Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-05-12

overhear it all. Stop, one thing more.
In case he refuses, make him promise TO
come to see me this afternoon for a 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 mako this
offer?" said Mr.. Chelm, as n last appeal.
81 was never more in earnest in my
life,' replied.
A half hour later Mr.. Prime entered,
followed as usual by Ike. had made
Mr.. Chelln promise that he would leave
no argument unused to induce Francis
to accept my offer. lie looked pale and
worn, but there was nothing despairing
or otherwise than manly in his air.
81 have seen my principal, sir" said
Mr.. Chelm with abruptness. "She is
very sorry for you"
II thank her with all my heart. And
some day hope to be able to restore to
her the money which have lost through
my crcdulity."
"It is of that wish to speak. Please sit
down. Ny client does not wish you to
fail. She will pay your debts"
impossible"
please do not interrupt me, But she
demands of you favor in return"
at is hers to command, whatever it
is; but will take no more money"
"Wait until you hear what | have to
FAY. In consideration of what she has
done for you, and what she is ready to do
for you, she asks you to become her hus-
band"
Her husband?'
Eyes, that is the favor"
Francis Prime stood COMPOUNDED, IS if
he were doubling either his sanity or
that of his companion.
Her husband? Wishes me to become
her nusband:"
why not? She loves you"
"She is an old lady, you told me-"
Odd |? was trying to conceal from
you then that she is young and excess
svelv beautiful. | will tell you more.
She is worth four millions in her own
right"
"What is her na,ne:"
That will tell You also-Mss Viz
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 rot come every day"
"HeavcDs and earth, what am l to
say
Say you accent. You asked ny adj
vice once, and now l give it to you
again
But do rot love her"
"a mere bagatelle. You would very
soon."
II am of :nother opinion. l could
never love her, for the reason" - he
paused an instart-'for the reason that
! love some one else"
"Ah. if you are married, that settles
I It,"
~ am rot married"
Young man, you are great fool
then" The lawyer was really waxing
angry. This young lady is the supe-
rior OF any ulan | know. You are throw
ing away a prize,
That may be, sir, but if you recall a
speech | made in this Office some six
months ago You will remember that |
said was a gentleman. Ii | should &C.
cept the offer you MAKE me, | should be
one no longer, and prize my reputation
in that respect more than ! cherish any
thing in the world"
This SOUNDS well, sir, bat it is child
ishness You are boual to make my
client amends for your folly. 1t is in
your power to marry her, and if you are
man you will make her that ropGra-
ton"
Excuse me, Mr.. Chelm, it would be
foolish tor us TO argue longer on this
point, will call again tomorrow, when
We are both less excited Do not think
wish time to reflect, for my decision is
lnal. but | should like Your client to
know that | am not wholly an migrate
Tomorrow, if You say 50, at tho same
hour"
stop one moment. have one more
request to make of you, which YOU can
hardly refuse, porycrso IS You seem II
be. My client expressed the wish that
in case you should decide as you have
done, you would call upon her this even
ing at her own house
Francis BIT his lip. Il should be
obliged to make the same answer"
The subject, sir, willnot be preached, "
"Cert&inly, then, | will come
Il was with difficulty that | could re-
strain myself from rushing into the room
and falling at his feet but when knew
that he was gone. | went up - Mr..
Chr.m with the tears in my eyes.
Il did my best for you, Virginia. Bat
! five fellow is right He is u gentleman.