhaps she had done so?
 But no. Della would not be mak- ing arrangements for keeping Ni- nette on were that so. The French girl was discreet and did not tell taies.
 Della was looking very disappoint- ed. It behooved him to say some thing.
 You can keep Ninette on If you want to. She's a first-class cook, and as smart as paint .
 "But-but sLc can't be my personal maid and net As cook as we'll"
 Why not?"
 Della straightened. and a spark of fire glinted in her eye.
 Because, although she happens to be my maid of all work and general factotum now. I don't propose that she shall be yours after I'm married. You can provide proper servant for your wife. I presume? Otherwise. why marry?"
 Farrel saw the spark of fire. and thought discretion was the better part.
 'I was only teasing you about your vaunted independence in money mat ters, dear" His voice had semi quizzical but soothing note. "Of course you'll keep Ninette as your personal maid. and I'll engage a cook and general bottle washer. And now let's talk of something pleasant.
 Della was all smiles and charm again.