The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-16

Matilda at the embassy and they were
 married Matilda. who honestly be-
 lieved that Algernon was marrying hei for herself, and also believed in his
 story of an income of his own of 20Ol
 a year, said before the marriage. "Oh Algernon, dearest, what do we care for
 money as long as we have each others love-"
 Just before Matilda and Algernon were made man and wife a note iron, Lady Griffin was placed in the hands of the bride. It read: "In accordance with
 the authority given me by the vii of my late husband. l forbid the marriage of Miss Griffin with the Hon. Algernon
 Percy Deuceace." The happy couple
 laughed at the note. and after the cere- the honeymoon.
 The week there passed quickly, and the pair of turtle doves returned to their nest at the Hotel Marabeau. The first thing they saw lying on the ta- ble was large parcel wrapped in sil- yer paper-a part of a wedding cake.
 And with 1t lay two cards. one reading
 Earl of Crabs and the other "Coun .
 tess of Crabs.' Then there was a clip ping from newspaper which read Marriage in high life-yesterday, at the British Embassy-thJ Right Hon. John Augustus A tmont Plantagenet, Earl of Crabs, to Leonora Emilia, widow of the late Lieut.. Gen Sir George Grif- fin. K. C. B." The Earl and the Coun- tess were spending their honeymoon in a neat little villa at St. Cloud.
 It was pleasant morning; my lord en . cased in q crimson satin dressing gown. was lolling on sofa by an open window, snd smoking, as usual. My lady was seated at her worsted work Charles
 Yellowplush, who had changed his alle- glance. rushed in, saying: My lord, here are your son and daughter" Well. and what then?9 replied his lordship languid- iy. Lady Crabs started up in a tremble "Besnot alarmed my love-" said the cool robleman Charles. say that Lady Crabs and myself would be delighted to welcome them. Sit still, my blessing - take things coolly. Have you got the box with the papers?" Lady Crabs pointed to document box on side table. ..Wel- come to St. Cloud, Algy;" cried the Earl Iii loud, hearty voice, as the couple came in. You thought you could give us the slip. hey, you rogue? But we knew it, my boy--knew the whole affair And, you see, kept plT secret better than you did-did we not. my soul?" the latter remark to Lady Crabs. in whose arms Matilda was sobbing and crying with sentiment te
 T must confess, sir" replied Deu- ceace pale and perplexed. s"I did not know of the happiness which awaited me in the shape of a mother-in law" "Ha, Ea." laughed the hearty earl; ,'old birds, you know; not to be caught with chan like young ones. My dear love, you bear no malice against Algernon? Pray take his hand" He emphasized the word hand and grinned diabolcally. It will be remembered that, owing to the good ofico~ r Lady Griffin, Algernon had but one hand .,l A.i;
 'I haze told MT. Dunceace that never wished to see him again; have not changed in that said Lady Crabs. and swept from the room. followed by her fysterical stepdaughter. Well, well. was in hopes she had forgiven you" said the carl. She got that man to shoot your hand off in revenge. it is true. No more dice now, Agy, by boy; no more cards. you young rogue; can't think hcw you will, live without them" My lord" said Deucease, since you know so much of the relations between Lady Grif- fin and myself will you be serious and tell