The Washington herald., 1908-07-06

Mitchell shall not come here again. You
may do as you please"
Il am going to marry Jack Mitchell.
replied Millie. quietly. "and I shall be
married in your home. That is all have
TO say" and. turning. the girl walked 70
her own room. leaving her aunt 10 reflect
over the last words.
Bolting her door 90 guard against any
intrusion. Millie reflected over the sltua-
tion. Size was now twenty. and. by walt
Ing five years until she came into pos
session Of her fortune. II would be possi-
bic 70 prevent Mrs. Thompson from OBJ
tanning any Of the property. but the girls
mind revolted at the idea Of waiting so
long. She had know Jack Mitchell for
two years. and been engaged to him six
months. Five years seemed a lifetime.
and she dismissed all thought OF such
plan.
Aunt Hetty should not profit by her
marriage TO Jack-upon that. at least.
Mile was resolved. but how could she
possibly be married In her aunt's home?
Aunt Hetty. having been discovered In
her scheme 20 secure a part Of the for
tune, would spare no effort 10 prevent
her niece's marriage In her home and
Aunt Hetty. small OF stature and not
overly strong. usually accomplished what
she started out 20 do.
What a Jolly row there would be II
Jack and the minister would come here
and try 10 60 ahead with the ceremony"
laughed Mile. as the ludicrous side Of
such a possibility appealed 20 her sense
OF humor. Il can imagine Aunt Hetty
taking Jack by the coat collar and put
ting him out despite his six feet OF
length and 200 pounds weight Aunt
Hetty would do II somehow. so I must
be married here without her knowledge,
but how is that 10 be done?
There seemed no way 70 solve the
problem. and Mile arose 70 take a walk.
thinking the fresh air might bring some
relief 10 her troubled mind AS she stood
before the mirror. arranging her hat. she
noticed the reflection OF men moving
about the adjoining house. and she turn
ed 20 investigate Men were taking up
the carpet and moving the furniture out
OF the room opposite hers. while others
were on the floor below. similarly en-
gagged. Could IL be possible that the
Jacksons were going 10 move? If they
were, the adjoining house would proba-
bly, be for rent. and-Millie raised her
window quickly and reached out her
hand. Il almost touched the window OF
the adjoining house. The houses were
Joined together IN front but in the rear
a small space. less than three feet wide,
separated them TO admit light and air.
A solution of the problem flashed across
the girls mind as she lowered and fas-
tened the window. IL might be possible
TO frustrate Aunt Hetty and not wait five
years, either.
During the next week Mnlie spent
much OF the time az home. Aunt Hetty
always on the alert, viewed this unusual
proceeding with suspicion and remained
indoors herself TO guard against any pos
sible invasion by Jack Mitchell Instruc-
tions were issued 10 the servant 70 ad-
NIT no one. and Mrs. Thompson felt con-
fident Of being able to frustrate any at
tempt on Miles part 90 marry accord
ing to the provision of her fathers will.
Mile smiled complacently. but said
nothing as she noted her aunt's actions
Things were progressing finely. and at
last the plan was ready for execution.
Locking and bOlting her door, she
spent two hours in putting on her pret-
tiest gown. When this task was COM
pleted TO her satisfaction. she raised the
curtain and opened the window.
A moment later Jack MltchelVs hand
some face peered out of the window OF
the adjoining house.
'All ready, Milie?" he asked. restrain
ing strong desire to spring across the
intervening space and take her in his
arms. Here's the Rev. Mr.. Walker, an
old friend of mine. and two witnesses.
Bert Latlmer and Frank Long. We are
all ready II you are"
Millie nodded, and the minister directed
them to join hands across the space OF
separation. The marriage service was
read In slow. measured tones, and they
were pronounced man and wife. Jack
would have come over TO Join his wife.
but she prevented him.
No. no, Jack. this is Aunt Hetty's
house, and she has forbidden you 10
come here. Just wait for me at the
door"
Mrs. Thompson, listening, as was her
wont, at the keyhole had heard the
sound Of voices and felt that something
was wrong. Vigorously and viciously she
had pounded on the door of Miles room
demanding admittance during the cere-
mony, but the Rev Mr. Walker. previous
ly apprised Of the situation, had not heed
ed the Interruption. As Mile unfasten-
ed the door Mrs. Thompsons angry face
confronted her.
who is In your room. Miller de-
manded the aunt glancing around In
quest Of the intruder. She found no one
in the room. but caught sight of Jack $
face across the way The bridegroom had
waited 10 see what developed when the
door was unfastened
What Is that man doing In the Jack
son house? continued Mrs. Thompson,
angrily. Il shall request Mr.. Jackson to
forbid him coming there"
Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Thompson were
1f,vaF 81. 4