The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-10-23
TO do | asked. after a pause.

81 can pay his debts."
"You can pay his debts and you can
found home for unsuccessful merchant
princes If you choose, but not with my
consent.
'sHe has behaved very honorably."
Pooh. Any honest man would do the
same
You say he will be here at twelve??'
AT twelve"
Why did You ask him to come back:
you interrogate like a lawyer. told
him | would communicate with my
principal"
''Did he ask for help?"
Not at all. He was ready to stand
the racket, he said He merely wished
TO state the facts. He blamed himself
for lack OF discretion, and could not
contradict him. He was immaculate as
ever in his personal appearance. but he
looked pale
Poor fellow"
.tYes, it IS unfortunate, admit. But
it will teach him lessen. \ man who
wishes TO become merchant prince can
not afford to trust anybody"
"What doctrine"
Business and sentiment are incom.
patible
was silent moment. Mr.. Chelm.
when he comes here at twelve 1 want
you TO tell him that he shall not fail, and
that 1 viii pay his debts.
Miss Harlan, do not be so foolish, l
beseech your
''But I wiki do this only on one con-
dition. and that is-that he viii marry
me-" 49,
I blushed before the lawyers gaze and
exclamation.
Marry your,
Yes, M. Chelm. Do not be too
much surprised. Trust me. 1 know
what 1 am doing, believe me. Have l
not hitherto usually been moderately
sensible?"
up to this time have regarded you
as an uncommonly wise young woman:
but this is sheer madness"
"As you please. But you will COM
ply with my request if insist"
He will accept the offer"
IF he does, you are TO give me away,
you remember. But I am sure he will
not accept"
'.You were sure he would make a
fortune"
But it was you who put the idea of
marrying him into my head"
Il am TO be made to bear the blame OF
course. There is one hope, however-he
thinks you sixty-fve."
''Ah! but he must be undeceived. You
must tell him am young and very beau.
tiful."
What madness is this, Virginia:"
Trust me, Mr.. Chelm, and do what ]
ask you"
Every we'll"
You viii tell him?"
IF you insist.
And | shall be in the other room and
overhear it all Stop, one thing more.
In case he refuses, make him promise &c
come to see me this afternoon fora half
hour. That at least he will not have the
courtesy to deny me- But only If he re-
fuses, mind.
do you really wish me to make this
offer" said Mr. Cheln, as last appeal.
Il was never moro in earnest in my
life," replied.
A half hour later Mr.. Prime entered,
followed as usual by Ike. | had made
Mr.. ChelIn promise that he would leave
no argument unused to induce Francis
to accept my offer He looked pale and
worn, but there was nothing despairing
or otherwise than manly in his air.
L have seen my principal, SIR said
Mr. Chelm with abruptness "She is
very sorry for yea.
Il thank her with all my heart. And
some day hope TO be able to restore to
her the money which have lost through
my credulity.'
''Itis of that wish to speak. Please sit
down. NY client does not wish you to
fail She viii pay your debts.
''Impossibler
Please do not interrupt me. But she
demands of you favor in return"
1T is hers to command, whatever il
is; but | viii take no more money"
Wait until you hear what | have &c
say In consideration of what she has
done for you, and what she is ready TO dc
for you. she asks you to become her hus
band
Her husband
Yes, that is the favor"
Francis Prime stood COMPOUNDED, as Ii
he were doubling either his sanity OF
that of his companion.
Her husband? Wishes me to become
her husband
why not: She loves YOU
''She is an old lady, you told me"
Did |? was trying to conceal from
you then that she is young and exces
sively beautiful | will tell you more
She is worth four millions in her own
right
'.What is her name?"
''That viii tell you also-Aiiss Vir
ginia Harlan"
Il have heard of her And she loves
me-"
Desperately. Come, sir; you hest
tate, it seems TO me- This Is chance
that does not come every day"
Heavens and earth. what am I &c
say"
Say you accept. You asked my adj