The mirror., 1923-09-13


husband was not only addicted to drink,
but that he insisted that his wife go with
him to live with his mother.
Considerable argument ensued between
the opposing attorneys and then the Judge
raped with his gravel and gravely an
nounced- "It is the judgment of this
Court that both parties to this action are
unhappily mated, and, being of incom-
patible natures, this union ought to be
dissolved. l will therefore award" He
got no farther, for Miss True leaped to
her feet and addressing the Judge, cried
"Stop"
Clad in a heavy woven silk gown of
rich, golden, copper hue-suggestive of
the deep, ruddy bronze with which Ma
ture was now tinting the autumn maple
leaves-its loose, yet graceful drapery fall
ing like vestment in simplicity, but
gathered about the waist by a cord of
Roman gold whose tasseled ends hung
down her side, while the wide-howing
sleeves fell back to her elbow as she
raised her arm. Her kindly, sympathetic
but commanding facial expression BEAM
ing with light she presented an inspiring
figure, and the large audience was struck
dumb with awe.
TIE Judge tried to speak, or to rap for
order, but his powers failed him.
Justice was demanding, "From whence
cometh to man the right to put asunder
those whom God hath joined togetherl
Did these not vow before God, to cling
together for better or for worse, until
death doth part? Have you not read
that whatsoever putteth away his wife
except for fornication, and marrieth an
other, committeth adultery; and he that
marrieth her that is put away, committeth
adultery" And are not all who aid them
to do this not abbetting this crime7"
A rumble of voices was heard in the
room. The Judge raped loudly for order,
and in wrathful voice, cried-"Woman-
this is Court of Justice You are in
contempt of Court!"
"Silence" cried Justice.
Several attorneys and Court attendants
had half arisen from their seats, but now
sat down again. A subdued murmur of
voices dwindled away; giving place to
slight gestures and astonished facial ex-
pressions as they watched the Judge whose
frowning eyebrows and face, now purple
now white, registered his inward rage. AT
last he bit his lips, as if perplexed whether
to assert his authority or remain passive.
All seemed to realize that this was no
ordinary woman; that she was represent
ing a great church; and that she had
friends who were rich and who had both
influence and power.
Calmly and fervently, Justice resumed
'Listen-you all know the sad, tragic
story of Benjamin Brown. 1t was told in
this very room! Oh yes, you remember
Now let me tell you its sequel!
''Not long ago, a mere lad came to me
at my breakfast hour. AS I turned from
my table to receive his message, saw
before me boy of about twelve, clad in
torn, tattered shirt. Destitute of buttons,
it was open in front from the neck down;
its sleeves dangled loose. A single strap
of suspenders supported pair of pants
many sizes too large for him. They were
covered with patches; his feet were bare;
his hair protruded in wisps through the
top of an old straw hat; his face was
lined with care and misery-prematurely
old.
"As he looked at me, his eyes filled with
tears and his little chin quivered as he
asked-"Are you Justice True?"
assured him that was.
my names Jamie Brown" he began.
"Mike Finch is with papa now-he'll stay
to the end. Mike said to tell you-please
Miss True-wont you come and be with
Bessie and me when they bring our papa