Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-11-19
Marrying A Millionaire.

Mamie Wrotesley dreaded the inter
, view, yet she would not have foregont
. it. Even to hear from Ralph's lips
!, what she new she was going to heal
was-well a pleasure. But it was dan.
gerous
She was in her own room when he1
lid cane to tell her that MI. Ruyton
had called She was lingering the
necklace Of pearls that Donald Fergu-
sen had sent her last week, just as q
,rifing birthday present. 1t had cost
hundreds, said the jeweler to whom hel
proud mother had shown it casually
There was also a little gold watch with
the monogram M. W. wrought in dia-
monds. That had arrived on Christ
mas eve, an hour or two before Mr.
Ferguson himself.
It's no good,' sighed Mamie, cit
has got to be. Poor Ralph must see
it,
Then she went down to poor
Ralph"
He was standing gazing raptly at
Maimies latest photograph. 1t was
in gold frame, the frame the gift to
Mrs. Wrottesley of the inevitable Mr.
Ferguson
''She deserves to be mounted in gold,
and in gold she shall be mounted, if
you will allow me- said Mr.. Ferguson
and, of course, Maimie's mother had no
objection.
Mr.. Ruyton,' Mamie whispered
He turned and showed her his sad
dened face.
TITS got to that, has ito" he said.
after being Ralph for about a score
of years too"
My dear old boy then said Mamie
impulsively, circumstances have got
to be accepted, and it's no use thinking
anything else"
$50 I suppose. Circumstances en-
bellished by about million sterl-
ing"
You have no right to reproach me
like thatv'
mo? Then l reckon no one has that
right. However CRalph pulled himself
together and looked the gallant fellow
he was), as l have no intention of sur
rendering without murmur, let me
say my little word and depart
What have you got to say?" asked
Mamie. Her voice trembled ever so
slightly.
why, just this, Mamie, if you will
excuse the liberty l take with your
name, love you as fondly as man can
love a woman, and if l do not marry
you I suppose shall go single to the
grave. But that wouldn't matter much
I expect. The main thing is this: I've
had lift in my department, and my
income is now $500 per annum. On
that, if you would look on me with
favor
He hesitated In spite of his re-
strained, half-ironical humor, the
yearning tone got into his words.
''It is impossible, Ralph; quite i'm
possible
Ralph shrugged his shoulders.
$50 supposed" he remarked. you
may as we'll have my scalp, though.
I've been told ladies enjoy these con-
quests when the sere-and-yellow-lea
times comes
u
Am I? Then I apologize. Until
three months ago I was under the i'm
preston that we were all the world to
each other, and that suitable income
was only hindrance to me as an &C
ceptable sutton for your dear hand
'T never said So
mo. It was your mother. There
fore I will infer nothing. Good-by. "
Maimies blue eyes had tears in
them. She knew now what this part
ing meant to her, as we'll as to him.
She did not put her hand into his for
moment or two. She did not even
look at him.
It was not without a strong effort
that Ralph kept from taking her in
his arms, in spite Of everything. Those
tears maddened him.
"Good-by, Mamie" he said again,
land good luck"
"Good-by, Ralph" she then replied,
with a muff1ed sob in her throat. His
hand closed upon hers and held il
while he could have counted ten.
''I do not despair" he said, ''for I
both suspect and hate my rival"
There was a rustic of silk and in
sailed Mrs. Wrottesley. She had
heard these last words and was
angry.
MY daughter will HARRY Mr.. Fer
gusen next MONTH she said with a
stoniness of demeanor that must have
reconciled her late husband to his early
demise There can be no question
5 about rivalry in this matter. Good
afternoon, Mr.. Ruyton. Ring the bell
Mamie
: Ralph Ruyton went back to town
both irritated and depressed. Not
being a very original young man, ht
] could think of no more original way
of fighting the great Donald Ferguson
? late Of Melbourne and Coolgirdie, thar
in calling in the aid of detective.
James Porter, the detective engaged
. encouraged him nightly by not laugh
: ing when he heard all Ralph had t.
say
T You see,'' said Ralph, APOLOGIZE
S cally, there's nothing really agains
him that l know of, but"
But there's a very wide field o
j possibilities Quite so. When doe
this marriage take place."