The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-04-25
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Must individual independence be
sacrificed after marriage? Jack
and his bride think not. She does
Us she pleases. So does he. But,
as this chapter reveals, the uncon-
ventional doctrine has some draw
back 10. the bride.
did not mention my new cups
when Jack came home that even
ing. intended to, l had set the
beautiful salad bowl where Jack
could sec It, but he didn't notice It.
He was full Of his own affairs.
Sometime want to show Mrs.
Her1 that new two.moTer,' he
rentaSSd casually.
"Why not tonight" carelessly.
"You don't object. Peggins?"
'Is there a reason why should?'
I endeavored TO speak still more
carelessly.
Mrs. IIerrod is the only woman
in town who can play real game
OF chess, Jack says. And he has
seen them all on ladies' nights at
the club.
For years Mrs. Herrod and Jack
have discussed intricate problems.
OF course, at her home. am sure
It mover occurred to Jack. certainly
1t had not to me, that he couldn't
after our wedding, keep on calling
at Mrs. Herrod's, even II she is
over 40.
Occasionally he might go. but
not regularly, as formerly he had
done.
But would he go without me?
For a time thought he intended
to. And according to our pre-nup-
tiaI contract ] had no right to OBJ
ject. Not tho least right.
In the limited space OF our apart
ment its impossible for a third
person to be deaf to our end OF a
phone conversation. AS Jack talk
ed with Mrs. Herrod noticed that
he never mentioned my name Mrs.
Herrod herself must have suggest
ed that ] accompany him for this
Is what | heard:
'oh, sho will not care! Thank
you! Yes! III ask her!" Then to
me, "Peggins! Would you care to
go over to Mrs. Herrod's?"
"Id love to-" replied. i've
known her a long time, ever since
she Joined the Woman's City Club"
"You won't be bored, dearest?
Then tell her you'll come!" Jack
handed me the phone and soon II
was settled.
Mrs. Herrod although. she is
nearly twice Jacks age, looked al
most young when she welcomed US.
It's queer how becoming these
straight loose dresses are to wo-
men OF every age.
l do not remember the name Of
the novel I read while their game
progressed. Ny mind wandered
constantly from my book to thci
odd friendship which existed be-
tween the chess players.
could feel how much they liked
each other. It was In the air. !
could feel it, but could not under
stand It.
They did not talk much. but they
smiled to each other frequently :.
And when Jack achieved some
piece Of brilliant strategy. Mrs.
Herrods' smile was charming.
1t was so much moro than ap-
prevail. 1t amounted to flattery. AS
II she were more delighted to have
him win than to win herself!
They were extraordinary pals. I
had never thought they were any
thing more. l kept telling myself
that she was twice his aye, but I
couldn't help thinking as we walk
ed home In silence, couldn't help
wondering Il Jack would have pro-
posed to me had Mrs. Herrod been
his own age.
il was a horrId. haunting
thought; one I must not humor;
one I must control; for was l not
destined to be silent onlooker at
many another game between them!
And now have made Jack late
to the office two mornings in sue.
cossioni I'm terribly sorry because
Jack hates 1t so. He's punctual by
nature; never too early; neyer too
late at any engagement.
Unfortunately, there's a staff
meeting the first thing eacn
wo:n.ns. And the "boss' has hor