Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1893-04-20
BRIEF WEDLOCK.

l.
ernoon | saw the name Mrs. George Ire
| hume. 1t was written in the long, angu.
lar scrawl affected so extensively by
women Of the dramatic profession, and
although | had never before heard OF
Mrs. Trehune her signature attracted
my attention. There is more of instinct
than any other sense in selecting from q
long list of signatures those of people
worth interviewing. Mrs. Trehune's
slapdash characters set me wondering
what sort of woman she was, and moth
ing was easier than to find out, SO
handed my card to the clerk, pointed to
the room. No. 205, and awaited the re-
| turn of the bellboy.
In five minutes, or thereabouts, he IN
formed me that was to "go right up. =
and up went.
Come in" called a voice in answer
to my tap onthe door. Ientered. Near
the open fire in an armchair sat young
woman She wore white gown of that
soft caressing woof that SO invariable sets
off well the wearer's charms. Rising as
entered she advanced toward me, and
her manner betrayed at once the well
bred woman l took mental photo
graph of the face and figure before me.
The former was oval, well featured, set
with pair of lustrous dark eyes and
framed in curls of an indefinable color
half golden. half brown. The latter was
tall and shapely.
pray be seated, she said as l began
to explain why had asked for an inter-
view. ''Oh, yes" she went ON, II know
why you came. I have several friends
in the profession, and in fact have the
greatest regard for daily newspaper writ
ers. They are equal to almost anything. y
you fatter the craft" I answered.
Some of us are very retiring. / ann
II hope you are not, sir?' said my
charming vis-a-vis, leaning impulsively
forward as she spoke. Her elbow found
support on the arm of the chair, her chin
rested on her shapely white hand, and
her large dark eyes looked straight into
mine. Itwas an embarrassing situation,
and confess | hardly knew what to
make Of it. With an effort l met the
gaze of this strange young woman and
said inquiringly. "You dislike nervous
people?'
Il should hate myself if that were the
case," replied Mrs. Trehune, ''for l am
all nerves. Oh. dear. dear; if only
dared to do it,
With sudden whisk she was out Of
the chair and pacing back and forth on
the carpet like Gagged ioness. There
was very evidently something wrong
with Mrs. Trehune. Why, good heav-
ems, she was sobbingl
my dear madam" exclaimed, eff ]
can be of any possible service"
.'Oh, dare not ask it of stranger, =
she protested. throwing up both hands
dramatically. ''And yet," she added,
none but stranger would do"
The sight Of the tears had scattered
my self possession to the winds. Twas
ready now to fight duel or two if neces-
sary in defense Of this mysterious young
person.
ASK anything you like" said des-
perately. s.Tl do it."
.Will yous" whispered Mrs. Trehune,
coming hurriedly toward me. IF you
will do what ask, I can never do enough
for you in return. Mine is case that
requires Immediate and skillful action.
You will have to use all your finesse. for
I have not time to explain matters fully.
You must be patient, then indignant and
finally exasperated. Doyou understand
Certainly" answered promptly.
Crazy as March hare was my inward
reflection.
.tAnd you will do this for a stranger
inquired Mrs. Trehune.
Command me" replied.
Then listen" she said, drawing her
chair near mine with az apprehensive
glance at the door. II am not Mrs. Ire
hume. l shall be this afternoon if all
goes well, but at present l am Clara Tai
bot. have run away from my home in
Chicago to marry Mr.. Trehune. He is
of Kansas City and was to have met me
here. I have received a telegram from
him to say that his train is several hours
late. Never mind why it was necessary
for me to rr1 away. It's family mat
ter. My people have never seen Mr.. Ire
hume. Imet him at the house Of friend
| in Europe last year. They wanted me
to marry another man. fled yesterday
after telling George to meet me here.
My father has followed me. He is in the
hotel now; (another glance at the door
his card preceded yours. I sent word
that I was dressing, and he is waiting
down stairs. When read the name on
your card-a newspaper mani con-
ceived this plan: Will you be my hus-
band for half an hours"
started up like a scared jack rabbit.
'tGood gracious, madam" exclaimed,
II don't know enough about you to do
the thing successfully. y
"Oh, try" pleaded the brown eyed
! fugitive, please try"
"Pll do it." said desperately, and the
next instant there was a crash. The
door few back, and in burst an old gen.
| tleman with very red face, from which
couple Of small eyes snapped angrily
as he dashed his hat and cane down on
the center table. Using the latter as a
sort Of rostrum, be glared straight at the
| girl and began to rave, ignoring me en-
tirely.
sWell, madame = in tone of concen-
trated fury, "what the devil do you mean
| by this disg1aceful escapadeY'
| My temporary wife glanced hopefully
! toward where sat, within easy reach Of
the old gentleman's cane. Summoning
| all my fortitude arose and looked the