The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1929-02-15
Paul Figured on
Happiness
BY DOROTHY DOUGLAS

N|OOOSOOSOSN0SNO
CONNIE'S cheeks were flushed d
~ deep red and her wide eyes famed
with Indignation at the words she had
just heard from Paufs lips.
The man-Paul-looked back calm
ly at the angry face Of the girl he
had loved. And no one to look at
him would have suspected for one mo-
ment that he would have the courage
to speak as he had just spoken to the
much-sought-after Connie Mcbride.
you're selfish and very thoughtless,
Connie" Paul had said quietly, "and
/ have loved you very dearly for two
years but-unless you can turn the
candlelight into your own soul and
find for yourself those spots Of tarnish
and-clean them out-as 1t were-I
am going to ask you TO release me
from my promise to marry you"
Paul. You unmitigated cad!' Con-
ME was beside herself with anger and
she dragged the small diamond from
her finger with jerk. She would have
thrown Ii at Paul, but that something
in his gray eyes made her suddenly
aware that she would be made to pick
1t up and hand 1t TO him If she did So
NO, | am not an unmitigated cad"
said Paul calmly. II merely see you
as any responsible man should see the
woman whom he had hoped to marry
You must remember, Connie. that
should never want to bring up a fam
lily OF selfish children. And a mother
who Is blind TO her own faults could
hardly be expected to see them In her
children"
"You needn't say anything further"
stormed Connie. II wouldn't marry
you il you were the last man on
earth" She would have left his side
save that an iron grip on her wrist
prevented it,
But / do intend to say a little
more" said Paul. I'm the first place,
you are getting a salary of twenty
dollars week, all of which you spend
on yourself-not one penny goes TO
the father who has worked for twenty
one years TO keep you clothed and fed
nor 10 the mother who daily works far
harder than you do. Is that what you
consider being fair? Also, why should
your mother wash out your silk stock
ings because you say you are at busi-
ness all day. Your business hours are
from nine-thirty until five and your
mothers are all day and all night If
fa mi = oF
know It," Paul paused q moment, for
Comics expression had changed
you never get 70 your meals on
time and seem to think 1t doesn't mat
ter il your mother must keep food
warm and wash dishes at any time OF
the evening. Do you think for one mo-
ment that / would permit my dear
mother to cook meal twice for me
just because happen to be late. You
never think it's up TO you to stay at
home and care for the younger mem
bers OF the family"
II can't break dance aud party en-
gagementS just to stay home and mind
the children muttered Connie.
Your parents have done 1t for
nearly twenty-five years, and | have
not been blind TO the fact that on
more than one occasion you have de-
liberately gone out when you knew
your sister haC an engagement and
some one had TO stay home. Connie,
dear-just who are you and what have
you done in this good old world to
make yourself believe you have any
right 10 90 rough shod over other
people7"
Comics face was now quite white
and her lips were pressed In a close
depths within her that had been dis
turbed, Connie had slowly pushed the
small ring back on IT'S accustomed
finger.
Way back in the wide places OF
PaulS heart tiny flame leaped forth.
Connie" he said softly and even
yentured to lay his hand over the
nervous one fumbling with the ring,
Tive been having rotten time-tell-
ing you this but-I'm fighting for
my future happiness and there
wouldn't be any happiness without
you--it would all be just bleak and
without love because / could never
love anyone a., | do you-it's that that
gave me the courage to-hurt my
greatest treasure" Pauls voice had
broken a bit, but he rose and moved
toward the door. Just try TO keep
that in your mind and perhaps you
Will find you can forgive me for hurt
ing you" Paul went OUT and closed
the door quietly behind him.
1t wasn't until Connie heard the
garden gate clicking behind him that
she burst into a passion of weeping.
And when her mother came In she
few into those comforting arms and
poured out her troubles in feverish
haste so that her mother soothed her
much as she used TO when Connie was
but five or six years old.
"Tm-m a hateful, selfish little
wretch" she cried penitently, and
Paul-told me-so-so--"
"Paul-how dare he hurt my pet
like this. YoC cannot possibly marry
him, dear-break 1t Off" But there
was smile of something like tri-
umph in the motherly eyes.
'No-no.' cried Connie. Il love him
Il. a