Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1926-09-29
A Question Of
Color
By NELLIE R. EBERHART
"a 1925. Western NewspaperUnion.)

! "a 1875. Western NewspaperUnion.)
THE spacious high room with its
| L rug-hung balcony across one end
blinded him-gave him an unpleasant
impression Of barbaric splendor. 1t
was painted terra Gotta and ivory,
decorated in gold and relieved with
black. Through the large meshed cur
tains Of the arched windows he
blinked at an intolerable gold sun IT.
radiating dazzling sand and darkly
vivid blue-green sea. II forgetfulness
had blotted out the remembrance Of
the ferry and the suburban train, he
might have imagined himself set down
in an Indian palace In a. tropical
desert A dull black piano and a
golden harp, however. proclaimed the
place a studio.
"She hasn't changed" he groaned to
himself. Indeed. she must be worse
than ever"
Martin Andruson frowned a. she
approached: the sight Of her angered
him. He narrowed his lids as II the
strong hues hurt his eyes. The girl
held out her hand, smiling impishly:
II recognize the old expression,
Martin. Since you are still displeased
at the same things, why are you
here"
Unfortunately, still love you,
Jeryl." His frown gave way to q
wistful longing. "Can It be that
this" his contemptuous gesture CIR
cled the beautiful roome'keeps you
from met"
She sobered. Lets sit down." she
invited, leading the way to corner
comfortable with divan and easy
chairs. I'VE may as well come to
final understanding"
"Final, Jeryl2" His stubborn blue
eyes met her dark troubled ones.
"Final. Martin. What we decide to-
day goes. I'm in love with you now.
but I intend to marry while young.
II not you-the question in my mind
is-are you worth giving this up for?"
Andruson colored.
IAN worth more than red walls
and professional careerR"
Don't put 1t that way, please"
Jeryl's tone was sharp. "1 am an
artist, singer; I was born and
trained to 1t. AS for these colors, they
symbolic need of my nature"
He looked distastefully around. III
don't admire this room, Jeryl, yet 1t
would not annoy me in the least If 1t
did not threaten to separate us. But
my mother"
Jeryl interrupted:
"There are other beautiful colors,
Martin softer, more restful. l do not
demand these particular ones. But
this summer I needed them" She
looked at him little sadly. II want
ed to be shocked into life. AS for
your mother"
1--WE must live with her and she
will never leave the old home"
II did not object"
"You antagonized her."
II merely refused to allow her to
choose my clothes and personal sur
roundings. The day of submissive
brides is over"
Dearest" he leaned over and took
her hand His eyes pleaded II don't
care what you do. But mother-and
the town"
"Your mother must compromise"
"Jeryl, this is utter foolishness."
Jeryl snatched her hand away. "Is
it? Then what about my mother and
her ideas! She is vegetarian, you
know. VIII you give up meat to please
herr"
\ He laughed aloud
"Of course, you are Joking"
She gave him a whimsical look
$50 my mother and are jokes be-
cause we stand for beauty and pure
food? What are you and your moth
err" He flushed but understood
She jumped up. 1--WE won't be
ference of opinion. Well have a cup
of tea and you'll 60 back to Holcomb
and I'll stay here"
Martins face whitened. He caught
her hand despairingly.
"What is the compromise you spoke
OFF, he asked.
Merely a suite In your mothers
house to furnish as like and enter
tain my friends in. shall give and
ask tolerance. I'll be good daughter
to her, Martin. And I'll cook your
meals. If necessary; give up public
appearances. But l shall keep up my
music for my souls satisfaction"
She laughed at his puzzled frown.
Really, Martin. this is serious
matter with me. believe American
homes lack beauty and l would be
false to myself and to America If
bought my love with ugliness. Look
out at the sea and sky, Martin. The
Creator uses color lavishly, yet you
consider my love of It a mere fad"