Marion Marlowe in Cleveland, or, The Mystery of the Red Rose — page 33: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

30 ‘“Being a close reader of ‘My Queen’ since the first issue, and admiring the general ‘make-up’ of the story, I could not refrain from reading your laudable correspondence columns. Im the perusal of these columns I found much that was interesting 1n the queries, and in your answers I found instruction, and coming as it does from one who must have been and is a close and ob- serving student of human nature, and whose heart’s door is ever open to the pleas of her troubled sisters. (and brothers, too), it should bear good fruit. In No.5 I read queries from ‘Mamie’ and *C. V.S.,’ and I thought for the benefit of those similarly situated I would outline my experience along those lines. With the sanc- tion of my wife, I proceed. Whatever may be the fate of my letter, here’s success and long life to Miss Shirley and ‘My Queen.’ I flatter myself that I must have pleaded weil, forI won my case and my bride. Four years ago we were mar- ried, she giving up a home of luxtry and ease to dssume the duties and eares of a poor man’s home with the love of an honest heart as the only alluring star. During the four years not one word of discord has been heard in our home. Harmony prevails, for perfect love and confi- dence abides with us. On hearing Mamie’s query my wife remarked, ‘I would never wish for your parents to live elsewhere, as I am happy with them, and the little things I do for them are but pleasures.’ ‘C. V. 8.’ asks, ‘Is marriage a failure?’ ‘Not with me. I am perfectly happy and con- tented with my lot,’ was the reply. My parents, on being questioned remarked that their ‘fondest imagination never pictured so happy a berth for their declining years as the one they have with their son and daughter.’ Our little son, fourteen months old, is the light of our home, and one can see by one look into his face that marriage is not a failure. Iam twenty-five years of age, and for the past ten vears have had to ‘hustle’ for a living. About five years ago I met a young lady whom I immediately fell in love with. She had been reared in the lap of luxury, in the home of a millionaire. For a time I had no idea that my affection was reciprocated, but gradually it dawned upon my mind that I was not distasteful to her. At last I presented my ease to my adored, telling her at the same time exactly how I was situated, financially and otherwise. My parents, both of whom were three-score years and ten, were to have a home with me, as they had abund- antly cared for me when I was unable to care for myself, and it was now my turn to care for them and smooth down the rough places along their pathway. I earn but $15 per week, and pay #100 per year fora six-room cottage. We have good food on the table and more in the pantry and eellar--wear good clothes, carry $5,000 life insurance to protect my loved ones in case of accident, and yet lay up something each week fora rainy day, and tn about two years will own our own home. No, marriage is not a failure! If the happy marriages were quoted as often as the unhappy ones the latter would be far in the minority. We hear evil reports quicker than good. Some fear to tell of their happiness for fear of being called “‘spoony,’’ but I am happy and don’t eare who knows it. Wife and I are sweethearts ever,and my home is the nearest approach to heaven that I expect to attain on this earth. MARTIN.’ This letter comes like a refreshing breath over the parched waste strewn with the wrecks of human ambition. We congratulate you upon having secured such a noble wife and again upon MY QUEEN. the ideal life which you seem to be living. You were very kind, indeed, to tell us of your happi- ness, and, if only our readers will all follow your example of thrift and loyalty, they cannot help being greatly benefited. It is a luxury to hear from one young man of your age that is free from pessimism and morbidness. We hope and believe that there are many more such happy families, but, as you say in your letter, we do not often hear of them, and the tales we do hear fill us with anxiety and sorrow. The perfect mar- riage is the ideal existence, and we believe this condition is possible to all. When misery en- camps upon the hearthstone one or the other, or both, are responsible. We are glad you like the ‘““My Queen” series, and your words of praise of the editor are sincerely appreciated. May your happiness never be less. ‘“‘T am in love with a young man whom I used to think cared a good deal for me. He moved to a distant city three months ago, and we corre- sponded regularly. He has not answered my last two letters. Would you write again? I think he never got them. Lizzrm K.” There is, of coures, a chance that the young man is ill or that he went out of town suddenly and has not received your letters. In this event, he will get them before long and will answer them. If he has simply become tired of the corre. spondence, you certainly do not want to spend your time writing letters which are not appre- ciated. We would not advise you to write again, If he values your acquaintance he will find some way to communicate with you before long. Do not waste any thought or affection on a man who does not value it. “Tama young girl of fifteen. Will you please tell me whata fellow means when he says, ‘I will knock a girl silly?’ Iam engaged to a fellow, but do you think I ought to marry him? He is a poor fellow without any parents or work. ‘* ADELINE.”’ We do not know what is meant by the term you mention, but should judge that the person who ttses such phrases was a very objectionable . individual. No, we do not, advise you to marry the young man you speak of, nor any other man, until you are many years older, -_-_ —-_-_——— “Tam twenty years old and have been married two vears and have a pair of twins. My husband ig tired of me, and will not stay at home nights, hut I love him dearly. Please let me know how I can win his affections back. E. M. B.” We can only advise you to be kind and gentle with your husband and do allin your power to make home attractive to him. Do not ‘nag’? him about his neglect, but talk to him kindly. If he persists in neglecting you, we think it will be greatly your fault, as nearly all men Tove a pretty, peaceful home, especially when it is graced with a loving wife and pretty babies, Let us know how the experiment succeeds, GEomichbooks.com