Evening star., 1925-10-04

~ hSutT SlfetCneQ conn OTtdDlS
in the big chair before the
livtng-room fireplace, his finely chisel
ed, almost ascetic face limned sharply
In the glow Of a reading lamp. His
eyes-habitually steely gray, but
now softened to a humorous CLINT
rested amusedly upon his wife.
Doris was curled up on the lounge
her dainty little figure almost entirely
lost in the heavy upholstery. Her viv
idly expressionful face was turned
toward the dancing flames. She
seemed comfortable, yet somehow she
impaired an impression of restlessness
There was a petulant droop to the lips
faint light of resentment in the big
black eyes. Ryder looked upon her
gemlike beauty with the impersonal
eye of a connoisseur. He inspected
her minutely and with approval. bu,
he experienced no slightest surge OF
possessive interest. She appealed to
him as an exquisite work of art-it
had been long. long time since he
had regarded her as a mate.
Her dinner dress was Of silver cloth
with robe of sapphire sequins; a
sapphire and diamond bracelet gleam
ed from her arm. Doris Ryder knew
how to dress-and spared no pains In
the process. Beautiful clothes were
a passion with her
through the warmth of the big room
Well-what?" His tone was sar.
donic.
Il have broken my theater engage
ment. as you requested"
That was very kind Of you, Doris,
I assure YOU"
Don't be sarcastic, Donald. What
was it you wished?"
He lighted a cigar-performed the
ritual with madieDinQ 1elibera
Perhaps the novelty of an evening
with my wife. 1t is a novelty, my
dear. For almost a year-"
Her foot tapped impatiently. ''The
prospect of an evening alone with
you doesn't excite me in the slightest.
Nor does 1t interest you"
quite true, my dear girl. OF late
we have had little in common-very
little that we cared to discuss. To-
night believe 1 can promise to inter
est YOU
How"
He puffed lazily, enjoying the stu
alton to the utmost. There was some
thing almost sinister in his relish of
the drama which he proposed to en-
act. When he spoke again 1t was as
though to himself.
I'VE have been married nearly four
years. We have had everything in
the world We could ask-except hap
piness."
I'VE had that-once."
"And tossed it away. Lack of mu-
tuality, my dear. diverse interests:
freedom from necessity. All very
sad" He was mocking. why
do we remain married."
And now the little foot ceased its
tapping. The big black eyes clouded
and rested upon the lean, cameo face
of the man in the easy chair. The
faintest suggestion of a vertical line
appeared on her forehead. She breath
ed deeply.
Just why do you ask me-"
Curiosity, Doris, stark, staring cur
iosity. l wish to see just how much of
your boasted honesty you will inject
into your answer"
Y x y x
THE atmosphere of the big room
was tense; it was always so when
they were alone-SCrupulous polite
ness, mocking Difference, constant
rasping.
We remain married" she answer
ed softly. because. suppose, it is too
= troublesome to divorce
Right. Quite right. Divorce Is
rather a noxious thing and we are SO
magnificently respectable, we two.
But which, my dear. is the more un-
pleasant, brief session in the divorce
courts or a life of this yelled hostil-
ity?"
She shrugged. Answer that for
yourself, Donald"
Then he said quickly, eff the de-
cision is to be mine, suggest an i'm
mediate divorce"
The little figure on the lounge grew
taut, then relaxed with a. visible
effort. 1t seemed as though a strong,
unseen hand had reached out Of the
past and closed momentarily about her
heart. Vague memories assailed her;
memories of moonlight and sentiment
and passion; of love and idealism and
worship; of marriage and rapture of
honeymoon Then 1t all merged into
the drab monotony which had some
how climaxed in this. She was
amazed at the calmness of her voice
the icy indifference with which she
freighted her words.
Very well. Whenever you say"
The man stirred uneasily. For a
second his expression softened and q
slight flush stained his pallid cheeks.
The cigar lay unnoticed on the stand.
''At once, of course Doris. I fan
cied you would not be unwilling.
Queer. isn't it, that the only subject
we have found interesting in the past
year should be that of separation?
Things have changed so. Now that
we have agreed to disagree there are
a few things you should know; mat
ters that l regret to discuss with you,
but which. under the circumstances,
are quite necessary
Yes"
Il am speaking of finances-"
Her face famed. please! At least
spare me that"
1T is necessary that we discuss it.
There are certain facts. My dear girl
I'm very much afraid that l cannot
offer you Il settlement which will
mean financial independence. +
She rose abruptly. Il am not inter
"Stop. Sit down" Their eyes
clashed.
She reseated herself
You know we'll enough that / don't
relish this discussion any more than
you do, Doris. Money has always
seemed a very repulsively material
thing to me-until recently. Until
recently His voice was softer
now and she leaned forward. THE
unfortunate facts are these, my dear
I have no money. None at all. The
circumstances don't matter-facts are
sufficient. Unfortunate speculation
snd your good provider is virtually
penniless. That. Doris, explains why
1 found it. necessary to mar your
perfectly good evening with such a
material discussion. That is what
meant by saying that you must ac
cept your freedom from me as final
gift; not so brilliant a gift as diamonds
and sapphires, but certainly the great
est gift it is in my power to give"
= X
CHE stared. then removed her gaze
~ from the sardonic face of her hus
band. It irritated her that he should
he enjoying rne scene. 1t did not oc