The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-19
CHAPTER 76

| seemed as If l were writing reamS.
 I did write several pages. 1 told 1 him of all I had felt and suffered since I married him because of my po- sition in his home mistress of it in name only. I put down in black and white all the slights, all the cruel dis regard of my wishes, all the humilia- tions. I told of how he had hurt me after Anna came. Beginning with his naming her without consulting my wishes, set down in sequence all that had almost broken my heart in connec- tion with my baby. As I wrote every instance stood out sharply defined in my memory. Even things l nearly had forgotten loomed large as I wrote.
 Then I came to the time his aunt came to us. How from the first had been obliged to give away to her in everything. How miserable she made me. I told him how my love for him had made his treatment of me, when we were alone, endurable to a degree because of that love and my love for Anna. But added to his sights, l now was put puppet to move or keep still at her command.
 I told him how loved him when married him, how proud was Of him. his looks, his cleverness. Then l spoke of how I had compared my position as a wife with that of other married women who managed their own homes and were co-partners with their hus- bands in that they discussed things they did or proposed doing together I went over my agony when Anna lay i'll and he would not allow me Tn the room. 1 rehearsed the episodes when his aunt, and he, had by their harsh treatment thrown the delicate child into convulsions. begged him to for give me for taking her from him, but fried at the same time to make him understand that I could not leave her or have her live in the same house with his aunt after knowing what she had done and her ideas concerning chil- dren.
 Then I added: "If you ever want me back badly enough to send her away, make a home elsewhere for her, and give me my rightful place in the house. hold as your wife, the mistress of your home. | will come, but not until then. 1 told you would rather die than have her live in the house with me. In spite of my feelings you went ahead and made all arrangements for her coming. Unless can be assured of my full rights as a wife and mother l never shall return. Neither will l con sent to live in the same house with Mrs. Holbrook-never Forgive me if you can, but there are some things no woman can endure. l have my legacy. When it is gone I can earn enough to care for Anna. If you ever want me advertise for one week in our home paper. But not unless you agree to my terms"
 This letter in no way expressed what I felt, long as 1t was. It was simply long statement of facts, recOuntlns of episodes. But I either had to write in that way or in so bitter a manner he never could have forgiven me.
 I visualized Manville as he read, say ing to himself-if not to his aunt-that I was hysterical and would soon be back. I saw him going to the bank to question them as to my destination. But I had left no clue there. had drawn the entire amount in bills, and taken it with me l imagined how he would describe the theatrical manner had told to let me knew through the newspaper as "heroics" again. Not once did I think of him as grieving or even feeling badly; only as dread fully angry and impatient.
 Then, too, visualized his aunt, her attitude. What she would say aDout me, advise him to do. l was terribly restless. It seemed as if the train only crawled, yet it was an express. My thoughts were all back with him. Now he is at home, he and his aunt. He will call for me, then question Nancy and the cook Had he found my letter? Has he read it, and has he had one little feeling of compunction for the way he has treated me? Will he ever send for me to come back?"
 These and many other questions filled my mind. Anna and did not go into the dining car. l had our meals served in the drawing room. There might be some one on the train who knew us, and would tell they had seen us. Anna was a dear. She seemed to sense that I was worried, and she played with her doll and looked out of the window, pleased to be on the chu- chu cars.
 You are mamma's pet now; just