The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1910-04-13

iii <AcoC~AoNAC1A-
A cowboy entered the private law
office of Clements, Parsons & Bowles
in st. Louis. He found there Mr.. Gle
ments and a young lady. Mr.. Clements
said:
You received my letter."
''Yes. came in as soon as posi-
ble."
Here is q communication" the law
yer proceeded. putting on a pair Of
glasses and taking up paper, from
Quimby & Quimby. attorneys, Cock
burn street. London. announcing that
Hugh Orkenham, earl of Dunkenton,
died on the nth Of last month. A
will executed twelve years ago leaves
to his younger son. Edward Orken-
ham. 5000, provided that by the time
be has become thirty years old be
shall have married. and
81 am thirty today" interrupted the
cowboy.
-''settled down." the lawyer went on
without needing the interruption. 81
have understood that you were in
clined to be wild"
Il was considered so by my family
because | detested a life Of fashion,
which they all led. and 1 preferred a
country life Therefore was sent to
America to srift for myself"
THE date of your BIRTH" continued
Mr.. Clements. has been sent me by
your late fathers solicitors. l knew
when wrote you-if could have tele-
graphCd we would have had more
time-that the period for fulfilling
your part of the bequest would end at
II noon today. Have you any lady
In view for wife?"
NO. Besides, If had there is no
time left for counting and marriage"
There IS half an hour"
"Ten seconds would do as we'll"
Mr.. Clements glanced inquiringly at
the lady She nodded afirmatively.
Miss Esterbrooke," said the lawyer,
"this is Edward Orkenham. younger
brother to the present Earl of Dunken-
ton. the earl being unmarried and an
invalid Mfr. Orkenham must have a
wife within thirty minutes" looking
at his watch-'-twenty-ei now. Win
you marry hirn?"
Yes, on condition that we do not
live together till elect to do So"
Lord Orkenham." continued the at
torney, ''in order to serve you l have
brought Miss Esterbrooke here that
she might, If you desire 1t, fulfill the
law. 1t is for you TO signify your as
sent or dissent. but you must be quick
about II. You have but twenty-six min
utes in which to become a husband"
Surely" said Orkenham. ut is no
disrespect to Miss Esterbrooke If l
ponder for a moment AS lady would
say on receiving such proposition.
IT is very sudden"
The lawyer remained unimpressed
by the bit of humor. Miss Esterbrooke
smiled. at is rather sudden for me-"
she said.
"When did you come to your own de-
cision?" asked the cowboy lord
''Since you entered the ROOM"
Indeed. | will not be outdone in
gallaDtry by a woman I will be your
husband"
No sooner were the words spoken
than Mr.. Clement tapped desk bell
and an Office boy appeared.
Call Mr. Knowles" said the lawyer.
Mr.. Knowles. who was waiting In
another room. entered. He wore
clerical garb
Call Stevens and Parker" said Mr..
Clements TO the Office boy.
Two clerks appeared. The cowboy
and the lady stood up and were mar
ried by the clergyman. The witnesses
signed a statement that had been pre-
pared for the occasion that they had
Witnessed The ceremony. noting the
date. hour aud minute. The couple
were pronounced man and wife nine
minutes before uoon. The room was
cleared of the clergyman and the
clerks. Then Mr. Clement said. ad-
dressing the groom:
You have my word for it that Miss
Esterbrookr is one of our most estima-
BILE young iadies She has a very large
fortune aud. desiring TO enter a family
belonging TO the British aristocracy.
consented. on my representations a
few days ago. TO this match. reserving
her final decision till after seeing you.
am advised that your older brother
Is lying on sickbed from which he
will never arise. and you will soon in
herit the title. have drawn papers
that viii prevent your possessing any
of your wife's property in case she
concludes 10 apply for an anBulment
Of this marriage. II. however. you
are both pleased to remain man and
wife she has enough TO build up the
estates you will inherit. which am
informed are teayily in debt. on your
brothers DEATH"
Il have TO thank YOU" said the new
ly made husband. for your Invaluable
kindness IN thus providing me with
bride. rominend your taste. And
now" turning 10 bis wife. may /
claim a bridal kiss:'
Not by any means. This is legal
marriage which you need for inherit
ance purposes. shall be happy to
see you at my home with other callers
and to consider you in the light of
sultor"
The lady took her departure. her
husband seeiug her 10 her carriage.
which was waiting at the door
beg pardon" he said 'WilI you
kindly favor me with your addressY
Certainly" She gave It. and he
made note Of 1t.
II was two years before he succeed
ed in winning her for aught beside
saver OF his inheritance. They are
now Earl and Lady punkenton.