The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1906-11-24
HIS I'D z AL.


and you know Il WAS always bargain
between us that you should support me
on that occasion"
Yes. / recollect Well, let me offer
my hearty congratulations. Who is
the ladyS"
+The eldest daughter Of Sir John
Graham and the dearest little girl In
the world"
'srhat goes without saying" laughed
Charles Medcalf
"And her name Is Enid" continued
Captain Lane without needing the In
terruptlon. 1--WE have only known each
other six months. met her first at
my godmother's, Lady Martyr, and
think we both fell In love with each
other at first sight There you have the
whole story"
Medcalf had just returned from
South Africa, where he had held a
lucrative appointment, being a junior
partner In large firm of engineers.
"Have you succumbed during your
travels TO the fascination OF some fair
one, or do you still hold the sex In alb
horrence?" asked the captain.
scarcely that" replied Medcalf
flushing dull red beneath his bronze.
But I have never come across my
ideal except In picture"
"Ah. I always said you were ro-
mantle fellow. Notwithstanding your
boosted stolcism. am curious TO
know the story"
at was three years ago. just before
l went abroad. one Sunday afternoon
In kensington gardens. l was with
Jack Dunmore-you remember him.
We had been sitting there some time
crltIcising the multitude when Jack
left me TO speak 10 an acquaintance no
recognized In the distance.
Just then my eye was caught by
the face of a girl passing. 1t was my
ideal-nelther fair nor dark. but with
happy combination of the two. 1t
was not that she was strictly beauti-
full, but she had fascination for mo
that I could not resist. nor can
describe II.
Presently l saw Jack returning, and
at the same moment the girl rose
She was with two others, and as they
moved away something dropped out OF
her lap. FASTENED TO pick 1t up. Her
back was turned, and by some hasty
impulse ! slipped II In my pocket My
treasure proved to . a treasure In
deed for IL was > otograph OF my
darling. Yes IL Al .ome TO that
think OF her still as that. though I left
England next day and have been away
three years"
Let me complete this tale" added
Captain Lane slyly. ''Your task is now
20 find the fair unknown and 10 lay
your heart and fortune at her feet.
Joking apart, old fellow. l fear you
will have difficulty In accomplishing
your object But, talking about photo
graphs let me show you Ep'l ~
Captain Lane detached a locKes
which dangled, at the ena OF hts w1tch
chain and, opening Il. dispsifcd the
miniature OF his ladylove. which ho
offered for his friends inspection.
IL was well that Gerald Lane had
not a full view OF the others face just
at that moment, he having turned his
back half round In order to get bet,
ter light on the portrait. for as his eyo
rested on II Medcalf started violently
and turned CHASTITY pale. 1t was the
pictured face OF his ideal, the fellow 10
which even now lay next 10 his heart.
''She is lovely" he managed 20 STAN
mer as. with trembling hand, he re-
turned the locket. And then he had
20 listen patiently while the captain
descanted on the many virtues OF tho
original.
lie declined. however. his urgently
pressed invitation 20 join his party nc
the theater on the plea OF feeling tired.
and II was with relief that he found
himself at last In his own room.
When. a week later, however. Cap
tain Lane called on him 10 fulfil his
promise on the wedding day the
temptation OF seeing my, more, OF
speaking to-thc girl just once was too
much
It would be difficult 10 say which
was the more nervous, the bridegroom
elect or HIS best man. as they waited
in the church for the arrival OF the
bridal party. Not once during tho
ceremony that followed did Medcalf
glance at the bride, though his pulses
were thrilling at the sound OF the
sweet, clear voice that made the re-
sponses which bound her to Captain
Lane.
II was IN the vestry after the sig
natures had been duly entered in the
register that some one whispered I'm
his ear:
"Come, old fellow. don't you know
your duty2 Kiss the bride"
Then he raised his eyes, which rested
for one brief moment on his ideal.
The next moment he had gravely bent
and pressed his lips on the cheek OF
the dainty vision beside him.
There was a general litter as the
GIRL gave vent 10 little exclamation
OF dismayed surrrfee
"The bride mar' That's not the
brideF'