The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1910-04-02
Very Sudden
BY SALLIE MENDUM
Copyright, 1870 by American Press
Association.

said:
You received my letter."
Yes l came in as soon as posi-
ble."
Here is a 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 18th of last month. A
will executed twelve years ago leaves
to his younger son, Edward Orken-
ham, $4,000. provided that by the time
he has become thirty years old he
shall have married. and
Il am thirty today" interrupted the
cowboy.
-"settled down." the lawyer went on
without needing the interruption. Il
have understood that you were in.
clined TO be Wild
II was considered SO by my family
because ! detested life of fashion.
which they all led. and l preferred
country life. Therefore l was sent to
I1luCl " SUlIt IOL lily SILL
1.-The date of your BIRTH" continued
Mr.. Clements. has been sent me by
your late fathers solicitors. l knew
when l wrote you-if / could have tele-
graphed we would have had more
time-that the period for fulfilling
your part of the bequest would end at
IL noon today. Have you any lacy
in view for wife,"
"No. Besides, if I had there is no
time left for counting and marriage"
There is half an hour"
"Ten seconds would do as WELL"
Mr. Clements glanced inquiringly at
the lady. She nodded affirmatively.
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 Mr. Orkenham must have
wife within thirty minutes" looking
at his watch-''twentyei now. Will
you marry him?'
Eyes, on condition that we do not
live together till elect to do So"
lord Orkenham." continued the at
torney, lin order to serve you l have
brought Miss Esterbrooke here that
she might, IL you desire 1t, fulfill the
law 1t is for you to signify your as
sent or dissent, but you must be quick
about it. You have but twenty-six min
utes in which to become husband"
Surely" said Orkenham. ut is no
disrespect to Miss Esterbrooke II
ponder for moment. AS lady would
say on receiving such a proposition.
it is very sudden F"
The lawyer remained unimpressed
by the bit of humor. Miss EsterbroOke
smiled. ''It 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
gallantry by woman. will be your
husband"
No sooner were the words spoken
than Mr.. Clement tapped desk bell
and an office boy appeared.
"CaIl 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 and minute. The couple
were pronounced man and wife nine
minutes before noon. The room was
cleared of the clergyman and the
clerks. Then Mr.. Clement said. adj
dressing the groom:
"You have my word for it that Miss
Esterbrooke is one of our most eshma-
BILE young ladies. She has very large
fortune and. desiring to enter family
belonging to the British aristocracy,
consented, on my representations
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
hert the title. have drawn papers
that will prevent your possessing any
of your wifes property in case she
concludes to apply for an annulment
of this marriage. If, 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 heavily in debt, on your
brothers death"
81 have to thank you," said the new
ly made husband. for your invaluable
kindness In thus providing me with a
bride. commend your taste. And
now" turning to his wife, may
claim a bridal kissT'
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 a
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