Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-01-19
CHAPTER XII.
Who eIxeth This Womanf

Woman Is q miracle of divine contra
dictions.-Jules Michelet
On my return to my quarters at
Browns hotel | looked at the top Of
my bureau. It was empty. My friend
cambridge had proved faithful. The
slipper Of the baroness was gone! So
now. hurriedly. 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
and mine.
I told none about my quarters any
thing of my plans, but arranged for
my portmanteaus to be sent to the
5 railway station for that evenings train
north. 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
q waiting carriage which served my
purpose. and into II flung. urging the
driver to carry me at top speed into
Elmhurst road.
AS we swung down the road I
leaned forward. studying with inter-
est the dust cloud of an approaching
carriage. AS It came near called to
my driver. The two vehicles paused
almost wheel to wheel. II was my
friend Jack cambridge who sprawled
on the rear seat Of the carriage! That
u to say. the fieshy portion Of Jack
cambridge. His mind, bis memory.
and all else. were gone.
sprang into his carriage and
caught him roughly by the arm. I felt
In all his pockets. looked on the car
riage floor. on the seat, and pulled
up the dust rug. At last l found the
license
did you see the baronessy asked.
then.
At this he beamed upon me with
wide smile.
did II" said he. with gravity pull
ing down his long bun waistcoat did
II Mos admi'ble woman in all the
worr! OF course. Miss 'Liz'beth
Churchill also mos admfble woman in
the worl'." he added politely. but
a. A'tssee her."
The sudden sweat broke out upon
my forehead. Tell me, what have
you done with the Slipper
He shook his head sadly. "Mishta-
ken. my friend! gave mo- admi'ble
slipper In the worl'. just ash you said.
just as baroness said. to Mish Eliza
beth Churchill--mos' admi'ble woman
In the wori!"
did you see herr" I gasped. did
you see her father-any Of her fami-
iyf"
God blesh me. moi" rejoined this
young statesman. Feelings delicacy
prevented. Washn't In At 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 OWE and to order
my driver tc 60 on at q run. At last
I reached the driveway Of Elmhurst,
my carriage wheels cutting the gravel
Is we galloped up to the front door.
NJ approach was noted. Even as I
hurled up the steps the tall form of
none other than Mr.. Daniel Churchill
tappeared to greet me. ! extended my
hand. He did not notice II. began
to speak He babe me pause.
ITO what may I attribute this visit,
Mr.. Trist?" he asked me, with dignity.
"Since you ask me. and seem not to
know" replied. II may say that am
here to marry your daughter. Miss
Elizabeth! presume tina. the min
lister OF the gospel is already here"
1.-THE minister is here" he answered.
There lacks one thing-the BRIDE"
what do you mean?'
He put out his arm across the door.
II regret that I must bar my door
70 you. But you must take my word.
as coming from my daughter. that you
are not to come here tonight"
looked at him. my eyes staring
wide. I could not believe what he
said.
why" I began: how utterly mon.
strous!"
A step sounded in the hall behind
him. and he turned back We were
.1oined BIZ the tall clerical figure of
Res DR.. Haiford. who had. It seemed.
been at least one to keep his appoint.
unAnt as made. He raised his hand