Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-09-02
Jacks GoasPlRAGY.
By Albert Payson.


never relent Whenever | speak of the
subject he talks about family pride and
asks how /. Ethel Marston. daughter of
the great tinancicr, can think of marrying
a mere clerk in my fathers employ.
I'm not a mere clerk. Ethel. am
=, assistant superintendent. and I'm earn
ing S2,10J Il year In three years ought
to have $4,000 q year.
Il know all that. dearest. and Id love
| you every single hit rs dearly ii you were
a beggar."
Jack Davis had grown thoughtful dur
ing the last few moments. As Ethel fin
| ished speaking he raised his head.
Ethel" he said, your fathers family
pride is the very thing that will unite
u.s."
You have some plan. then?''
"Yes, sweetheart, have. But l can't
tell it even to YOU"
But. Jack. dear. if there is to be any
blame demand the right to share it with
you"
"Dear little girlv' answered Davis, ten
derly. Il know you would shield me from
all blame if you could. All | ask is this,
whatever is said or done that you don't
understand don't be surprised-take it as
a matter of course"
Il promise. Jack. but ! don't under
stand.'
Il mean that you must show surprise
at nothing-even if your father insists on
your marrying me-"
Jack, forbidden to call on Ethel at her
fathers house. had met her this January
afternoon on Fifth avenue. She was on
her way to the home of an old school
friend, with whom she was going to dine
and spend the night.
"By the way, dearest" asked Jack as
they said goodby on the steps of the
friends house. "at what time do you ex-
pect to go home tomorrow morning.
''About 10. think" she answered.
"Will you promise to reach your IA
ther's house exactly at 10!"
"Why, yes" said Ethel, utterly mysti-
fed, and was out of earshot before her
question was finished.
Amos Marston sat leisurely glancing
over the paper in his dining room the
following morning.
The mantel clock struck as the stolid
butler entered the dining room and an
nounced:
"Mr. John Davis"
Amos Marston started at the name.
Then it occurred to him that Jack, in his
capacity of assistant superintendent, had
called in reference to some matter of
business, and he growled:
"Show Mr.. Davis in here"
A moment later Jack Davis entered the
room. His demeanor was easy and con-
fident. yet in nowise staggering.
"Well, sir?" said Amos Marston.
"Well?" remarked Davis, sitting down
unbidden and smiling benignly on the
older man.
There was short pause. and then Da
Wis spoke:
Il may as well come to the point" he
said. Congratulate me on my marriage
Il am heartily glad to hear of it" an
severed Mr.. Marston. Il am glad you
have got over your infstuation for my
daughter and married some one in your
own rank of life Who is it that you
have honored now with your adoration?"
Miss Ethel Marston," coolly replied
Jack.
DO you mean
Jack said nothing.
Marston quickly reviewed the events of
the past day. Ethel had left home on
the plea of spending the night with
friend She had then met this fellow by
appointment and secretly married him.
"Ethel will be here at 10 O'clock" went
on Jack, with the same easy coolness of
manner. Il came on ahead to talk to
you."
Marston's only answer was a groan.
The thing was done. There was no
use crying over spilled milk. He rang the
bell fercely, scribbled a few words on
half a dozen cards and handed them to
the butler.
"See that each of these notes is sent at
once to its address," he commanded.
The cards were addressed to several
well known members of the social coterie
which the A1arston family adorned. On
each card was written:
Ny daughter Ethel and Mr. John Davis, who
have been secretly engaged. with my full consent,
for some time, to be married at my home at
10 a. M today. The necessity of Mr.. Davis i'm
mediate departure for Europe pressing busi
ness Gn his capacity as junior partner in the
firm of Amos Marston & Coz causes this hurried
ceremony
Mr.. Davis refuses to leave America unless my
daughter accompanies him. May beg you to be
present at the marriage? AMOS MARsToN.
At exactly 10 o'clock the bell rang, and
ton called the two young people aside.
''Since you have chosen to disgrace the
Marston name by vulgar elopement,
Ethel" he began sternly, Il insist on
your both making such slight reparation
as is in your power. Mr.. Davis, on your
return from Europe you will be my part
ner. Here is money enough for your
travelling expenses. But" with break
in his stern voice, "Ethel, I'll never for
give you this deception on your poor old
father. l make this concession to save
Dur family name from stigma. But mind,
l demand that you both swear never to
reveal the fact that you were secretly
married last night"
Five minutes later Jack Davis and |
Ethel Marston were man and wife.
When all the guests were gone, Davis |
turned to the angry old Marston and |
said:
I'm afraid, sir, you misunderstood me.
never said had married your daugh
ter last night. When l said, 'Congratu-
late me on my marriage l referred to
my approaching marriage"
Amos Marston glared at him open
mouthed.
slack" he said, "a man who could
trick me in that way will be a great ac-
Guisition to the firm. You deserve all
you got. God bless you both.'-New
York Journal