The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-01-11
(Continued.)
Who Giveth This Woman
Woman is q miracle of divine
cOntradictions.-J Michelet.

Woman Is q miracle of divine
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Michelet.
On my return to my quarters at
Browns l looked at the top of my
bureau. 1t was empty. My friend
cambridge had proved faithful. The
slipper of the baroness was gone!
So now, hurriedly began my toilet
for that occasion which to any gem
tleman should be the one most ex-
acting, the most important of his
life's events.
Elisabeth deserved better than
this unseemly haste. Her sweet
ness and dignity, her adherence to
the forms of life, her acquaintance
with the elegancies, the dignities
and conventions of the best of our
society, bespoke for her ceremony
more suited to her clrss and mine.
told none about my quarters
anything of my plans, but arranged
for my portmanteaus to be sent to
the railway station for that even
lngs train north. I hurried to the
Bonds jewelry place and secured
a ring-two rings. indeed; for, IN
our haste, betrothal and wedding
ring needed their first use at the
same day and hour. found a wait
Ing carriage which served my pur-
lose, and into it I flung. urging the
driver to carry me at top speed into
Elmhurst road.
AS we swung down the road l
leaned forward, studying with inter-
est the dust cloud of an approach
ing carriage. AS it came near |
called to my driver. The two vehi-
cles paused almost wheel to wheel.
1t was my friend Jack cambridge
who sprawled on the rear seat of
the carriage! That is to say, the
fleshly portion of Jack Dandridge.
His mind, his memory, and all else,
were gone.
I sprang into the carriage and
caught him roughly by the arm.
felt In all his pockets, looked on the
carriage floor, on the seat, ana
pulled up the dust rug. At last 7
found the license.
did you see the baroness?"
asked, then.
At this he beamed upon me with
wide smile.
did ~" said he. with gravity
pulling down his long buff waist
coat. Did II" Mos admi'ble wo-
man in all the worr! of course,
Miss Lis'beth Churchill also mos
admi'ble. woman in the worP." he
added politely, but 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. "Mish-
taken. my friend! gave mos
Rdmi-ble slipper in the worl, just
ash you said. just as baroness said
to Mish Elisabeth Churchill-mos
admi-ble woman In the worlt"
Did you see herr" l gasped. did
you see her father-any of her fam
ily?"
God blesh me. MOI" rejoined this
young statesman. Feelings deli
cacy prevented. Washn't in fit con-
dition to approach family mansion.
Alwaysh mos delicate. Sent pack
azh in by servant, from gate-turn-
ed 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 a
run. At last l reached the drive
way of Elmhurst, my carriage
wheels cutting the gravel as we
galloped up to the front door. My
approach was noted Even as | hur-
ried up the steps the tall form of
none other than Mr.. Daniel Church
Ill appeared to greet me. | extend
ed my hand. He did not notice it,
/ began to speak. He babe me
pause.
ITO what may l attribute this
visit?" Mr.. Trist. he asked me,
with dignity.
"Since you ask me. and seem not
to know" | replied. Il may say that
! am here to marry your daughter,
Miss Elisabeth! l presume that
the minister of the gospel is al
ready here?"
"The minister Is here" he an
swered. There lacks one thing
the bride"
what do you mean?"
ne put Oul Ills arm across the
door.
Il regret that l must bar my door
to you. But you must take my
word. as coming from my daugh-
ter, that you are not to come here
tonight"
/ looked at him. my eyes staring
wide. could not believe what
he said.
"Why," l began; how utterly
monstrous!"
A step sounded in the hall be-
hind him. and he turned back. We
were joined by the tail clerical fig
ure of the Reverend Doctor Hal
ford. who had, 1t seemed, been at
least one to keep his appointment
as made. He raised his hand as
IL to silence me, and held out to me
~ Q