This is a powerful study of modern life in London, and concerns the hearts and passions of live men and women. Being the first novel by Mrs Maud Churton Braby, author of that vivacious and daring book, “Modern Marriage and How to Bear it.” As might be expected, some of the serious problems of women are dealt with in its pages. The story concerns the fortunes of brilliant and undisciplined Dolly who, on the death of her mother, an actress, is compelled by the decree of a mysterious trustee to go first to a convent-school and afterwards become a hospital nurse. Her temptations and adventures at the Wimpole Street Nursing Home-- (in which environment other characters of much interest appear) --her tragic love affair, and the depths to which it brings her, together with her subsequent redemption, are related in a manner which makes a special appeal to the heart. * * * * * * * * * MODERN MARRIAGE AND HOW TO BEAR IT by MAUD CHURTON BRABY “Marriage is the origin and summit of all civilisation.”--GOETHE. _POPULAR EDITION_ T. WERNER LAURIE Clifford’s Inn London CONTENTS PART I SIGNS OF UNREST Chap. Page I. The Mutual Dissatisfaction of the Sexes 3 II. Why Men Don’t Marry 14 III. Why Women Don’t Marry 26 IV. The Tragedy of the Undesired 42 PART II CAUSES OF FAILURE I. The Various Kinds of Marriage 57 II. Why We Fall Out: Divers Discords 68 III. The Age to Marry 85 IV. Wild Oats for Wives 89 V. A Plea for the Wiser Training of Girls 101 VI. ‘Keeping Only to Her’--The Crux of Matrimony 109 PART III SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES I. Leasehold Marriage à la Meredith 119 II. Leasehold Marriage in Practice: A Dialogue in 1999 129 III. The Fiasco of Free Love 141 IV. Polygamy at the Polite Dinner-Table 146 V. Is Legalised Polyandry the Solution? 159 VI. A Word for ‘Duogamy’ 161 VII. The Advantages of the Preliminary Canter 171 PART IV CHILDREN--THE _CUL-DE-SAC_ OF ALL REFORMS I. To Beget or Not to Beget--the Question of the Day 177 II. The Pros and Cons of the Limited Family 184 III. Parenthood: The Highest Destiny 193 PART V HOW TO BE HAPPY THOUGH MARRIED I. A Few Suggestions for Reform 203 II. Some Practical Advice to Husbands and Wives 209 To C. STANLEY CHURTON The Best Father in the World