Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1911-01-21
CHAPTER xI.
who eiveth This Woman7

Who Giveth This Woman?
Woman is a miracle of divine contra
dictions.-Jules Michelet-
On my return to my quarters at
Browns hotel 1 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, 1 began my toilet for
that occasion which to any gentleman
should be the one most exacting, the
most important of his life's events
Elizabeth deserved better than this
unseemly haste. Her sweetness and
dignity, her adherence to the forms of
life, her acquaintance with the ele-
gancies, the dignities and conventions
of the best of our society, bespoke for
her ceremony more suited to her class
and mine.
I told none about my quarters any
thing of my plans, but arranged for
my portmanteaus to be sent to the
railway station for that evenings train
north. l hurried to the Bonds jewelry
place and secured a ring-two sizes,
indeed; for, in our haste, betrothal
and wedding ring needed their first
use at the same day and hour. found
a waiting carriage which served my
purpose, and into it 1 flung, urging the
driver to carry me at top speed into
Elmhurst road.
AS we swung down the road 1
leaned forward, studying with inter
est the dust cloud of an approaching
carriage. AS it came near l called to
my driver. The two vehicles 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 f1eshy portion of Jack
cambridge. His mind, his memory,
and all else, were gone.
1 sprang into his carriage and
caught him roughly by the arm. 1 felt
in all his pockets, looked on the car
| riage floor, on the seat, and pulled
up the dust rug. At last I found the
license.
Did you see the baroness?" l asked,
| then.
| At this he beamed upon me with a
wide smile.
Did -" said he, with gravity pull
ing down his long buff waistcoat did
I? Mos admible woman in all the
worP! Of course, Miss 'Liz'beth
Churchill also mos admible woman in
the worF," he added politely. but 1
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. 'sMishta-
ken, my friendi I gave mo- admib BILE
slipper in the worr, just ash you said
Just as baroness said, to Mish Eliza
beth Churchill-mos' admible woman
in the WORT"
Did you see her?" 1 gasped Ibid
you see her father-any of her fami-
sy?"
God blesh me, mol" rejoined this
young statesman. feelings delicacy
prevented. Washn't in fit condition to
approach family mansion. Alwaysh
mos delicate. Sent packazh in by
servant, from gate-turned 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
reached the driveway of Elmhurst
my carriage wheels cutting the gravel
as we galloped up to the front door
My approach was noted. Even as
hurried up the steps the tall form OF
none other than Mr.. Daniel Churchill
appeared to greet me. 1 extended my
hand. He did not notice it 1 began
to speak. He babe me pause.
ITO what may 1 attribute this visit
Mr.. Trist?" he asked me, with dignity
'Since you ask me, and seem not tc
know replied. Il may say that an
here to marry your daughter, Miss
Elizabeth, 1 presume that the min
lister of the gospel is already here?"