Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1908-09-13
Something Happened.

something remarkable happened-very remarkable X young girl, pretty and prettily dressed, came out of an office building looking very much perplexed. She turned northward, walked rapidly for a dozen steps, stopped, turned and walked southward for an equal dis tance, stopped again and muttered to herself, but loud enough for Bob, of whose presence she was unconscious, to hear:
 What in the world shall l dO?
 Bob stepped up to her, raised his hat politely and said:
 "Can l be of service to you? You seem to be in q quandary about some- thing"
 The girl became suddenly conscious that young man was standing def erentially before her and had asked her a question. She suddenly replied by question. What time is it?"
 Bob took out his watch and told her that it was q quarter to 12 o'clock.
 "Oh, my goodness gracious.'
 'pleasc tell me," he said. whats your trouble l may be able to help you.'
 You can't"
 ''Ino you want anything:'
 .Nce''
 "N h;.t i5 i;:"
 II y.a.z' 2 ',',-hart7."
 "Thef,. ,z t3i,.Iet the young man. then. &ttc;' ,a pause Will do:"
 The si.l knit her hrows. lit her lip and finally said that he would.
 "All right. I'll look into the matter"
 "Thcrc is no time. must be mar ried before the clock strikes 12."
 But you can surely tell me why this thing must be so sudden"
 Its too long story
 Just then man came out of the building before which they stood, ap- preached the young lady and said:
 "The jigs up."
 "The jig's up. It's ten minutes to 12." 'This gentleman" she said, meaning Bob. lis thinking Off,
 There's no time for thinking. We must be acting," said the man. If hadn't wife and family, I'd help you out"
 ''If you've got to have husband right off," said Bob resolutely, Pm your man."
 All right" said the other I'm lawyer. I'll see that you are well paid for what you do and no trouble. Come along.'
 He hurried the couple around the cor tho nffinn of iuSfion nf tho peace. The justice was coming out on his way to luncheon.
 Marry this couple" said the lawyer, "and do it quick
 You guarantee it's all right?'
 'Certainly."
 "The names?'
 "Mine is Robert Blair Southwick."
 'Iour name, please"
 Ella Ruth Gurney."
 One minute of 12," remarked the lawyer looking at his watch and shov- ing it back in his pocket excitedly. "Go ahead. judge, and be quick about it."
 A brief ceremony was performed, and a moment after the couple had been pronounced husband and wife the cloak struck 12 The bride fell limp into chair and famed herself vigorously.
 NOW make out a certificate" said the lawyer to the justice, stating that you married these two before 12 o'clock this d"y,' then, turning to Bob, If you will accompany me and Miss Cur ney"-
 Mrs. Southwick, you mean"
 Beg pardon-to my office we will be happy to make this marriage worth your while, and will guarantee you q divorce without trouble or remunera- tion.'
 Must that be got right off" asked Bob. There's been hurry enough about getting into the thing. would like a little time about getting out of it''
 The lawyer wiped the perspration from his forehead and said more de- liberately:
 No hurry about that, I assure you Perhaps l may as well explain briefly the occasion for this hurried marriage, and We can all meet to arrange further plans later. Miss Gurney"-
 Mrs. Southwick, please"
 Beg pardon-Mrs. Southwick-re- turned today from a long trip in for eign lands, having been delayed on the voyage home. A year ago her uncle died leaving a will bequeathing her his fortune on condition that she marry his son, Elmer Gurney. on or before 12 o'clock today. If Elmer Gurney re- fused or died she would inherit any way if married on or before the said date. This was to secure a succession Gurney died a week ago"
 Thank you," said Bob. 'I'n see you later about the divorce" Then to the lady he said, May I be permitted to call. Mrs. Southwick:'
 Il shall be very happy"
 twill this evening at be conven- ient:"
 "It will"
 Your address. please
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