Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-29

"Of course l can understand my
wife's position In the case" the judge
said. "She wants her only daughter
to marry man with money, and you
haven't any So this Is my plan: III
settle good round sum on you, and
you can say It came from a rich rela-
tive. Then my wife will he satisfied
You can marry Roxane and live hap
by ever after"
"Oh'-Oliver's face was bright with
hope-"you are very good, sir"'
But you mustn't tell Roxane where
you got the money" the judge pur-
sued "She couldn't keep it from her
mother"
But 1 ought not to deceive my fu-
ture wife,
The judge banged heavy fist on
his desk. Don't be foolish" he said
sternly. Its the only way"
But Then before Oliver could
proceed with his objection a clear
voice asked. May come in?'
''Roxanew exclaimed the two men.
| She stood hesitating on the thresh-
old, slender little thing. with her fair
hair puffed out under q plumed hat.
| Mother is waiting in the motor"
she said breathlessly. I'VE are on
our way to the charity bazaar, and i
want some money"
| The judge kissed her. Now it's
| divers turn" he leased.
"Oh, father" she reproached him,
with sob, you know Oliver and !
have had to break our engagement be-
cause mother won't hear of itr' a. And
she hid her face on the judges shoulder
The judge glanced at Oliver. Tel
her" he commanded, and the boy be
gan a hating tale.
AS he proceeded Roxane interrupted
you mean that some one has left you
a fortune?'
Oliver nodded.
Where did he live?"
"1m not sure" the boy stammered.
81 wouldn't inquire too closely into
it, Roxane," the Judge advised hur-
riedly. THE less said about that rela-
tive of divers the better
With her face shining, the girl went
lswiftly to her lover. "Oh. Oliver. OH
YER" she said, how happy 1 am-'
For a moment he hesitated then ht
gathered her into his arms ITS wortl
everything to know that you are mine
IRoxane," he said huskily.
The rustic of silk skirts in the hal
brought him out of his rhapsody.
"1ts your mother" warned tn.
Judge, and when the rather stout lady
in mauve entered she found two sol
cmn young people on each eide of III,
Judges desk. That RoXane's plumet
That was slightly over one ear and tina
a golden hair strayed across Oliver
coat collar were details which escaped
her.
II thought Roxane was never com
ing down." she painted.
II found Oliver here" Roxare ey
lplained, land. oh. mother. rich rela
tive has left him fortune"
"a fortune-Oliver!" scoffed the stou
lady. why. he hasn't rich relativ
in the world"
THE fact remains. my DEAR" tn
judge asserted blandly, that he la
had fortune left him by a distan
cousin"
"What cousin?'' was the demand
You needn't tell me, James"
Tut, tut" the judge cautioned
"Don't accuse the boy of lying
I'm not accusing anybody" Mrs
/ Vandiver stated. 81 merely asked yo
What cousin. James"
, The judge mopped his forehead Tn
, Sudden arrival of the ladies of hi
: household had not given him time t
perfect details.
. I'm not sure of the name. Abbie,
he stammered. Perhaps Oliver ca
satisfy you"
} But Oliver weakened. 81 think Mr.
IVandiver is right" he said unsteadil,
l"Until can offer satisfactory proof {
. my good fortune it will be well for n
t to give up Roxane"
0 Oliver The wall was from his b
/. ltrothed, but he went on, There ma
he some mistake"
y "Of course" said Mrs. vandive
. with aggravating sureness. Come o
~tRoxane." And she dragged her unwi
ing captive from the room.
3 Left alone, the conspirators stared
4 leach other.
p "Now you've done It." said the iud
Idisgustedly. "Why couldn't you bl,
lit out?'