The Kennewick courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1905-1914, 1908-02-28

young. handsome and rich What else
would a girl want?'s Now, I'll tell you
what you; do. Well put Laura in a
trap. III propose a series of mock
marriages and ask her to begin with
you. She can dress herself in bridal
finery. All girls love to do that I'll
get myself Up as parson, and we'll
have a marriage ceremony in presence
Of witnesses. Then after it's all over
we can take the ground that it's legal.
She'll be, satisfied. only she'll want to
be married ever again." 49,
Weyburn s;ter much persuasion con-
sented. Miss Leonard at first refused,
but finally consented also.
The performance. was great sue
cess: Miss Midway played a wedding
march on tue piano; the bride, followed
by her. attendants. came down tho
main staircase. while Weyburn, SUI.
ported by his grOOmsmen, filed out VI
the library. meeting the bride in the
hall and proceeding to the drawing
ROOM: where they stood at one end "
the apartment. 1t had been agreed that
the religious part of the ceremony was
to be left out, which satisfied the bride
that there would be nothing binding
In the ceremony. The bride and groom
consented to take each other for better
or for worse, and they were pronounc-
ed man and wife. Congratulations fol,
lowed, and all proceeded to the we'd
ding supper. =.
When Midway, who had agreed to
announce to the bride that she was
really married.: an hour later took her
away by herself. and told her of the
fact he met with reception far differ
ent from what he had expected.
''Do you mean to tell met she said.
turning pale, that I'm really married
to Mr.. Weyburn?"
''You took him for your welded hus-
band and he took you for his welded
wife in the presence of witnesses"
but you are not a clergyman, aud
you didn't put in any of the religious
part of the service" She was growing
more terror stricken every moment.
''There is what is called Scotch
marriage in which two persons agree
ing to marry each other in presence of
witnesses are legally married." .-.
But this is not Scotland" ~.
Its impossible to tell exactly what
constitutes a marriage in this country,
hut since there Is every probability of
your being married to Dudley Wey-
burn, since he is young, handsome and
rich, it seems to me best under the cir
cumstances you'd better call it a go.
You can have another wedding, swell
affair, you know"
But don't want Dudley Weyburn."
This was said with such agony that
Midway was terror stricken at what
he had done.
Great heavens, Laura! hope you're
not in love with any one else.'
Yes, l am" she said, bursting into,
tears. ~
Midway was thunderstruck As soon
as he had recovered himself q bit curl
csity as to who was the pOssessor of
the girls heart overcame all other con-
siderations. Could it be possible that
with no fortune she could decline one.
with very good fellow for husband.
for some young man who must work
for his living?
I'm awfully sorry, Laura" he said
soothingly. 1--WE didn't intend to 60
against your wishes. Do you mind tell
ing me who the man is you wished to
marry?'' >-r
"Oh, 1 couldn'tv' She buried her face
In divan pillow. -,
"There wouldn't be any improperly
In your telling me in confidence"
mot since l can't marry the man I
love?"
Certainly
"But it wouldn't be treating my hus-
band right" :
what conscience! said Midway
to himself. Then aloud: "Oh, that
would be all right He'd never know it."
"Well, since I'm married and there's
nothing wrong or immOdest about tell
ing, the man l love is :.
ter when you've relieved your mind" =,
"You," she whimpered.
No pen or pencil could adequately
picture the expression on Edwards
face at the receipt of this information.
The clock licked many seconds before
be moved; then he bent down and put
his arms around the girl.
ooh. DON'T she moaned I'm mar
ried."
married be hanged. he exclaimed.
'i'm a lawyer, end l know that 10
America It's the intent Of both parties
that makes contract binding"
There were no more mock marriages
during the continuance of the house
party. Midway made a clean breast CT
everything to Weyburn. who was con.
v.nced of his friends innocence Of any
Intent to supplant him. Before the de.
parture Of the guests the enga cement
Of the host and Laura Leonard was
AnnOnDcoi pOO&VTD