The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-08-04

"nen Pnlnp returned TO san
Francisco, he learned that Mar.
jorie had already instituted pro-
ceedtngs for a legal separation.
He smiled contemptuously as he
read her lawyers letter; she asked
a hundred dollars a month for her
self and child. His salary, she
well knew, was only a hundred
and twenty-five. And he smiled
again, but with irritation, at her
demand for the custody of the
child-little. neglected Paul, who
meant no more to her than Vir-
ginia's lap dog.
Divorce Action.
The swift succession Of events
during the ensuing summer
months was bewildering. Most
amazing Of all was the. successful
termination-far exceeding their
expectations-of WiIbur's venture
in the matter of the ninety-nine
year lease. A day came when this
bold young Spectator fluttered
in Philips face a certified check
for thirty thousand dollars bearing
the signature Of Calder & Stubs.
who had taken over the lease at
that figure. Tenants eagerlt
awaited the construction of the
building, a syndicate of moneyed
men was preparing to build. Philip
protested against accepting his
share Of the check, asserting that
it had been Wilbur's idea. and
that Wilbur's ability alone was re.
sponsible for the success of the
deal, but his friend was deaf to
his objections. He answered Philip
with eager arguments in support
Of his plan to, launch out for
themselves in the real estate bust
ness, each Of them investing half
their new wealth in the enterprise.
At last Philip was led to con-
slider 1t seriously. The venture
presented itself to him at a time
when he could afford to take the
risk; 1t offered him a new interest
in life which he felt was needed:
1t provided him with an excuse
for terminating his relations with
the Colonial Insurance Company.
and Its petttfogging officials, in
one and an of whom he had lost
faith.
On Wilbur's advice he arranged
an interview with Marjorie's attor.
neys. What would Mrs. Baldwin
be willing to accept in the form
ct cash settlement. in lieu of. ALI
mony. provided he agreed not to
contest the divorce, but allowed
her to obtain a separation unon
her own grounds? Wilbur pointed
out to him in his new undertake
ing, 1t would be wise to safeguard
himself against the possibility of
increasing demands on the part
OF his wife, and that a cash settle
ment' rather than alimony, would
insure his independence. Philip
saw the point. He wanted to be
quit Of Marjorie, to forget her.
to close irrevocably that chanter
Of his life.
A derisive shout burst from him
when Marjorie's attorneys adj
Vised him that their client had
carefully considered the matter
and decided she would be willing
to accept $4,000 in cash, assum.
ing the custody and care of the
child. Philip Indignantly staIked
out of the office. It was not SO
much the exorbttant sum Marjorie
demanded as her effrontery in
asking for the custody of Paul.
He knew she mentioned that only
t. anger him.
There were several exchanges
of letters. various interviews; fin
ally the matter was settled. Mar.
jorie was to get ten thousand dol.
lars outright, and her sister Con
stance was to have the custody
Of the boy, Philip providing for
his maintenance until he was Of
age.
Philip persuaded old Phelan to
&C on his note to the bank again
for two thousand five hundred dol.
lors, added seven thousand five
hundred-half his share of the
lucky real estate speculation-and
the petition for divorce went to
court, and Marjorie was awarded
an introductory decree on thu
grounds. Of gross brutality and
failure to provide"
Let 1t go at that-let hor say
anything she pieaseH. don't care
Il don't care "A snap of my fin.
gers" Philip said fiereely. I'm
free-that's all / want; I'm a
free man again. Now, / don't
give a damn what happens"