South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-07-02

For a tense minute after Dicky an
nounced his tremendous news there
was absolute silence. I think Moth
er Graham was too stunned 10 speak,
and while the announcements only
confirmed 70 me the vague fears
had experienced since Dicky told me
Of the surprise" he was going 10
give me, yet the realization that my
home was gone crashed against my
spirits as a physical blow might have
done against my body
Mother Graham was the first 10
speak. Indeed, 1 was in the mental
state where 1 could not speak if
would, and certainly would not if
could. Fierce primitive rage against
my husband was having its way with
me. That he should dare sell our
home without consulting me!
sold the Marvin house," Mother
Graham calculated. "Sold my
home! What do you mean? Have
you gone insane?"
Never was more clear-headed in
my life" Dicky said dehantly, but I
saw he was looking furtively from
his mother TO me, and that ne was
palpably disturbed by our reception
OF his news. You don't seem to
grasp what 1 got for It. Didn't you
hear? Twenty thousand bucks,
iron men, simoleons-'
Quit that foolery!" his mother
said sharply. 1T doesn't matter II
you got a million dollars for it, you
had no right to sell it without con-
suIting me-or-Margar she add
ed, lamely, as an after thought.
Dicky threw up his head arrogant
".
Il bought il, didn't I, with my own
hard-earned money? I guess have
a right 10 sell il if l get a chance like
this without running home to ask
any woman's consent"
Across the fog of my wrath struck
the CLEAN of an Illuminating. whim-
steal thought, one which 1 caught,
imprisoned. turned into weapon.
The bargain is all completed,
suppose?" 1 asked meekly.
"AH but the signing of the pa
pers," Dicky answered. 1.-The man
who bought il has left it in the hands
Of an attorney down here, as he had
to go back north today, and he will
send the money right back, so as
soon as sign the papers I'll get the
mazuma."
My mother-in-law's eye caught
mine. with grim comprehension. She
knew as well as I did, Dicky's abso-
lutte ignorance of ordinary business
matters. a fault common to the ar
tistic temperament, and she, also
realized what a pit he was uncon-
sciously digging for himself.
Don't weaken, Margaret" she
cautioned. NO matter how much
he pleads. He's brought it on him
self"
Dicky looked from one to the 9TH
er of us, his face the picture of puz-
zled amazement.
What the devil:" he exploded.
Whats all this tommyrot? WHAT'S
Margaret got to do with selling the
house2"
Better ask her" his mother sug-
gested slyly.
Il Will" He turned to me vehe-
mently. Whats all this tomfoolery
anyway"
Simply that you cannot sell thf
house-no one Will buy it-unIess my
signature is attached to the deed
and that I do not intend to give. at
least 1 shall consider the matter very
carefully before cOnsenting."
made my voice as matter-o f-fact
as ii / were declining a proffered
piece of bread and butter at the din
ner table, and bent indifferently over
my sewing as I finished, but not be-
fore I had caught grim but mirthful
approval in my mOther-in-law's eyes
Dicky was silent for a minute. then
sprang TO his feet so vehemently that
he almost overturned his chair.
Richard. 1 beg you to remember
that I am still an invalid" his mother
remarked frigidly, and 1 saw with a
savage glee that only a woman can
understand, that she had indeed
joined forces with me TO make the
recreant Dicky as uncomfortable as
possible.
4 beg your pardon, mother" he
said perfunctorily, then hurried into
excited speech.
"Of all the bunk I ever heard in
my life, that's the Iimit!" he said
scornfully. II suppose you think
you're the original little Cutie
springing a bluff like that. Well
right here's where you fall down
You don't get away with anything
like that where I'm concerned, and
don't you forget it. I'm going right
ahead and sell the house and get the
money without your ladyship having