The Washington times., 1909-03-28

had no cause to do so. However, l
bear no nl-wHl. I appreciate the fact
that It was only your solicitude for ms
dear little girl which made you both
so unjust.
''Then it is all settled" he added joy
ously. You both give your consent to
our marriage"
Il stand with my man." declared Mrs.
Hamilton. I'm satisfied with whatever
he SAYS All we want is to see our
little Laura happy"
She walked over to the girl and tax
ing the beautiful blushing face between
her two big hands she imprinted a ten
der kiss upon the rosy lips.
"Oh, thank you so much, dad dear
and mother" cried Laura. tremulously.
you've made your little girl very,
very happy This is the very best birth
day I've ever had. You've given me a
much better and more reliable protec-
tor, dad. than the little birthday glLC
you gave me this morning"
And when is the wedding to be?- in
quired Mrs. Hamilton. 1--WE must get
busy at once. Laura, on your trowso.
=
who is going TO marry her employer. "
Yes, have you named the day2'' in
quired Mr. Hanjlton, anxiousIy. Il
hope you are not going to be in any
hurry to leave our roof, little girl \ on
don't know how much we shall miss
you when you have gone"
Arthur Darlington gave vent to a
nervous cough
married tomorrow evening"" he STAN
mered.
Tomorrow evening" gasped Mr.
and Mrs Hamilton, in chorus OF dis
may why, 1t is impossible! 1t isn't
to be thought of! We won't hear OF
such a thingi"
we have talked the matter over
Laura and land we have decided that
we don't want any fuss or show about
our wedding" went on the voune
man We intend 10 get married quiet
ly tomorrow evening and then go t.
| Europe for a few weeks
The fact is, 1 must sail for Europe
anyway, the day after tomorrow. on a
matter Of business. and we want To
get married right away, so that ] car
take Laura with me.
q
| testing, Lauras parents finally gave a
grudging consent 10 this arrangement.
! 1t was late that night before Arthur
| harrington left the house. Mr. and Mrs
| Hamilton insisted upon his stopping Il
supper, and afterward he and Laura
sat in the parlor. Mr.. and Mrs. Hamil
ton good-naturedIy and CONSIDERABLY
adjourning TO the kitchen, exchanging
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as they did so.
by the way" remarked Arthur Bar
rington TO the girl, as they sat on the
parlor sofa IN the position usually as
sumed by engaged couples. you Nigh
as well go 10 the office as usual 10
morrow. dearest, If you don't mind.
don't want my brother 10 suspect any
thing"
Aren't you going TO tell him that W,
are going to get married." inquired th'
girl, with surprise.
NO. I will tell him after the cere
mony. There are reasons why it would
be unwise TO do so before"
do you think ne would object. Ar
thur?'' inquired the girl. auXiously.
He might"
But why should he Object?"
We'll, for one reason. he might b'
sore at the idea of losing such goo,
stenographer," replied Arthur, with
laugh. My brother thinks great dea
ow your business ability, dearest. d
you know you are the first girl in ou
employ TO whom he has ever intruste
the combination Of the office safe.
was surprised TO hear him telling yo
the formula the other day. II show
how much ne appreciates you
Under the circumstances he'll prob
ably be mighty sore to lose you, so "
won't tell him, until afterward.'
''All right" said the girl
And don't say anything about on
approaching marriage TO that fello'
Leslie, either, Darlington went OF
Keep the matter a secret until afte
were married, girhe. II you tell Les
lie, he'll probably tell my brother
He laughed triumphantly-
Poor Leslie" he mt rmured. Il CUES
he'll feel pretty blue when he finds Oh
that were married L suppose yOu'v
noticed. pet, that he's head over heel
= in love with you
oh, no; / hope not" cried the gir
II am sure YOU are mistaken about tina
! Arthur
NO, I'm not II will be a great bIo'
10 him 10 learn you've married me- II
has done all he could 10 prevent it
[ He laughed again a laugh in whic
there was a note Of vindictiveness.
While this conversation was going o
4 in the parlor another earnest talk wa
] taking place in the kitchen.
r 1T has come at last, old woman" sal
:, Mr.. Hamilton, sadly We've bee
z dreading this day for q long tim
haven't we"
Yes sighed his wife. And no
q that il has come, John, don't you thin
c we ought 10 tell her? 1t would only :
U fair TO her and to that young man she
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