Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-04-26
CHAPTER XI.
Who Giveth This Woman.

Browns / looked at the top or my Du-
reau. 1t was empty. My friend Dan
dridge had proved faithful. The slip
per of the baroness was gone! So now,
hurriedly, l began my toilet for that
occasion which to any gentleman
should be the one most exacting, the
most important of his lifes events.
Elisabeth deserved better than this
unseemly haste Her sweetness and
dignity, her adherence to the forms of
life, her acquaintance with the elegan-
cies, the dignities and conventions of
the best Of our society, bespoke for her
ceremony more suited to her class and
mine.
l told none about my quarters any
thing of my plans, but arranged for my
portmanteaus to be sent to the railway
station for that evenings train north.
l hurried to the Bonds jewelry place
and secured a ring-two rings, in
deed: for, in our haste, betrothal and
wedding ring needed their first use at
the same day and hour l found a
waiting carriage which served my pur-
pose, and into it l flung, urging the
driver to carry me at top speed into
Elmhurst road.
AS we swung down the road l leaned
forward, studying with interest the dust
cloud of an approaching carriage. AS
it came near, called to my driver. The
two vehicles paused almost wheel to
wheel 1t was my friend Jack Dan
dridge who sprawled on the rear seat
of the carriage! That is to say, the
fieshly portion of Jack cambridge. His
mind, his memory. and all else, were
gone.
l sprang into his carriage and caught
him roughly by the arm. l felt in all
his pockets, looked on the carriage
floor, on the seat, and pulled up the
dust rug. At last l found the license.
Did you see the baroness" l asked,
then.
At this he beamed upon me with a
wide smile.
Did -" said he, with gravity pulling
down his long buff waistcoat. Did /?
Mos admi'ble woman in all the worP!
OF course, Miss 'Lis'beth Churchill also
mos admi'ble woman in the worl," he
added politely, but l didn't see her."
The sudden sweat broke out upon my
forehead. Tell me, what have you
done with the slipper!"
He shook his head sadly. "Mishta-
ken, my friend! l gave mos admi'ble
slipper in the worr, just ash you said,
just as baroness said, to Mlsh Elisa
beth Churchill-mos' admrble woman
in the worl!"
Did you see herr" l gasped. Did
you see her father-any Of her fami-
ly?"
God blesh me, no." rejoined this
young statesman. Feelings delicacy
prevented. Washn't in fit condition to
approach family mansion. Alwaysh
mos delicate Sent packazh in by SER
want, from gate-turned round-drove
off-found you"
My only answer was to spring from
his carriage into my own and to order
my driver to go on at run. At last l
reached the driveway Of Elmhurst, my
carriage wheels cutting the gravel as
we galloped up in the front door. My
approach was noted. Even as l hur-
ried UP the steps the tall form of none
other than Mr.. Daniel Churchill ap-
peared to greet me. l extended my
hand. He did not notice it. / began
to speak He bade me pause.
ITO what may l attribute this visit,
Mr.. Trist?" ne asked me. with dignity.
Since you ask me, and seem not to
know" replied, Il may say that l am
here to marry your daughter, Miss
Elisabeth! l presume that the minis
ter of the gospel is already here?"
The minister is here" he answered.
There lacks one thing-the bride"
What do you mean?"
He put out his arm across the door.
Il regret that must bar my door to
you. But you must take my word, as
coming from my daughter, that you are
not to come here tonight"
l looked at MIN, my eyes staring
wide. l could not believe what he
said.
Why" 1 began: how utterly mon
strous!"
A step sounded in the hall behind
him, and ne turned back. We were
joined by the tall clerical figure of the
Reverend Doctor Halford, who had. it
seemed. been at least one to keep his
appointment as made. He raised his
to me a certain object. 1t was the slip
per of the Baroness Helena Won Ritz
white. delicate, dainty. beribboned.
Miss Elisabeth does not pretend to
understand why your gift should take
this form: but as the slipper evidently
has been worn by some one, she suS-
gests you may perhaps be in error in
sending it at all" He spoke in even.
icy tones.
Let me into this house," l demand
ed. Il must see her."
There were two tall figures now, who
stood side by side in the wide front
door.
But don't you see. there has been Il
mistake. a horrible mistake" | de-
manded.
Doctor Halford, in his grave and
quiet way, assisted himself to snuff.
Sir" he said, knowing both families,
| agreed to this haste and unceremoni-
BUSINESS. much against my will. Had
there been no objection upon either
side. l would have undertaken to go
forward with the wedding ceremony.
But never in my life hav" l. and never
shall !, join two in wedlock when cith'r
is not in that state of mind and soul
cOnsonant with that hold hour"
consonant with that hold hour"
There came over me the reaction. an
icy calm.
Gentlemen" said | slowly. what
YOU tell me is absolutely impossible and
absurd. But if Miss Elisabeth really
doubts me on evidence such as this, |