The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1905-12-01
The Hatch Will

Old man Hatch had lived his life as
a woman Halter, and now that he was
about to die he had no chick or child
to whom to leave the estate that had
been in the family for many years.
The only available relative was his
nephew, Raymond Hatch, who inherit
ed his uncle's dislike for women and
who at his own death would not be
likely to leave an heir. Against this
the old nan undertook to provide. He
left the estate to Raymond on condi-
ton that he marry within one year
after coming into possession. Six days
after making the will the t%estator died.
Raymond OF hearing the will read
was delighted till he came to the clause
requiring his marriage; then his coun-
tenance fell. Like most women haters,
within the depths of his heart he had
the image Of an ideal woman whom he
never expected to find. However, since
there was now the spur Of a fortune to
drive him ON, he started out in q hunt
for a girl whom he could love. Since
Raymond was a fine fellow with a
fortune he found plenty to choose from.
Girls were thrown at him like hail
stones. There were pushing girls, mod
est girls, bad girls, good girls-indeed,
girls of all kinds.
z Now, the chances are that when a
woman hater falls in love it will be
with some heller SHELTER girl instead
of a steady, reliable woman who can
be surely counted on to make a good
wife. So it was with Raymond Hatch.
He fell before the charms Of Grace
Maryott, as %graceless.a f]irt as ever an
gled for man. If there was a serious
thought in her head it did not appear.
There was no prank Of which she was
not capable. With it all was a certain
tndescribable witchery that fascinated
men where sterling qualities would
have had DO effect. Such girls some.
times when they find themselves con
fronted with the serious problems of
wife and mother make very good
wives, but they are uncertain.
Raymond would have liked to keen
the secret of his Inheritance, but eligi-
BILE young men with fortunes cannot
hide them, and nuymond's fortune was;
q widely known fact. Miss Maryott
knew all about it, but had the effronf-
cry to pretend that she supposed him
to be a poor man, while Raymond had
the stupidity to believe her. Raymond
did not meet the girl till within two
months of the time of expiration of tile
year fixed by the will for matrimony,
but during these two months a great
deal was accomplished. The truth is
Miss Maryott left Mr., Hatch very little
to do in the matter. These firts know
men better than the steady, modest
women do. and are aware that a man
does not object to being courted by a
woman for whom he does not have
positive dislike. Besides, firts have a
way of backing and filling that is puz-
cling. Miss Maryott blew hot and cold
until she got Hatch in a fever of un-
certainty. On several occasions when
she was blowing hot he tried to get in
Q proposal, but she always contrived
to head him of. One week before he
must marry or lose his inheritance he
was still uncertain Of his fate.
At this time Miss Maryott suddenly
became apparently very pliable. Hatch
Aad been reproving her for trifing
with him, and she appeared so con
trite that, taking advantage Of the op.
.portunity. he blurted out his proposal.
To his astonishment she refused him.
It seemed to him that the bottom had
droped out of the universe.
But when 1t came to the reason for
her unexpected action the girl unblush-
,lngly told him that 1t would be unwise
for two people to marry both being
.unendowed with worldly goods.
Hope sprang back into the lovers
breast, and he told her Of his uncle's
will and its important condition.
Then came the most surprising blow
OF all. Miss Maryott looked at him
with well affected surprise and coolly
asked him if ne considered her one 70
marry for money. He pointed out the
want Of logic in such a conclusion, but
With no effect. The girl told him that