New Britain herald., 1922-04-03
The Ultimatum Madge Delivered
 to Dicky.


 to Dicky.
 I made no answer al all to Dickys tirade against my aiding Of Lillian in her government work. his ultmatum that must squash any little plans had for helping her,
 With my teeth tightly clenched to keep back the hot railing words that crowded to my lips, I sat staring out into the woodland vista before mc. But was as unconscious 10 Its ap- pealing beauty as was conscious that a most crucial moment in my life with Dicky had come to me.
 Instinct, coupled with a knowledge of Dicky's temperament gained from experience. told me that my most potent deapon was absolute silence. It gave me time to plan my answer to his request. and-it kept him guessing as to my attitude. But If my lips were silent. my braid was busy. indeed. 1t was whirling violently. as does the water in a basin when it is suddenly stirred.
 Of course, being woman and pos sessng my share Of feminine vanity the predominant emotion swayins me was furious anger at Dicky because Of the contempt with which he had treated my share in Lillians work
 Lillian is valuable Katherine could be useful on account of her pro fession, but you--I don't see where you come in.'
 "W'hat's the Big Ideao"
 The words rang necessarily in my ears. coupled with the sneering refer- ence to Allen Drake. I remembered the occasions when only my "marvel- ous memory" as Lillian and Allen Drake were wont to call it. had saved the day in two most important govern ment investigations. Dicky might not see where I 'came in," but l hucged the assurance to my breast that both Allen Drake and Lillian-and knew that in all the service there were no higher intelligences than theirs counted my photographic memory as a~valuable asset when some problem Of their investigations needed such aid.
 My common sense told me that l must smother my personal anger at Dicky and look at the problem his sudden onslaught had precipitated from the standpoint of justice, but I found it hard to do. I had been pity ing Katherns for Jacks attitude to- ward her working at her profession after marriage, and here Dicky was outdoing even my brother cousin in his rigid ultimatum. I often had men tally sduirmed at Allen Drake's con- descending attitude toward feminine mentality, and now my own hunband had flung deadly insult at my own capabilities.
 Well" growled Dicky at last, evil dently finding the strain of my sil- ence too much to endure without ex- ploding. What's the big idea? Going to take a VOW of silence like those what do you call 'em-Trappists? I warn you it won't do a bit of good"
 On the Right Track
 Suddenly I saw my opportunity, and seized it joyously with both hands.
 T was simply planning how to get Lillian and Marion out of the house today" I said smoothly, "I don't | think Mrs. Ticer can take them, for 
 in our TO- IS. But there's boarding house in Sag Harbor to which she can go. must go home and tell her right away"
 What the devil do you mean?" Dicky shouted savagely.
 My spirits thrilled to the anger in his voice, for in it heard a note of : doubt, and knew that I was on the right track.
 Just this' I said calmly. For years I have made Lillian my friend, ( and have tried to do everything ] could for her, partly, of course, be- cause I liked her for her own sake, but mostly because you have always said you owed her so much that you s could never repay But your attitude now shows me that you do not con- $ Bider there is any further obligation. $ And l certainly feel none toward her, except that of keeping the promise : made her 10 help her when she C needed help in the work she has on hand. [ But, looked at Dicky coolly, as z long as I cannot do that 1t will only q be a bother to have her around need the rooms anyway, I am awful q Y crowded as it is, so I shall get her ! put today, and tell her that you object | 10 my helping her, so there can be no other reason for her staying To tell T you the truth, 1 am 8 little bit fed up Il with her anyway. She's very irritable md trying lately, and it has gotten on ny nerves" I looked up at him for the first lime, to see how he was taking this <