New Britain herald., 1921-12-29
Madge Hears a Significant
 Conversation.

NOnhtISdllbll,
 waited broathlessly for Lilian's an5wer To Robert Sayarin's thiny- yelled command that she stay at home Instead of motoring to Kingston with me. TO all outward seeming l was absorbed in the delicious pudding which Mrs, CosGroye had served for dessert, but l lost no word Of her re- ply, which came attef only an in- stants hesitation.
 "Oh, am sure it is the only thing l need a good shaking up, and Madgc will drive fast enough to give 1t to me"
 Her words were light casually frivolous, but my heart gave a fierce little throb Of gladncss. l had been afraid that Lillian, worn and weary of inc tragic battle with life that had been hers, weakened by physical ill., ness, might not strike the note of inGependence which l was sure Rob ert aalarin needed. Every man is a potential Simon Legree, provided the woman who loves him chooses the feminine counterpart of Uncle Toms submissive role. And though, being a woman, l hate to admit 1t. the con verse of the statement is as lament ably true.
 Lillian's head was ruling her heart again. l did not need miscroscope to discover this, and l was cores pondingly jubilant, for I knew that only in that state of affairs lay any possibility of happiness for her i'm perious yet loving nature. And l am afraid I wickedly rejoiced at the startled, even nonplussed look which came into Robert Savarin's sombre countenance.
 Lillians Decision
 I had guessed before this that into their romantic love idyll there never before had come any clashing of wills over petty minor things. The contest between them, which I was sure had materially helped Lillians nervous collapse, had been upon the high plane of the spirit, in which Robert Savarin had been a suppliant instead of dictator. l do not think he ever had realized before the pride and self reliance with which the years of fac ing her world and dominating it had endowed the woman he loved. That it was a salutary lesson I was sure and l was glad that Lilian's absence during the afternoon would give him time and opportunity to con it, if not to master 1t.
 She did not give Robert an oppor- tunity to protest her decision, even if he had been so inclined, but rose as she finished her low-toned answer and came to my side of the table dropping her hand for an instant .on my shoulder.
 'I1l run over and get my hat and coat" she said, Marion, haves you finished your dinner, dear?"
 "Yes. mother" eXpectantly
 "Then come with me. I want tC take some measurements so that l ray get something for you to wear home I think you have grown a whole foot up here. At any rate, al most everything you own will have to fo to the first philanthropic rummage sa'e whose sponsors catch me"
 "Oh, Goody That means all new things - Marion enrolled. "Oh l spifry little"
 The closing door shut the sound of the child's voice from us, and we did not learn what particular "spiffy" ob- ject of dress Marion desired. But l knew as well as though l had heard the mothers answer, that Lillian had promised her adored little daughter tho thing she asked, and I caught a glimpse for a second down a vista of the years immediately before them whom Marion's needs and wishes would be constantly increasing, while her mothers impaired health ought to spell a diminution of income unless she taxed her Tagging powers too greatly.
 Are You Going?"
 My eyes were drawn irresistibly to Robert Savarin's. His were fixed upon the door through which mother and child had just passed. I saw my thought-only intensified a thous- and per cent-refected in his face. And then. for q searching second, he looked squarely at me, and I read in his eyes all the disapproval he would have liked to heap upon me for my support of Lillians position.
 Then he rose and left the table, and I finished my dessert in digestion defying haste, that l might hurry after him and give him no chance to talk to Lillian alone before we started. l would have left my dessert alto gether if it had not been for Mrs. CosErove's obseryant eyes, and the stress l had laid upon my liking for it.
 reached Lillian's door just as she opened it in answer to Roberts knock. and l schooled my voice and express sion 10 a stimulation of haste.
 ''Let me help you with those meas uremcnts" I said. we only have a very few minutes left if I reach Rhineback without having to speed. On. Robert Would you mind asking your sister if she has any errands for us? I forgot ii, and were in such a hurry"
 Tn q moment" he replied, lowing E---------------------s-