Warren sheaf., 1910-06-02

AT what date do you claim to have
married Frances Hardmanp'
ITO answer that question shall
have to refer to papers that are not
now in my possession"
The Judge turned to Frances.
us this man your husband"
Il object" said Frances counsel. 81
desire time to confer with my client"
The objection was sustained. and the
lawyer, going over to Frances, con-
versed with her earnestly, but In whts-
pers.
rs the man your husband"
mot to my knowledge"
do you remember any marriage
ceremony, even in play, that has ever
been performed between you and any
one?"
No"
Have you any idea as to what is his
object in claiming you as his wife?'
''No."
The lawyer thought few moments,
then said:
II think have an inkling Of what it
all means. he Is fine looking young
fellow. isn't hep"
Very"
1T may be necessary for me to make
a bold stroke, or. rather. to follow up
what l believe is bold stroke Of his
own. If l ask you any question be-
fore the court answer in the afirma-
tive. Will you do SOP"
my case is in your hands. will
act as you instEuct-"
"Very good Now shall interview
the young man who claims to be your
husband" Ii
Going to Hale. the lawyer asked him
his object in making claim he could
not substantiate. Hale gave his rea-
sons
"Who are you" asked the attorney
II am Emery Hale. SOD Of Judge
Hale of the superior court"
'The deuce you are! l know your
father WE'LL have tried many a case
before him
The lawyer took out his watch.
Half past H. be said. ''Something
must be done and done quickly. Leave
the rest Of the matter to me and main
tain your claim
Returning to the table on which was
spread out his books and papers. the
attorney called Emery Hale to the
witness stand.
You say he said, that this wo-
man is your wife?"
II do
THAT will do. Call Frances Hard
man.
Frances took the stand Most of her
color had left her face, and her bosom
was heaving unanimously.
"Your name?" asked the lawyer.
Frances Hardman."
"Your age?"
Il am twenty years old"
please take notice. your honor. that
my client is of legal age Then. turn
ing to Frances again. he said, rs this
man." pointing to Hale, your hus-
bandT'
The blood rushed tumultuously into
the girls face. She hesitated. east a
glance at Hale. lowered her eyes to
the floor and said in low voice:
He is" "
At this moment the object of these
questions and answers got into the
head of the opposing counsel. Jump.
ing to his feet. he cried:
Il objectp'
"You may sustain or refuse to sus-
tain the objection. your honor. as you
like. said his opponent. 1T makes no
difference in this case. My client has
complied with the conditions Of her
fathers will She has been legally
married to Emery Hale and is now
Frances Hardman Hale. / do not
think your honor or any one else will
deny that in accordance with the laws
of the land when man in presence
of witnesses acknowledges woman
to be his wife and she acknowledges
him to be her husband they are mar
ried.'
The lawyer who objected threw him
self back in his chair with an execra-
ton. and his client. who by this time
was coming to understand what had
been done. was muttering curses.
When the denouement was understood
by the spectators there was cheer
which the Judge found IT difficult to
repress. and nothing would do but that
the bride and groom should appear
side By side. when there was q re-
newal Of the uproar.
The improvised marriage turned out
to be q. very happy one. showing that.
whether we take years or minutes TO
consider so important q step. We are
still in the hands Of fats.