The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1909-01-18
1.-The. -.
COnSpiratOrS
By VIRGINIA BLAIR.
By VIRGINIA BLAIR.
Copyrighted. 1903. by Associated
Literary Press.

'Of course l can understand nv
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: I'll
settle good round sum on you. and
you can say 1t came from rich rela-
tive. Then my wife will be 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 l ought not to deceive my fu-
tnre wife"
The Judge banged a 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 Boone in7''
"Roxanew exclaimed the two men.
She stood hesitating on the thresh
old, slender little thing, with her fair
hair pulled out under plumed hat.
Mother is waiting in the motor"
she said breathlessly. 1--WE are on
our way to the charity bazaar. and
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 I
have had to break our engagement be-
cause mother won't hear of itv' And
she hid her face on the judges Shout
der.
The judge glanced at Oliver. ssTell
her" he commanded, and the boy be-
gan hating tale.
As he proceeded Roxane. interrunted
"You mean that some one has LEFT Won
a fortune?'
Oliver nodded.
Where did he liver"
I'm not sure" the boy stammered
Il wouldn't inquire too closely into
1t, Ro1ane," the judge advised hur-
rfediy. THE less said about that rela-
tive Of divers the better
With her face shining, the girl went
swiftly to her lover. ''Oh, Oliver. Oil
yer" she said, how happy l amr'
For moment he hesitated: then ha
gathered her into his arms. 'Tt's worth
everything to know that you are mine.
Roxane," he said huskily.
The rustic of silk skirts in the hall |
brought him out of his rhapsody.
TITS your mother" warned the
Judge, and when the rather stout lady |
In mauve entered she found two SOL |
emn young people on each side OF the
Judges desk. That Roxane's pIumed
hat was slightly over one ear and that
golden hair strayed across divers
coat collar were details which escaped
her.
I thought Roxane was never COM
ng down. she painted.
Il found Oliver here" Roxane or
planned, and, oh, mother, rich rela-
i've has left him fortune"
"A fortune Oafverr' SCORED the stout
ady. why, he hasn't rich relative
n the world
The fact remains, my dear" the
udge asserted b1andiy, 'that he has ]
had a fortune left him by a distant
cousin"
what ccusinY' 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 IT merely asked Won
What cousin. James"
The judge mopped his forehead. The
udden arrival Of the ladies' of his
household had not given him time to
'erfect details.
I'm not sure of the name. Abbie."
le stammered. Perhaps Oliver can
atisfy you"
But Oliver weakened. 81 think Mrs. .
'andiver Is right" he said unsteadily.
Until can offer satisfactory proof Of
ny good fortune it will be wen for me
0 give up Roxane"
OLIVER The wall was from bis be-
rothed, but he went on, 'sThere may
e some mistake"
"Of course" said Mrs. vandiyer. :
nth aggravating sureness. Come on. :