Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-03-31
~ CHARLES GARvIcE

/
In as Others" she retorted. glanclng
at Joan mischieyously; 81 don't like
tall thin men. Besides, I'm waiting
for a real, live earl. | shan't marry
under, shall I, father? You'll be more
civil, Mr.. Royce, when I'm my lady! ."
There was general laughter at this
sally, and the little dinner commenced.
AS it proceeded, Mordaunt Royce
threw off the restraint and abstraction
which Emily and Joan had noticed,
and he grew talkative and amusing as
usual.
Old Harwood, too, was in the best
of spirits, and when he had had a
glass or two of champagne grew quite
facetioua, insisting upon drinking the
health OF the bride, and filled Joan's
glass so that the wine overran.
81 think we ought to have reserved
that toast until after the ceremony to-
morrow, father" said Emily, with
mock gravity There's many a slip
between the cup and the lip, isn't
there, Mordaunt?"
He bad his glass to his lips as she
spoke, and he set it down without
drinking, and smiled.
Quite true, Emily" he said; but
there is going to be no slip in this
case. I've got the ring in my waist
coat pocket at this moment, and I'm
going to call on the parson and the
clerk myself tomorrow, and take them
down to the church in handouts. When
| get them there ! shall lock them up
in the vestry, and keep them in sight
until the ceremony is over"
whats the use of your parson and
clerk If you haven't got the bride?"
retorted Emily. Suppose she doesn't
come up to time tomorrow? And
such things have been before,"
He smiled again, but strange look
crossed his face, which Joan, who was
watching him, noticed.
EFF that were to happen" he said
with faint laugh, 81 should go up to
the church steeple and throw myself
Off" Turning to JOAN give you
fair warning, so don't be too late to,
morl ow."
Nonsense" said Emily. "the bride
always is lat just to show her indie
pendence and start her married life as
she means to carry it on! Well keep
him standing at the altar, looking
at his boots, dear, won't we?"
Joan smiled, but said nothing, and
she and Emily rose and went into the
drawing room.
The old man pushed the bottle near
err to Royce.
Take another glass, Mr.. Royce" he
said; 81 suppose you are all anxiety to
follow them, but we must have another
glass and drink your happiness. All,
! dear me, little did think that night
that beautiful young creature stag
| gered into the old workshop that she
was going to make a famous actress.
and that ! should have the honor of
giving her away in marriage. You're
a lucky man, Mr. Royce. lucky man.
| and here's your heath"
And the old man. whom the "Pome-
roy" had mellowed out of his usual
shy reserve. nodded and chuckled,
Royce drank and nodded in response
and Mr.. HARDWOOD. after moments
pause. cleared his throat, and. stiffen-
Ing himself with comieal air of dig
| nifty. said:
"Ahem! | suppose, sir, stand some
what in the light of a parent to this
young LADY,"
Certainly certainly" assented
Royce. half absenty. his thoughts
following Joan.
Eyes, so | thought Now, Mr.. Royce,
| hope you won't take offense at what
am going TO say"
- am sure l shall not" said Royce.
Thank you, sir, But seeing that
am, as YOU say, sort of parent to Miss
liza, 1t don't appear to me that shall
have done NY duty unless | mention n
little matter to you"
Pray go on" said Royce, politely.
Well, Nj, Royce, we've known you
for some time, you know, but | can't
say that we know much about you
don't put & offensveH-I'm not q
! gentleman, MIR. Royce. you know, an6
u can't twist words and put EN- nicely
as you would do but what mean I.
this. 1t is said that YOU are wealthy
man. You're swell, we know. bu1
some swells is wealthy and some /;
not, and what | should like to know
. is, what is your prospects," and he
, squared his shoulders and shook his
!. head as he had seen the heavy fathers
I do on the stage,
/, Royce hid his fmpatience under q
l. smile
Your question comes rather late ii
the day, sir" he said, pleasantly ant
with mock respect. But / am glat
you have put it. My income is very
good one at present, and am Happy
for Ida's sake, to be able TO add that
l have large prospects from an inheri
r lance"
"Ah. said Mr. HARDWOOD. still playing
the part of the heavy father and enjoy
| ing it amazingly. VERY good; | an
delighted To hear It. What might
these prospects be worth now A
| thousand weary"