The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-02-15

the operator called out, Wheat gees down
a cent.
Il think he showed unusual wisdom for
a Spectator" said Appeby with slightly
sarcastic smile.
please como and see me tonight, Mr.
Wimpleford," said Mrs. Billbank, ignoring
Anpleby's remark, Il must go now-the col
onel is waiting for me to 60 driving"
Willie damned the check into his pocket
viciously, but smiled as he said Indeed,
nothing shall detain me from coming
That evening Willie called at Mrs. Bill
banks. His dress was immaculate. He
was really handsome young man. Fills
mind was in a sadly perturbed condition.
Mrs. Eillbanl1 was marvelousy entertain
ing. She talked but little Of wheat. It
would be difficult to record just what Willie
said. But he was desperately in love with
the plunger who had lost fortune in
three months and his language in connec-
ton with certain matters that would in
Huence his future considerably was Of the
desperate kind. Mrs. Billbank closed the
conversation by saying. my dear boy.
como and see me Monday morning at 8
o'clock and 1 will tell you what my answer
shall be-"
The next day was Sunday, and the colonel
called on Mrs. Bllbank He was not q
handsome man, but he was very wealthy.
His mind was In a sadly perturbed condi-
tiOn. MrS. blllOanK was marVeiOCSly en-
PERTAINING. 1T would be hard to record just
what the colonel said, but Mrs. Bilbank
replied to it ALL "You dear old man, come
and see me tomorrow morning at o'clock.
and I will tell you what my answer shall
be-"
The next morning two men approached
Mrs Billbank's residence from opposite di-
rections They were very different in ap
pearance, but their expressions were much
alike. Both looked happy and worried at
the same time If that is possible. They
met at the iron gateway and walked up
the stone steps together They said they
were pleased to meet each other but neither
looked very happy they said it, A SER
want answered their ring. and both asked
for Mrs Billbank. They were shown into
small reception room, where she was
waiting for them.
Il am 30 delighted to see you, gentle
men. Isn't it a charming morning? Truly.
there IS nothing like a day in June
Neither Of the men seemed to appreciate
the weather; in fact. Willie didn't like the
subject general principles and so he
said nothing. The colonel merely said. Yes.
I believe 1t is not raining out" and he
and Willie sat down in very uncomfortable
positions. No one seemed to care about
opening the conversation, in fact each was
waiting for the other to say something. At
last It became necessary to break the ST.
lence, and Mrs. Billbank did 1t in a manner
that gave both her guests considerable OF
q shock.
do you know" she began. that very
strange thing has happened to me? In the
past two days have been asked to marry
two men. Each Of you know who one OF
the men Is. You can easily guess who the
other Is. promised each that would give
him my answer this morning" The two
men changed their positions to still more
uncomfortable ones. The colonel was
flushed and Willie was white. II have de-
cided-" she paused q moment, and both
men leaned forward, II have decided to
leave the decision to chance. You both
know that have lost my fortune my home.
my horses and my jewelry on the wheat
market In the past three months. have