Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-09-30
The Argus Daily Short Story
A Will and a Way-By Belle Maniates.
Copyrighted 1909, by Associated Literary Press

t-''tIiS ruin" passion WAS strong liz
death" remarked Jules Lornr within
sit:,lly AZ he learned the contents OF
his fathers Will from his fathers law
yer. He knew that would not com
ply with The terms of SO atruciou& 4
will to marry Il woman who could
neither read nor write"
You have Il year of grace" remind
ed CoyIe
\ year later Jules appeared ut the
Office of The family lawyer.
My lease is up. Coyle." he reminded.
And think l have found Il way by
which yen can fulfill all conditions
ami still retain Your freedom. You
can marry woman who can neither
read nor write. and Immediately after
the ceremony You can go abroad. At
the expiration of TWO years she can
quietly secure Il divorce You can
spare Il generous niimony have met
good. conscientious girl who is per-
fectly willing"
is she lolnrStic?"
NO: believe she does npedleworE."
Its odd ii these days OF schools
and trlIant officers that she escaped
the alphahct al least
SHE says she never has had the op-
portunity nor the desire TO learn.
Will arrange all details for YOU"
After some further discussion Jules
acceded 10 the proposition. and ut dusk
Of the appointed day be rang for adj
mission To Coyie's residence. The law
yer met him i'll the hall and ushered
him into Il dimly lighted library where
Il minister and Henry Phillips. Jules
next friend. were in waiting. They all
went into he reading room adjoining
Near the doorway Jules paused and
looked into the room, which was in
total darkness
With an odd sinking of the heart
Jules took his position beside the shad-
owy form of Il woman. lie made the
responses in Il quick. jerky way. anX-
ious to end the affair. The woman at
his side. spoke in nearly iuaudible
tones. ....
When the sentence of man and wife
was pronounced Jules returned TO the
library and hastily signed some papers
Coyle gave him.
Where is my wife," he then asked.
'She remained in the reading room"
The young bridegroom hesitated.
Then reSolutely he turned and went
back into the reading room. His eyes.
now accustomed TO the gloom. discern
ed her ut the end of the room. She
was sitting on couch. her face buried
in the cushions. one arm hung list
lessly over the edge.
May | speak with yOu:" he asked
courteously.
She did not lift her head from the
pillow.
II want to thank you" hr continued.
for the service you have rendered
me"
She murmured a disclaimer of his
thanks. He took her hand. 1t was
still cold and trembling. His grasp
firm and sustaining. frightened.
II am sorry" lie said firmly. that
YOU will not see me, but want you to
promise me that if you ever need help
or advice you will come to me-"
Il will" she said softly.
"Lorme,." called the warning voice
of Coyle from the doorway.
Il must go now. Good night.
He went TO his lodgings and tried to
smoke away the burden or MS
thoughts. The shadowy outlines or
the tall. dropping figure and the low
tones in which she had spoken haunt
ed him all night.
Il suppose her motive was as mer-
cenary as my own. so don't need TO
reproach myself"
The next day be was leaning against
the railing of the steamer. idly watch
ing the scenes upon the wharf. when
he saw Phillips making his way to-
ward young girl who was daintily
petite in form and lovely of face and
feature. She was accompanied by