Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-14

any unpleasant impression NnaI MS
mistake might have occaSioned
When be called again he did not
acknowledge to himself that he would
Ike TO have another tete-a-tete with
the secretary. He was received by
her with a message from Mrs. Ather-
ton that she was indiSposed and begged
him to excuse her.
Mrs Atherton has especially
charged me to say to you" she add
ed. that you are not 10 regard ad-
versely her not seeing you today and
that she hopes you will come again
soon. She expects to be presentable
within a few days"
Chandler did not hurry away. He
called at O'Clock, and at he
was still occupied with Mrs. Ather-
toms secretary. Then the butler came
in with an invitation for him to re-
psin for dinner Mrs. Atherton her
self could not be present, but her sec
rotary would do. the honors for her.
Chandler accepted the invitation with
alacrity He did not leave the house
until IL O'clock that night.
Fate seemed TO be against Chandler
meeting the widow. The next time he
called she had again gone TO the city.
and the next after that she had had
n fall that had necessitated her remain
ing in bed for a few days. Chandler
was enioying so well his visits with
the secretary that he didn't care IL the
mistress remained bedridden for the
rest OF her days. Then one day when
he called he received a message from
the lady through her secretary that
she had been considering the matter
Of joining the estates by their mar
rage and had come to the conclusion
that the difference in their ages would
be altogether too great an objection.
On receipt of this communication
Chandler stood looking very disconso-
late.
II am sorry for your disappoint-
ment," said the secretary.
''It isn't that" replied Chandler dole
fully.
Not that? Then what is it?"
"Why, / have no excuse to come here
any more"
And why should you come when the
object OF your coming has ceased to
exist?'
How am I going to get on without
seeing you?"
To this the only reply was dropping
of the girls eyes to the floor
'T have plan" said Chandler.
"Since can't marry the mistress I'll
make n proposition to the secretary.
1t is not to unite two estates, but two
hearts"
She looked up at him with a charm
ing expression.
'Sit down." she said, "and I'll tell
you a story. Your uncle and Mrs.
Anterior were very anxious to unite
these estates, as you know. Neither of
them had any idea of a marriage be
tween you and her. And now l have
a confession TO make. am more than
Mrs. Atherton's secretary; I am her
daughter. Your uncle suggested to
mother that the property be united by
a marriage between you and me. But
such proposals usually miscarry. Their
plan was to bring you and me together,
you thinking that you were opening
negotiations to marry mother They
were obliged to let me into the secret.
l agreed to carry out their plan-that
is-well, provided liked you"
And you do, don't you" said
Chandler in a pleasing tone.
'Well, $685." was the answer.
'Then the plan is to be carried out"
what plan"
why, the one you have Just referred
to-"
"Oh, i meant the plan of making
you think you were opening negoda-
tons TO marry mother"
OH
THAT'S all I had to do with it,
81 think you had a great deal more
TO do with it."
al don't see what"
"Vell, while you have been receiv-
ing me in pace OF your mother you
have got me used to being with you.
Besides, think how advantageous it
will be to unite the estates"
81 care nothing about the estates"
"Or me-"
"I didn't say that, but I shall not
marry for the purpose of uniting two
properties"
"Then Will you marry for the pur-
pose of uniting two heartsT'
'I must be satisfied that such a I'M
ION will be effected"
II can answer for myself. but not
for you. love you dearly. and 1 wish
you to be my wife,
az Will be your betTothed on trial.
II gee that our union is TO be finan
cial one | viii break the engagement"
Such was the practical disposal OF
the subject. Chandler went from her
to his uncle.
Uncle" he said "the properties viii
be united. Why didn't you introduce
me to Miss Anterior in the first placer
Because when / was a young man
/ was introduced to a girl whom 1t
seemed advisable I should marry. I
took a violent dislike to her and sim
ply, ] have since believed, because ]
felt obliged 70 love her. I have had
cause to regret the failure OF that
match"
The union of hearts was complete,
and the union Of the estates followed