Arizona republican., 1921-11-19
Chapter "

The incident of the cards fingered in John Aldrich's mind, causing him to feel keen anxiept He knew Bob French, the husband of the days hostess, could not afford to pay his wife's gambling debts any more than he could afford to pay Marcia's-not as well. Was 1t considered au fait for women to gamble to such an ex- tent? Helplessly he wondered if he could persuade Marcia to give it up. knowing he could not.
 Marcia continued to play. Dinners on those days continued to be eaten when they had become cold, and John also continuedsto eat practically alone of the chilled food, because Marcia's appetite had been satisfied with the rich food provided by the ubiquitous kitty.
 Marcia had developed nervousness. When John spoke of it, blaming her devotion to cards, her strain to win, her fear of losing. she pooh-poohed the idea.
 'If you would earn more money so could have another maid and car like other women, I wouldn't be so nervous. The cards have nothing to do with iti" Then in a different tone: "You are just as smart, EmaIIer than must JOliu, " ny don't you earn more? I believe it is because you don't assert yourself and demand higher prices for what you do. Nell French told me the other day that her husband told his firm he would leave if he didn't get an advance. He got it right off the reel. Nell is going to have little car. m so envious I don't know what to do. If you had enough spunk to ask what you are worth, might have one also. do so want car"
 Tt is quite different with French John answered patiently. tile IS salesman, perhaps will always be one. I have ambitions to be more than l me opportunities. A few dollars more or less means nothing as far as my future is concerned. If l de- manded a higher price for my ser vices now when know the conditions of capital and labor Il might be cut ting off my nose-not only my nose, but my prospects for the future"
 "Nonsensei You don't value your self highly enough.
 You are very nice to say so, Mar cia. I am glad you think me clever. But must be the judge of what is proper for me to do in my business relations"
 You can't understand, I suppose . her tone changing again, now sarcas- tic. "how mortifying it is. to ride III street cars when all ones friends have cars of their own"
 I'm sorry, Marcia, but you'll have to use them a bit longer. or walk"
 You're not sorry. You don't care a hang!" aa.r Please don't be unhappy because can't afford a car for you. Perhaps some day I shall be able to give you all you want"
 "Td rather have things now than wait until am too old to care wheth- CT have them or not!"
 John Aldrich laughed at Marcia petulant speech and tone He was still too much in love to resent what she said, save occasionally.
 We are making another mistake, Johnl'
 "You call not being able to affort a car, a'mistake:
 Marcia paid no attention.
 I've are young. Young people make a great mistake when they 5tal at home instead of going about ant having good times. When we ge old we may have the rheumatism, o lumbago, and can't. I don't mean t settle down like an old woman.
 Did you think I wanted you to? John Aldrich saw visions of the eve nings he spent at home disappearing In the distance. The evenings h' loved with Marcia, when they rea' aloud, or she played for him on tn baby grand piano he had given he