Semi=weekly graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1895-1902, 1896-08-05

cnance one afternoon. ne links his arm
in his and invites him home to dinner.
So soon as they are left alone with
the walnuts and wine between them,
John Ingerfield says, thoughtfully crack
ing hard nut between his fingers:
"Will, I'm going to get married. :
Excellent idea Delighted to hear it,
I'm sure, replies viii, somewhat less
interested in the information than in
the delicately favored madeira he is
lovingly slipping. Who's the ladyG"
II don't know yet is John 1nger-
fields answer.
His friend chances slyly ut him over
his glass, not sure whether he is expect
ed to be amused or alphabetically
helpful.
81 want you to find one for me- !"
Will Cathcart puts down his glass and
stares at his host across the table.
Should be delighted to help you,
Jack, he stammers in an alarmed tone.
Pom my soul l should, but really
don't know single woman l could rec
ommend; pom my soul don't. -
You must see a good many. 1 wish
you'd look out for one that you could
recommend. -
Certainly I will, my dear Jack, "
answers the other in relieved voice
never thought about 'em in that way
before Dare say shall come across the
very girl to suit you. I'll keep my eyes
open and let you know "
II shall be obliged to you If you
will, - replies John Ingerfeld quietly,
land it's your turn, think. to oblige
me, Will I have obliged you, if you
recollect.
''Shall never forget it, my dear Jack, "
murmurs viii, little uneasily. 1T
was uncommonly good of you. You
saved me from ruin, Jack-shall think
about it TO my dying day. :"
40 need to let it worry you for SO
long a period as that. :" returns John,
with the fainteSt suspicion of a smile
playing round his firm mouth. 1.-The
bill falls due at the end of next month.
You can discharge the debt then, and
the matter will be off your mind .
Will finds his chair growing uncom-
Portable under him, while the madeira
somehow loses its flavor. He gives q
short, nervous laugh.
BY Jove. ne says. so soon as that!
The date had quite slipped my memory. y
Fortunate that l reminded you, y
says John, the smile round his lips deep
ening
Will fdgets on his seat I'm afraid,
my dear Jack. " he says, Il shall have
to get you to renew it, just for d month
or two. Deuced awkward thing. but l m
remarkably short of money this year.
Truth is can't get what's owing to
myself ="
That's very awkward certainly. . re-
plies his friend, because am not at all
sure that l shall be able to renew it. y
viii stares at him in some alarm.
But what am to do if haven t the
money!
John Ingerfeld shrugs his shoulders.
You dom Iuean, my dear Jack, that
you would put me in prison."
Why not? Other people have TO go
there who can't pay their debts. -
viii Cathcart's alarm grows to seri-
Gus proportions.
But cur friendship. he cries,
our
Ny dear Will, interrupts the 9TH
er, there are few friends I would lend
e800 pounds to and make no effort to
get it back. You certainly are not one
of them. .
Let US make a bargain, - he con-
tinues. Find me wife, and on the
day of my marriage I will send you
back that bill with perhaps a couple of
hundred added If By the end of next
month You have not introduced me to
lady fit TO be and willing to be Mrs.
John Inserfeld, shall decline to renew
it. "
John Ingerfeld refills his own glass
and Hospitality pushes the bottle toward
his guest, who. however, contrary to his
custom, takes no notice of it, but stares
hard at his shoe buckles.
Are you serious?' he says at length.
"Quite serious, is the answer II
want to marry. My wife must be lady