The Washington times., 1922-07-30

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Los ANGELES, July 29.-Girls,
take the advice Of one who gave
her all for iove-snd lost.
Don't believe the declarations OF
any impetuous suitor until he en-
dorses his desires with a marriage
license.
+ Sonnys courtship certainly should
be termed whirlwind.
Mother and / had moved to the
Pennsylvania Hotel after Sterling
had caused US 30 much trouble at
the apartment uptown, and 1t was
at the Pennsylvania that Sonny
would come and visit us. He was.
at that time, a student at Yale.
Sonny's people had learned of his
infatuation for me and were already
trying to break 1t up, but Sonny
swore that he loved me and would
marry me in spite Of this influence,
ana l believed him. Sonny's father,
Harry Payne Whitney, had him
practically under guard. Sonny,
however. would manage to elude this
guard occasionally and would come
to the Pennsylvania.
As time went on ,Sonny's devotion
to me was all that even the most
exacting wives could demand.
A Tragic Note"
But a tragic note began to creep
into our love making. He spoke less
and less Of marriage. He said. when
l asked him to set a specific date for
the ceremony. that he was having
trouble with his people.
.IsI. l.. l.
feeling sympathetic because / knew
that II his mother and father would
only forget that l was a professional
dancer earning an honest living and
would investigate my family tree,
they would find that came from as
good stock as they.
In April. 1920, 1t became evident
to me that Sonny must carry out
his promise II was to be saved from
a tragic circumstance.
told him OF my condition. He
was overjoyed. No eyes of an en-.
raptured husband ever lighted with
greater enthusiasm, joy and love.
Il will make arrangements for the
marriage at once" he promised.
Then ensucd heart breaking de-
lays. had tried to conceal the
truth from mother. Sometimes she
would come into the room and find
me weeping. Always 1 lied-to shield
Sonny Whitney. Finally IL became
necessary that should make a con.
fession. told mother.
Great as was her CONSERVATION
and grief, she, too. believed Sonny
would make good his promise Of
marriage.
sonny's visits to US grew fewer
and fewer.
realized that we must come to a
decision.
On July or 4, l don't recall the
exact date, l phoned Sonny at the
country home of his father at West
bury. Long Island. pleaded with
him, not for my own sake. but for
the honor and future OF this little
one which was coming into the
world.
Sonny Rebuffs Her.
Sonny might just as we'll have
struck me physically when he said
in a surly tone:
How do know I am the father
Of the child?"
This was the first intimation I
had had that he had ever questioned
its paternity.
With his words ringing in my
ears, everything became black be-
fore me. remember trying 10
brace myself against the wall.
must have swooned, for the next
thing l remember mother was lold-
ing me, rubbing my forehead and
talking alphabetically.
felt that II was only fair and lust
that our child should bear Its faith
er's name.
Mother and I moved to 20 Wash
ington Square. seeking consolation
and to hide my disgrace from our
friends.
Sonny was born at the Lying.in
Hospital. New York, December IA,
1920. He was such an adorable
creature that, in spite OF 1t all, the
tpin, the tragedy and the disgrace
were forgotten when 1 held him in
m yarns.
Now, without holding myself up as
horrible example. or to preach
against the sins of the world, want
to say in concluding this series that
was prompted to make public these
details that they might be a guide to
other girls. Art-and term dane.
ing and the legitimate stage art
has its rewards, its temptations, and
Its sorrows.