"But Maggie, I think that will be wonderful, little Paul will have a playmate."
"You don't know anything about it Susan, you don't know all the pain and work that goes with having a baby, and it's all Phillips' fault."
Susan was sure she didn't know all the things Maggie was complaining about, but she knew she wanted to hear no more of it. She left the house and the young mother to her weeping. Susan's understanding of these things was rather vague and fora a reason she was not sure of, a feeling of great sympathy swept over her for her brother. The DuFrow family was a closely knit one, and Philip was especially loved by Susan. For that reason, she decided to say nothing concerning Maggie's troubles. After all, she was a married woman, and many of them had babies, and didn't act like Maggie was now. And Susan, being young, soon forgot the situation in her brothers' home.
However, in due time, a baby girl was born to Philip and Maggie DuFrow. A beautiful child, they named her Ruth. When little Ruth, dark-eyed and lovely, was two years of age, another baby girl was born to them. This one was named Jennifer, and blond like her mother.
Through all this, Phillip treated his wife with the tenderest consideration, but at times grew impatient with her continual complaining and tears. He wanted to find a maid to relieve her of household work, but she would have none of it. If she needed help, her mother would come anytime.
In two more years their fourth child was born. A healthy little boy. This one was named Edward, the name of his grandfather DuFrow. Phil did not question Maggie as to her needs this time, but found and brought home a housekeeper.
In her secret heart, Maggie was pleased, but gave no signs of appreciation-only a protest that she needed no one. In less than a month she discharged the woman after a quarrel with her. Philip was angry over this, and swore an oath to himself that there would be no more children, feeling a great sympathy for his wife.
Maggie loved her children after her own fashion, but resented the time it required to care for them. She preferred activities outside her home, and being with other people, which often led to conflict between them.
Philip was patient. He loved his wife and babies, therefore their differences were soon passed over, because he hated bickerings and quarrels, especially when the children were present. For this reason, often he gave way to her, leading Maggie to believe her husband was weak. Maggie liked big brawling men like her father.
One day when Philip had been pondering these matters, it dawned on him that his wife's nature had changed entirely. Through the following days he became more keenly conscious of her domineering and belligerent nature. And this he avoided as much as possible , often feeling shame for her in her disregard for the children's feelings. The sad part of it was that she really enjoyed this situation.
Phillip had prospered over these years, in a moderate way, being made manager of the large lumber company for which he worked. Now he decided to build the new home he had been dreaming of for a long while. He would build it for his wife. Perhaps it would change her whole attitude and make her happy once more. He could scarcely wait to put his dream into reality. The next day he went into the small bank and talked his plans over with Mr. Crowley, a owner of the bank.
"Of course, Phil, we'll help you out, nothing safer than real estate, and I'm a great believer in young people owning their own homes as soon as possible. It's a great stabilizer, makes for a sounder marriage."
""Thank you, Mr. Crowley, I appreciate this more than I can say."
"Don't try. I'm glad to be able to help."
When Phillip had left the bank, Mr. Crowley said to himself , "Spunky fellow, he could have gotten that from his father if he had asked. DuFrow is a safe risk."
Philip was enthused over his plans and hurried home to talk them over with Maggie, who listened attentively but made no comment.
"And now Maggie, I want your ideas as to the type of home you need and want. A woman knows how a house should be built better than a man."
He was astonished when she left her chair and without looking at him and said, "It's your house, build it the way you want it."
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