The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-04-06

See here, my boy. Well have
no more of this nonsense. You'll
marry Nita Livingston or step out
of the firm
tired, out ofsearshot, to the rear
of the spacious house. Only the
cracking embers in the marble
fireplace broke the silence Of the
drawing room in which Roger
stood, facing his father.
Dad" Roger began hesitantly,
cts no use. I can't marry Nita
Livingston. I don't love her. Yet
you and mother insist that I sac
rifice my entire life to comply with
your wishes. Don't you see that
the proposition is terribly unfair
"Pd prefer that you further dis
cuss the matter with your mother,
Roger. She will be down pres
emily. Meanwhile, think over the
offer I've made. It's not one to
be taken lightly. Five times the
salary you are now drawing and
the. entire management of the
Eastern branch. But-you must
marry the girl your mother and l
have chosen for you. | shall leave
the decision entirely in your
hands"
Roger turned away with a
gesture of despair. 1t was as if
he were trying to muster courage
to make a clean breast of it all.
Mrs. Sinclair appeared few
moments later. She stood in the
doorway cycling the two men in an
attempt to ascertain Rogers at
titude. Instinctively, she knew
the subject under discussion and
realized that her son was obdurate.
The stately dowager walked
toward Roger, who stood dolefully
gazing out the tall, old window.
She drew one of his hands between
her own.
Roger, dear, I want to talk
with YOU. You've been my own
little boy for such long while,
I'm not ready to give you up to
another woman without making
certain of your happiness"
Roger looked at his mother and
q little smile broke on his lips.
That's it, Mother. Dad and I
don't seem able to agree on my
future. Surely you both want to
see me happy. l want to marry
the girl ] love-"
But Roger" his m o h r
frowned, dropping a little of her
affectionate attitude, 1--WE are
planning future to last a life
time. You are, no doubt. infat-
uated with little Miss Cranky.
Your father and I are trying ito
bring home to you that you are a
Sinclair. You must marry a
woman of your own social stand
ing. To unite the fortunes and
families of the Sinclairs and Liv-
ingstons would be social achieve
ment."
eve don't need more money"
Roger exclaimed, heated to anger
by his mothers everlasting adora-
ton of social prestige. Haven't
we Just landed the biggest con-
tract in the country? 1t will mean
millions to Dad. And Doris was
most instrumental in clinching it
for us. Doesn't that count for
ANYTHING in your estimation,
Mother"
IF you are insinuating that we
should share the profits with this
secretary, that is a business mat
ter for your father to decide. We
are discussing your marriage,
Roger. Please do not confuse the
two"
The eldest Sinclair had said
nothing. But as Roger turned
away again from his mother, the
old millionaire got to his feet with
a gesture of impotence,
"See here, my boy. Well have
no more of this nonsense. | can
see that gentle persuasion means
nothing to you. You'll marry Mia
Livingston or YOU step out of the
firm and make your own future bv
yourself, Remember" he warned.
ut viii mean starting all over
again. No one will give you credit