The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-26
A Marriage Of Convenience.


IT say, Hetherbridge, do you think
could earn my own living?"
Great Scott, nor replied Then
added, to soften matters: There's 50
much competition nowadays Every
bodys wants to live
wen. I've got to do it, said George
Things have been going on badly2"
'.They've gone. And there's the Mater.
/ pured at my cigar in silence.
Its come so suddenly" continued
George, Il must do something. The
Mater can't manage on a little
You must marry said. with de-
Il hate that idea" said George pet
sBuf for the sake Of the Mater2"
That's just IL. 7 want to get work
Of some kind, which would mean-well,
marry old HepbuTn's daughter, whom
I've never seen He's q. neighbor Of
ours, with q lot Of money made out Of
cheap boots. or something"
Where Is the LADY,
ION the continent, undergoing a social
sand papering- Shell be home IN a few
days now The old man is awfuliy keen
on it, Il believe
'.ft seems all right 7 observed eau
tiously.
IT'S beastly," said George.
ANY prior attachment"
George blushed. Gle is quite young)
'3WeH, a chap can't'-he began;
as to the limitations of a chap.
And the other lady2" inquired, tax
ing certain facts for granted.
How could i ask her now ~
But you propose to ask Miss Hep
burn"
That's different. It would be an ar
ranged thing. you see. Old Hepburn
has great IDEAS for his daughter; and
Of course we know a lot Of people go
everywhere
George sighed deeply, ana taking a
pipe from his pocket, began to stuff
it with tobacco The pipe was agrees
sfvely new and cheap. watched him
sorrowfully
For little time we smoked in silence.
Then George said:
What do you advise. Hetherbridge?
bank2''
"A hundred a year?" exclaimed.
George shivered-
of a man nerved to some desperate deed.
put my hand on his arm.
Much better take Miss Hepburn, I
said.
1T would be awful
MOT a bit. You couldn't get the other
one, anyhow-not into the shop, / said,
following Georges wandering thoughts
Then what shall I do2"
I attempted to put the case judicially.
'On the one hand is work and perjury
on the other wealth and
Miss Hepburn. There's a lot on my
hands just now" said George YEARLY
What would yOur-your people say
I ABOUT 1Cl our sister WOuiQ 06SD1Se anu
1 hate me. I know
Now. 1 had my doubts as to whether
my sister would ever despise or hate
/ with remarlSing airy
''Oh, girls are 50 silly about these
things "
George rose and began to walk up
and down ike Gagged lion.
L can't do it. WON'T She would
The other one2" I inquired.
left my seat and Joined him. draw
ing his arm through mine
THAT would surely be for the best
I said Now, you asked for my advice
I say, marry Miss Hepburn. You're q.
drone in the hive; that's the fault of
your early training. You'll make her a
/ good husband, I know, and she'll be
happy. The Mater will be comfortable,
and you'll settle down and enjoy life,
with plenty of money to grease the
wheels"
George did not reply, but walked
modify at my side.
Think it over I continued. ''I must
! hurry away now as I want to catch a
train home this afternoon. Come, don't
! look so mournful- Surely drew para
disc"
But George. refused to be comforted.
You left out Eve" he said, bitterly
The world looked very beautiful that
afternoon as walked from the little
country station. bright with flowers. to
/ the old house perched on the white
chalk cliffs, where my ancestors had
/ dwelt for many centuries There I
found my sister Isabel. She was look
/ ing out over the sea, her book lying I'M
noticed in her lap, and made a pretty
1 picture in a frame of green I found
myself wondering what Miss Hepburn
was like. and my pity for George in
creased.
Rousing her from her reverie, I pro-
ceeded to tell my news.
4 saw George this morning" said
rs it as bad as-as you thought2''
asked Isabel anxiousiy.
Worse; they have lost almost every
| thing"
Isabel said nothing.
There is only one course open."
continued George must marry"
Marry Whom2"
saThere is a lady in the case already,
| a certain Miss Hepburn"
tOh'' said Isabel cold1y.
There is also another lady,''T added
WHO'S that2" asked Isabel, turning
4 quickly toward me-
mentioned no name
''Then he Is going to marry that girl
/ just for her money.
1T i a useful thing to have in the
house
II call It Acknowledgement I'll
never speak to him again.
Isabel left me, very angry, and sat
I in her chair, gazing out at the blue sea-
4 glistening in the sunshine and thinking
how contrary things were. For have
a great affection for George. Presently
felt two arms slipped around my neck
and heard a voice behind me.
You're sure he said there was an
4 other-sCme one else2" it said.
Why, certainly said T. He's aw-
fully upset; doesn't care a bit for the
Hepburn girl: only thinks it is the right
thing to do"
You're an old dear" said the voice
And then felt a. kiss on my forehead,
and the voice came no more.
Now. wonder why Isabel called me
IAN old dear
a. few days after came a letter from
George announcing his engagement to
Miss Hepburn and inclosing her photo
graph. Isabel and regarded the letter