The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-04-09

and naturally I'm not in a posi-
ton to take care of Marie, SC
I thought-we both thong h t
that"
"You mean you have no means
of support ior her? No job2"
fright now, I haven't. Until
I get into this land deal that
I'm interested in, why. I suppose
you could say that 7 haven't. Al
though I assure you, Mrs. Bron-
son, that I'm not lacking in am
bition. In a very short time Ill
be able to assume the response
bility, and I'll have something
really worth while to offer her"
You assumed the responsible
ity when you married her. Don't
you know that?"
why, yes. Of course. Only, as
say, at this time /"
Mother! Please! Edward, we
don't have to listen. We"
One of jules plump pink hands
settled firmly over Marie's small
white Ones "Oh, yes, he hes to
listen. Oh, yes. he most certainly
does!"
Edward stood up. Really" he
said, IT must confess that I'm q
little unprepared for this kind OF
reception. asked Marie to keep it
secret until I was able"
Julie stood up, toe.
So did Charlie. Nov, Julie,
dear, I don't think"
"Shut up, Charlie" Julie said,
I'm thinking" She came and
stood next to Edward. Look here,
boy, I'm a practical woman. You
didn't ask my permission to marry
my daughter. You went right
ahead and got married. without
asking anybody. All right, you're
married. Now what are you going
to do about it-that'S what I want
to H1ow!"
Beads Of perspiration stood out
on Edwards forehead. He said, II
don't know what you mean"
II mean, what are you going to
do? You're not going to kiss and
run, If that was your idea. You're
not going to go off and forget you
ever went through ceremony as
long as it suits you. Lord knows
don't want to lose my child. I
don't want to see her go off with a
stranger. But I'm trying to be fair.
I'm trying to keep my temper and
find out what's in your head, even
if am mother who"
pipe down." Charlie suggested,
placing a heavy hand on her arm.
Pipe down, there's a good girl.
Julie"
Marie did not look up. Edward
looked at her bent head, at the de-
fenseless curve Of her neck. bent
as If for the guillotine, and knew
that she daren't look up. That
she was afraid he was going to fail
her.
If you're suggesting that I take
my wife and CO." Edward said,
then I think it's high time we
were on our way. I THOUGHT
you'd want to keep her with you
for while. I didn't know that
you wanted to get rid Of her, that's
ALL"
you know what I mean" Julie
returned, her large face within an
inch of his. you know exactly
what mean and you're not calling
any bluff of mine! said, and I'll
say again, that If my daughter
wants to put an end to this non
sense and forget it. it's just fine
with me.
"Or if she thinks she wants to go
with you, she can leave you and
come back home to me and
Charlie where she's loved and safe
and well taken care Of, any time,
whether it's right this minute, or
20 years from now, If I'm still
alive and breathing. But as long
as she calls you husband she stays
with you-and I don't take you in,
either. She can't keep you here.
I'm asking, do you want her to be
your wife, or don't you? It's up
to the two Of you. I'm Just tell
ing you to make up your minds. :"
Marie lifted her tear-streaked
face. Her eyes sought Edwards.
He thought that his heart must
burst, of love for her, of hate for
her mother.
Come, darling" he said, almost
walking on jules feet. to get to
her.
you want to go with him?"
Julie asked. Her militant arms
were crossed on her blue georgette
bosom.
For answer Marie gave a loud,
choking sob, and hid her face on
Edwards sleeve.
Then I'll get busy on the pack.
ing" Julie said, practically. She
turned to Edward. What time
did you say you were leaving?"
ITO be continued) CD.
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