Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-12-05
BY MISADVENTURE
F r A ~ K e A 2 z e T 7
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And l glanced significantly at the papers
on the table. Il assure you" l continued,
Il have done all in my power to persuade
him to the contrary"
"Of course you have, in your own in
terest," said he savagely.
"One must consider ones own interests
sometimes; and after having had the
management of the estate for so many
years."
What on earth has induced him to re-
yoke it," he asked, taking very slight
pains to conceal his chagrin.
Il believe he has been considerably in
| fuenced by DR.. Awdrey.'
DIR. Awdrey?' he exclaimed. What
has he been talking about|
We'll" said I, still with good deal
of sham hesitation, Il believe you We're
indiscreet enough to inform him that you
had proposed to. and been accepted by,
Miss Dalrymple."
ITO what use has the rascal put that
knowledge" he asked.
1--WE must not call Dr. Audrey a ras-
cal, SIR" said l. "All of US have our own
interests to look after. And really DIR.
Awdrey's case is plausible enough"
Il don't understand you what do you
mean?" he asked sharply.
You see it's almost an open secret; at
any rate the fact has for some time been
known to DIR. Audrey, that my old friend
Flexmore wished Miss Dalrymple to mar
~ the doctOr-one of those curious fads
that invalids occasionally take up. [
don't know if you have ever remarked"
go on, go on, for goodness sake. ~ he
exclaimed, iRterrupting me impatiently.
We'll, sir, lately it has been obvious
that Flexmore's daughter Laure has form
ed a very strong attachment for Miss Dal-
rymple-a most extraordinary attach
ment"
"Yes, l know all about that. Go on"
"Well, you see it is obvious that Miss
Dalrympie cannot marry both you and
DR. Audrey; while, at the same time, it
is equally evident that were you the
child's guardian, and from any unfore-
seen accident you might alter your inten-
ton with regard to matrimony, Miss Dali
rymple could only marry DR.. Audrey by
separating herself from the child Laure."
But then l could be trustee to the
child's fortune, and leave her guardian
ship to Miss Dalrymple, couldn't II"
'Oh, certainly, if there were time to
persuade your uncle to such an arrange
ment, which," 1 added, with a profound
sigh, Il fear there is not"
He turned his back upon me and going
to the window, looked out into the thick
grey mist, while l, with two or three little
coughs, seated myself at the table, and be-
gan laboriously to draw up the new will,
my spectacles low down on my nose, and
one hand on the old draft which | fire.
quently consulted.
How long will you be before you take
that thing up to the house to be signed?'
asked Lynn Yeames, who as | lifted my
eyes, l found was regarding me attentive
ly.
Or. Audrey was good enough to lend
me his gig that no time should be lost );
and, if all goes WE'LL l shall be at Flex-
more's house at half-past two-near as
possible
He drew his hat a little lower over his
brows, and quilted my Office without a
word. AS the door slammed, laid down
| my pen, put my hands on my knees, and
had a good chuckle, for | felt / had
| played that game of cross-purposes very
well.
But how would it end? That I could
not foresee. That he had gone off with
some definite and immediate purpose
was convinced. Would he in the next
hour undo himself completely by throwing
off Miss Dalrymple and making his uncle
| understand that he had no intention of
marrying her? 1t would be sharp work ;
but men lose no time when their fortunes
are at stake I'VE shall see" said / re-
turning to my work, for which l hoped
there would be no need when l went up
| for Flexmore's signature.