Connecticut western news., 1910-04-07
Very Sudden By SALLIE RiENDUM Copyright, 1910. by American Press
 Association.

in St. Louis. He found there MT. Gle ments and young lady. Mir. Clements said:
 You received my letter."
 "Yes. l came in as soon as possi- ble."
 Here Is Il communication" the law yer proceeded. putting on a pair of glasses and taking up q paper, from QUimby X Quimby. attorneys, Cock burn street. I.ondun. arrOunclng that Hugh Orkenham. earl of Dunkcnton, died on the 17th of last month. A will executed twelve years ago leaves to his younger son, Edward Orken- ham, E5,OGO. provided that by the time he has become thirty years old he shall have married, aId"-
 ''I 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"
 'I was considered so by my family because l detested n life of fashion, which they all led, and I preferred l America to shift for myself"
 "The date of your birth" continued MT. Clements. "has been sent me by your late fathers solicitors. knew when I wrote you-if 1 could have tele- graphed we would have had more time-that the period for fulfilling your part of the bequest would end at 12 noon today. Have you any lady in view for a wife?"
 ! 'No. Besides, if I had there is no time left for courting and marriage"
 "There is half an hour"
 'Ten seconds would do as we'll"
 MT. Clements glanced inquiringly at the lady. She nodded aflirmatively.
 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. Mir. Orkenham must have a wife within thirty minutes" looking at his watch-"twenty-eigh now. Will you marry him?'
 "Yes, on condition that we do not live together till elect to do so.'
 Lord Orkennam." continued the at torney, 'in order to serve you l have brought Miss Esterbrooke here that she might, if you desire it, fulfill the law. It 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 a husband"
 "Surely," said Orllenham, 'ft is no disrespect to Miss Esterbrooke if l ponder for a moment. As n lady would say on receiving such a proposition. it is very sudden
 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." i Indeed! I will not be outdone in gallantry by a woman. will be your husband"
 No sooner were the. words spoken than Mir. Clement tapped a desk bell and an office boy appeared.
 Gall MT. Knowles" said the lawyer.
 MT. Knowles, who was waiting in another room, entered. He wore clerical garb.
 Gall Stevens and Parker" said MT. 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 MT. Clement said, ad- dressing the groom;
 You have my word for it that Miss Esterbrooke is one of our most estima- ble young ladies' She has q very large fortune and, desiring to enter family l belonging to the British aristocracy, consented, on my representations a few days ago, to this match, reservtnS her final decision till after seeing you. I am advised that your older brother is lying on q Sickbed from which he will never arise, and you will soon in- herit the title. I have drawn papers that will prevent your possessing any of your wife's 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 l am informed are heavily in debt, on your l brothers death"
 'I have to thank you," said the new ly made husband, flor your invaluable kindness in thus providing me with Il bride I commend your taste. And now," turning to his wife, may l claim a bridal kiss?
 Not by any means. This is legal marriage which you need for inherit ance purposes. I shall be happy to see you at my home with other callers and to consider you in the light of a suitor."
 The lady took her departure, heI husband seeing her to her carriage, | 1rbinb IroS ,yaitinp 1t tbe door