The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1897-06-25

hardly knew how To express my
self, and confessed lamcly enough that
i was more or less on my last legs. lie
continued, without comment:
You are, also, think, in love with
Oracle. Is il not SOP"
1T is quite true, Mr.. Sharp"
Then why don't you marry herr"
My companion gazed into my face, "A
comical smile playing about his lips.
His bluntness positively amazed me.
II fear that what cannot support
one would Zoe a poor living for two
] said, after moments thought. "lf
/ could afford to marry your niece,
would gladly do so tomorrow"
"You mean that?"
Most certainly do. love her"
He arose from his chair and stood be-
side me, looking into my eyes steadily.
Listen, Iardman. Oracle is a lady
by birth and education, she is also as
good girl as ever breathed. She has
no relations in the world saving myself,
and / may have to leave her at any time.
| have made inquiries about you, and |
Given helping hand at the start, you
would succeed at the finish. Tell me.
how much would you require to buy a
good practice. or to start in a fair way
against ordinary opposition"
was becoming more and more aston
ished. Was the man going to adopt
me?
1T would be possible to do the thing
decently for 6 5000, would it not?" he
said, presently, for had felt too taken
aback TO volunteer any suggestion. He
waited for reply.
II could go into partnership with an
old friend of my father for less than
that" l answered. "Dr. Jordan offered
TO give Inc share for ! 500, when l
passed my final. but | could not find
the capital"
where does Jordan live?"
I'm birmingham"
rs the practice good one. and can
you trust him."
There is no doubt about the prac-
tice, and Jordan is an excellent fellow.
an old bachelor, and if he had not lost
a lot of money when we did, in the same
concern. would have been a rich man
to-day"
Sharp laid heavy hand on my shout
der.
Go and ask Oracle to marry YOU"
he said. in low voice. Il am sure that
she will do so. On your wedding day
will give her 1900. and / will give
you $4,000 tomorrow. with which you
can settle your affairs here and arrange
with Jordan. the condition being that
you ask no questions and undertake
TO marry this month"
'Bnt, Mr.. Sharp" / cried. such mag
naniinity. +"
go and ask Oracle"
He pointed to the door. waving aside
my remonstrance. and | followed the
direction of his finger as one in dream
That evening left Rose villa the bride
groom-elect of Grace Farleigh. and with
"A check for $4,000 in my coat pocket.
The wedding passed off very quietly.
Only fortnight had elapsed since my
queer interview with Mr.. Sharp. but
in that short time marvellous change
had taken place in my affairs. / had
purchased a share of DIR. Jordan's prac-
ticc in Birmingham. had cleared my
self of debt and was now the happy
husband of the beautiful girl loved.
| could scarcely believe ii ALL Why
had this mysterious Sharp done so
far l.
lightened. The breakfast was over.
The company had consisted of Oracle. |
her uncle and myself; we had enter
tanned no wedding guests. Ny wife |
lad gone upstairs 10 prepare for our |
departure. We were going to Paris |
'or fortnight. and then should pro-
iced to Birmingham. our new home.
II want to speak with you. Hard
man." said Sharp. I'VE will go into the
study"
He took my arm and we strolled into
iis snuggery
''You think have been very good to
-ou. then?"
He was leaning back in an arm chair
md smoking the stump of half-fn-
shed cigar.
well. why have been good to you?"
He paused. and said that / could not
ell.
II have been good TO you for Gracie's
AXE. have been looking out for a
husband for her for some time. but in
'ur position il was not an easy task.
required a man I could trust. gen
leman by birth and nature. one who
would love her and be good to her. one
Who had no meddlesome rela tions to in
erfere or advise. think 1 have been
uccessful."
/ assured him that | should do all
ould TO justify his selection. He
Iodded. and went on speaking:
II had no friends: although / had
ONE money. il was not easy TO find the
IAN / wanted who would marry her.
aving only my word for her past and
moving nothing of my career: who
Tould marry her without asking ques-
ions, as you have done. | heard about
on. as struggling practitioner. new