The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-12-27

tons Of the law, trough. 9. sudden OBJ
lection rose 60 he- mind.
Il don't know that ] can either, Mr.
! Spencer" she hesitated. Would il be
valid with just my single signature? 1
Il am married now, you see
Married. he reeIed back as though
/ she had STRUCK him a blow in the face.
"Yes-whether legally or not, l do not
I know; but when We were on the island,
! Jim ana I found Il necessary to 90
/ through their ceremony together"
She did nos tell MIN the reason for
their action, and he was 80 relieved at
finding that It was only some heather
rite in which she had taken part and
not a regular nuptials, that he forgot
to ask.
He vigorously poOh-Doohed the idea
! that she could be bound or restricted
In any way by such q tie; but she
would not consent to sign the paper
until they had gone together TO consult
a lawyer.
The barrister looked dubious when
the question was propouuded TO him.
That is rather a knotty problem"
he remarked The general rule. Of
course. IS that marriage entered into
under the laws and customs of the
country where the parties may happen
TO be is equally binding in all other
countries. but / have no doubt. Miss
Burns, considering the fact that this
union, as j take it,. was in some degree
under duress. and that there is no rec
ord of il, any"
But there may be a record inter
rupteI Helene. bethinking herself Of the
kangaroo skin parchment which NAL
anaga had presented 10 herself and
Jim on our departure.
LIT had never occurred to me before"
she said; but why might not that
-eadiiy he a form Of marriage certih-
.ute1"
The lawyer frowned more doubtfuIIy
than ever. at this intelligence.
In that case" he resumed. and
since. as I understand it, ycu and the
other contracting party at the same
time audibly rehearsed the VOWS Of the
Christian ser ice, should say the COW
euant was valid and binding in all re-
specJs.
Starr Spencer looked black as ink,
and invoNIutarlIy stamped his foot
still" the counselor went on hur-
considering the circumstances under
which this so-CaIed espOusal was held.
/ nave no doubt that any court would
readily dissolve or ...ul the tie, IL tie
there be-
But I do not want IT dissolved OF an
uuued." cried Helene. I simply want
to know if 1 have the right to transfer
a piece of property without my hUs-
bands signature"
"Oh. in that case. unless YOU gave
a guarantee, the risk would be entire
ly with the parties buying tt
And we-that is. / mean the pur-
chaser Is willing 10 assume all risks,
said Spencer quickly.
"But Captain Northcote must know
the exact circumstances before he takes
It." she Insisted. turning toward him.
Z think L can answer for Captain
Northcote." he smiled. He is too
much annoyed over the delay to balk
a any bubbles"
Accordingly the new instrument
drafted this time without omissions OF
mistakes-was duly signed, and Captain
NoTthcote, scarcely waiting for the INK
10 dry upon it. started out on the trail
Of the rich Mrs Dover" and those
dUpes he expected to gather into his
net.
Starr Spencer. conducting Helene
home after the transaction IN cab.
sat for long time silent. gazing out
Of the window, but at last he turned
TO her suddenly and said.
Did you really mean IL when ven
told the lawyer you did not want this
eUuivocai marriage dissolved or NULL
fed?"
Her hands trembIed slightly where
they lay in her lap. She could not mis-
take the significance Of his tone.
Those whom God hath joined to-
sether let not man put asunder,'' she !
said low. almost pleadingly
He thought she meant simply that
she had scruples against divorce. and
his heart beat high with a sudden hope.
But suppose God has severed the
,ie?" he urged eagerly. 1T seems GER
tain that this man must" I
DON'T" she cried. Not now, please. /
Not nowI'
Again he miscOnstrUed her words. She !
only wished 10 indicate that she did /
not feel able then TO discuss the posi- !
0iHty Of Jims death: he took her cry
for Not yeti Not YETI as referring /
20 a declaration Of his own love.
Well. folding his arms and leaning !
back. he would respect her wishes.
He was thrilling with a great longing
FOR her. yearning TO snatch her in his
arms and cover her sweet pale face
with kisses; but he exerted an iron Will
and restrained the impulse.
Some instinct told him the ,'me was
not ripe yet, and there was none who
,ould better play a waiting game than
Starr Spencer.
(NIE I)TIlE1ID WIN