Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1905-05-18
In the Matter
Of Elizabeth
By s. T. STERN
Copyright, 1904, by S. T. Stern
Copyright. 1904, by S. 7. Stern
By S. T. STERN

There were two Elizabeth Lang
hams. For fifteen years they had lived
almost side by side, and neither of
them had learned Of the others exist
tan space and several hundred thou
sand dollars separated them socially
and completely. The elder Miss Lang
ham resided near the middle of the
block in plutocratic white stone man
| sion. At the corner of the same street
In a modest fiat house lived the other
Elizabeth.
Though neither of them was aware
| Of the circumstances, these two pos
| sessed one link In common. His par
ents knew him as James Carruthers.
His clients and professional friends
| called him Jack, the counselor. Miss
Langham knew him as her oldest and,
he hoped, her best friend. Elizabeth
| Langham knew him as her employer.
Elizabeth Langhan. often wondered
that Jim had selected her from two
dozen applicants for the position of Ste
| nographer In his legal establishment.
A callow graduate from a business col
lege, she had hardly hoped to gain ac-
ceptance over a score of experienced
typiSts. The true reason-her name
she never guessed Still Jim had no
reason to regret his choice. Miss Eliza
beth was neat pretty and bright. Jim
dictated to her daily, and she tran
scribed without an error.
Not so Miss Langham, the focus Of
nifty bachelor aspirations. Jim tried
dictation there only once.
"Mr. Carruthers," said Miss Langham
coldly, ''you are taking a mean advan-
tage Of our friendship. You have no
right to crlticise my other friends. /
am proud to number Judge Newton
among my friends"
But. he's fifty IL he's a day." Jim
persisted.
$50 shall you be, Mr.. Carruthers-
some day, Good night"
There were tears after Jim had taken
bis departure, but that Jim did not
know. He did know, however, that
Miss Langham had dismissed him, and
he sorrowed accordingly.
Its that fellow, Colonel Newton"
he unused. "Since they've elected him
a judge Elizabeth has been indiffer-
emit to me. Mrs. Judge Newton evil
IDENTITY sounds better to her young
ears than plain Mrs. Jimmy Carruth-
ers." So he floundered homeward in
the slush of a winter evening and
nursed his first great sorrow.
Sorrow maketh a sympathizer.
Jimmy, blue and hopeless, became hui
manitarian in week. One morning
when his stenographer, Miss Eliza
beth, showed him q court summons
which had been served upon her, de-
handing that she pay the sum of $3.50
forthwith or suffer the entry OF judy
'ment for that amount, Jimmy simply
radiated consolation. "Who is this
Mime. Nellie who Is suing your
II never heard Of her." was the re-
Spouse.
Jim scanned the papers closely.
Mime. Nellie" he said after he had
finished, seems to be the trade name
Of a being whose Christian appellation
Is Michael O'Malley. He says you
ordered one blue dress Of the value OF
$3.50. He swears that you have re-
fused TO accept 1t. and he sues accord
ingly."
There must be some mistake. I
never ordered dress one-fourth as
expensive as that. Nor have I ever
laid eyes on Nine. Nellie"
Where do you i've" hs inquired.
Her reply astonished him. s'No. -
Sixth avenue"
us that near Forty-sevenths streetY'
1T is on the corner. The side street
IL very fashionable. This summons
must be intended for some wealthy
woman near by who doesn'tApay her
bills"
When Jim saw that the papers were
signed In the . name OF the Hon.
William Newton. justice, his mind
was made up. He told his secretary
60 have no fear. He was happy to
show his appreciation OF her faithful
and long continued service.
He tried the case himself. His rival
sat on bis bench and glared sayagely
at him-at least that is Jimmy's re-
port OF the judicial attitude.
AZ It happened, Nine. Nellie was not
present In the courtroom, having been
detained elsewhere On jury duty.
In his place he sent two Of his as
siatants. One or them took the stand
at oNce-a f3Owid farrell lax1rk aha xxaa