Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-09-08

/ Bessie broke her record OF never
INDUCING IN sickness the day her
baby was born. She had 10 90 20
bed in a hospital and lie like a
lump on a log for two weeks. She
was certain poor Mama could not
manage without her. And indeed
Mama, who had had so many years
OF being managed by Bessie, was
like iorlorn orphan.
CHARLES DOWNFALL
Bessie got the baby she wanted,
a girl who obliged her by growing
daily in soft and gentle ways.
Charlie took care OF her while Bes-
sic was at work. He was better at
ii than Mama, who had lost her
confidence in her ability TO battle
a baby or mix a formula.
II was his being better that
brought about Charles downfall.
The child very naturally looked 10
him for everything. He was her
infant world. He taught her her
first word, which turned out 10 be
daddy. IL was then that Bessie
divorced him for nonsupport.
When Marilyn grew old enough
TO understand, she understood per-
fectly that her daddy had never
given her AS much as Scent
handkerchief. while dear wonder
ful mummy had given her every
thing.
Mama glanced at the kitchen
clock, 1t was nearly Z. At Z she
would speak. She, who had had
so many years of not speaking
until spoken to, was going TO have
her say at last.
Marilyn, thought Mama ten
derly, and saw the girl as clearly
as if she stood before her Soft
and sweet and p. Young for Il,
still tangled up in Bessies apron
strings, still unable TO choose be-
tween her mother and her heart.
If I'm not home by 7 at the
latest, Marilyn had said. The clock
chimed softly. Well, it was Z,
and there was train speeding
west at Z. too. Marilyn had made
her choice.
Mama said Bessie" in a voice
so soft and scared that Bessie did
not hear her at all. So Mama said
"Bessie!" in a loud fierce voice to
give her momentum to 60 on with
the rest.
Bessie turned and stared with
stern surprise.
Mama, I'm not deaf"
"NO," said Mama stoutly, but
you're blind"
"What are you talking about ?"
said Bessie severely.
Mama sat down. She was be-
ginning TO be scared again. But
having sat down, she found she
could release her strength to her
backbone.
About Marilyn and that young
man"
"Fiddlesticks," said b essie
calmly. "A girl brought up like
Marilyn doesn't leave her home
and mother for a penniless
young doctor"
IF she's i'm love, she does"
said Mama firmly,
Bessie fixed Mama with her eye
and made her mouth a long thin
line.
What have you and Marilyn
got up your sleeves: You've
both been acting odd. Why is
MariIyn late tonight? She knows
I insist on dinner at 6. Other
girls her age have 10 work. I've
kept my nose to the grindstone
TO keep her I'm college. The least
she could do is obey me. And
why did you stay In the park
so long? I've told you time and
again one hour i'm the sun Is long
enough"
II didn't go 10 the park this
afternoon" said Mama.
DISOBEYED HER AT LAST
Bessie caught her breath in
surprise.
But l sent you 10 the park.
Why did YOU disobey me?"
II went 10 the bank" said
Mama eXcitedly II drew out
my money. Papa's money that
YOU were too mean to touch. 1
gave IL to Marilyn."
Bessie stepped back as If she
had been struck.
What for"
"TO get married on" said
Mama coldly. "She's on train
now, going sOmewheres west, TO
help her husband set up prac-
tice."
Bessie looked helpless and bereft
How could my own mother