Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-30

If course. didn't see through it, and con-
seouently you may feel quite sure that she
will love YOU for yourself alone. That 8
all YOU wanted. isn't it?'
"rhat certainly is all that wanted,
but"
And fortunately enough. to confirm my
suspicions I came across a letter addressed
~ friend of mine-she didn't know that
cav II. but / managed to do so al the
same. from your partner, Burchison.
"Really?" BIr James Marchant was
suddenly interested.
and Mr.. Burchison said that you ana
he had made a piie-such al odd express
sion. isn't it?-of $500 OC0. And he said that
he thought you would both stay on Tor
few years. but, as we know, you sensip1y
enough came home"
Mrs. Beckett looked triumphantly across
nj her angular daughter opposite, who was
bowlinc information about the weather 10
a deaf archdeacon. and then at Marcnant.
She shook her hand waggishly at the man
from the Cape.
can [ see that letter." he asked, sharp
~.
fortunately, I have it in my pocket, but
T really don't know whether l ought 10
show It TO you. You see it is private.
rs that why you took it, Mrs. Beckett?'
"Come. come. Mr. Marchant! Don't be
too severe. One has to keep ones eyes
open in this world"
SIZE found the letter with some difficult
ty-for the pockets in ladies' dresses are
remote and difficult of access-and under
ambush of his plate Marchant read it.
Mrs. Beckett" he said eXcitedly you
have without knowing it, done me very
great service. Burchison declared to me
that he had invested our gains, and that
all the money had been lost. 1t seems
from this letter that he has behaved
shamtfully. and shall make him disgorge
every penny that belongs 10 me. l shall
go back to the Cape by the next boat
This IS very unsatisfactory" declared
Mrs. Beckett. aggrievedly. You can't
very well get married before next Satur-
day"
The dear girl will wait" he answered
confidently.
Il am not so sure of that" said Mrs
Beckett with some snappishness. Dear
Madeleine is not so young as she was.
so I should judge. But what has she
10 do with the affair? Is she to be briaes-
maid?'
Madeleine has been bridesmaid often
enough" said Made!eine's mother. This
time. providing this money affair Of yours
comes out all right she will be the bride.
"Whose bride. Mrs. Beckett?'
"Why. bless the man." cried Mrs.
Beckett; yours"
q" Idon't see how that can be managed
with convenience There's a law against
bigamy. l believe. Besides, only want to
marry your stepdaughter."
"Flla?" cried Mrs. Beckett amazedly.
IF you don't mind"
Mrs. Beckett laid down her fishknife
and forl, and stared dstractedly around
the table at the other guests. Finally her
eve rested on Madeleine. and she frowned
so much at the young lady that Madeleine
asked across the table in an audible tone
if she was Ill.
mp" echoed Mrs. Beckett tartly. L
have uncommonly good cause to be. To
think that I have taken all this trouble
for the sake of poor Mr.. Beckett's ridicu-
lous little daughter by his first wife! Why,
she isn't worth"
Excuse me-" interrupted Marchant.
promptly. "You will remember. please.
that YOU are speaking of lady who is to
be my wife,
"Bah!" said Mrs. Beckett-Chamberss
Journal.