The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-04-01

! and gave it up as bad job long ago. And now about ourselves, dar- ling. How soon can you marry mel" She trembled; but she did not draw away from him, did not re- l mind him of the difference in their social positions. She was too mex perienced, too ignorant of the world to think of the possible obstacles to their marriage. It was sufficient for her that he loved her; he was lord of her heart and soul; his wish was her desire.
 When you want me to- she said simply; and her prompt obedience found it's reward instantly T will see about 1.-the Princess will know" he said 'I. want to marry you before I go down to Thor den; l want to take you there as nay, wife, Cara. How delighted Evelyn will be!'' He said nothing. about Sir Reginald.
 They called the Princess into the conference, and Ronald learnt from her the magical possibilities of spe- cial licence. He stopped as late as he dared that night, and he and Smithers went off to the nearest ho- tel; Ronald overbrimming with joy. ] which was reflected by the faithfui Smithers, who, bar an increased thin ness and an interesting pallor, looked in all his old form.
 I'm going to be married, Smith, ers," said Ronald; "as soon as pos- sible the very first moment.' Smithers' face fell, but resumed it's wonted cheerfulness as Ronald added quietly, "Youli have a missus as we'll as a master; hope you don't object, Smithers?"
 "Not me, sir," responded Smithers cheerfully. 'The more the merrier. Beggin' your pardon, sir, I didn't mean anything in the humorous line. wish you every 'appiness, sir, and the young lady. It's the same we went after that night, MT. Ronald ?'' Why, of course. you idiet!" re- torted Ronald laughingly. That's all right. sir. Excuse ane askin'. Ahern! did you 'appen to tell Nita, sir? I'm inquirin' out O curiosity, as the parrot said when lie asked the sailor why they made the. ships biscuits out O pavin' stones" ''No," said Ronald. 'T didn't see her; but no doubt Miss Cara will tell her"
 Smithers shook his head gravely, but there was a twinkle in his eye. "Ah" he said thoughtfully; "did you ever notice what a catchin' thing matermony is, sir? It's worse than the looping cough. The germs Q the disease, as they call 'em, is in the weddin' clothes. Dreckly a woman sees 'em. she gets took with the com plaint. Shouldn't wonder if Nita has it right down bad-shouldn't, indeed sir"
 ''Oh, lies the wind in that quarter now, does it, Smithers!" was Ronald's laughing rejoinder. Well, it's my
  turn to congratulate you; and I do so with all my heart"
 Thank you, sir," said Smithers, heaving poftentious sigh, but with his eyes still twinkling. "Matermony's a great lottery; and sometimes the people as draws the prize wishes they'd drawn blank. But o' course, sir, it's understood, whatever misfortune 'appens to me, I don't leave you. tell you straight, sir. that if it's toss up between my mas ter an a wife I cries master afore the coin goes up, an I stick to it, let it be leads or tails.''
 "Oh, I see what it is, Smithers. I've got to be hampered with you all your life, you old man of the sea-" Same with Nita, sir" said Smith CT 'ear a Hitalian girl swear, sir?'' It's lesson in .angwidge, do assure you, sir!-that she'll never leave her missus. So there you are, sir! | 1ucIS O. CoupAC Ol OS, 0S lAO 4udA said when his wife called him fool" But Ronald had not counted on the chapter of accidents. On his way for the license the next morning, he looked in at his agents for his let ters; and they were so important, so insistent, that he drove straight to Eaton Square The Princess exclaim- ed at his grave, disturbed face; but Cara uttered no cry. She just wait ed.
 There are letters from EveIyn,'' he said in a troubled voice. And teIe- grams. My father wants me at once Something-they do not say what: why not, I wonder!-has hap pened. What shall I do?''
 "You must go, Ronald" said Cara at once, with her woman's common sense. 'I will wait-you will write? An, yes! you must go, dearest!"
 He caught the first train, wired to say that he was coming: and, as he expected, Evelyn was at the station to meet him. So also was Vane, whom he had certainly not expected. Ronald stared at him over the shou1- der of Evelyn, who was not ashamed