Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-08-01

Its shelf, ran her finger down the long
column of names until she came to the
letter S. Then she called up Mr.. San
ford of the legal firm of Sanford q
Rollins, and the following conversation
took place:
"AIr Sanford, you have charge Of
Mr.. Theodore Davenport's business af-
falrs?"
Eyes"
as 1t true that his Lookout shares
have greatly deprecated in value?"
Excuse me, madam. That is n pri-
vate matter l cannot discuss 1t with
a stranger"
"You needn't be afraid. Mr.. Daven-
port has just gone from here I'm
Miss Elizabeth Mellen of Gramercy
Park"
"Oh-ah-yesw 1t was curious-the
change that had come into the voice at
the other end of the wire. "Of course
then. it is quite unnecessary to keep
anything back. The mine Is In very
bad shape-even worse than Davenport
Is aware"
I'D like to have talk with you, Mr..
Sanford, If 1 may. Can you call at
my house this evening at s to meet my
business managerY'
Il will come with pleasure, Miss
Mellen."
Thanks. OF course you understand
that Mr.. Davenport is not to know of
this"
"You can rely upon my discretion"
THAT is all. Goodby until 81
The following afternoon Elizabeth
sat waiting with flushed cheeks and
shining eyes. On the stroke of the
clock Teddy bounded up the steps
Without giving the servants chance
to announce him, he rushed into the
drawing room and caught her In his
arms.
Such wonderful news, my darlingw
he cried joyously, kissing her. San
ford has sold my Lookout shares at
par to somebody with more money
than brains. The mine can't be In
such hopeless condition as was led
to believe. Sanford dropped hint
that the new owner has been investi-
eating privately and knows what he's
about. Well. he's welcome to make
what he can out of it. It's off my
hands. thank heaven. And now we
will announce our engagement as soon
as you please"
Then let it be tomorrow, Teddy"
Elizabeth murmured. with downcast
eyes
There was punctured silence.
Il have a prejudice against long
engagements" she whispered present
y. why not be-married-in three
wCeks?"
You darling" he cried.
At the first stop on their wedding
Journey Elizabeth dived to the very
bottom of her trunk for a mysterious
package. With this tightly clutched in
hands that shook little in spite of
herself, she confronted her husband Of
an hour
Teddy" she began rather tremu-
lousy, 1T is the custom to make gifts
on an occasion like this. Suppose you
and | inaugurate a new departure.
have something to sell if you can be
induced to buy"
Smiling into her solemn face. he ask
ed teasingly:
rs it kiss?"
"Of course not. How absurd! But
see for yourself"
He stared hard at the half dozen doc
uments she spread out on the table:
then as the truth dawned slowly upon
him his face grew white.
These are Lookout mine certificates
made out in your name. Elizabeth"
he cried sharply. explain. What does
this mean?"
"Oh, Teddy, forgive me- she plead
ed, kneeling beside him in the adorable
humility of proud but loving woman.
Il couldn't give you up. | could not
And | saw way out of ii, thank
heaven. l bought up these shares of
yours secretly
She stopped. silenced by bitter cry.
And I'm Il poor beggar after all"
he groaned.
Nothing Of the sort" she declared
eagerly. You've been too busy getting
ready to be married to watch the mar
ket reports. | suspect. Lookout shares
touched par three days ago, and they
went up three additional points yester-
day. You've made n hundred thou
sand
You mean that you have" he cried,
clasping her in his arms.
IN IpVo