The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-02-16

1uO0ACASs 40 ~ ooNA - SSAss0AV NAbnb
Jean-the ceremony. mean? Anoth
era formal one"
Van Sluyck leaned forward eagerly
in his chair. Il don't think it's q
calamity. Jean. You know how ! feel
how I've always felt"
Jean stole peep at Edwy Lawson
from under her long eyelashes. He
was digging vicious holes in his desi
bl0tter.
Il don't know" she sighed. 81
couldn't think what to do until I wal
sure the law called 1t a-marriage.
Mrs. Melbourne rose. She was posi-
lively beaming. Thank you 80 much
Mr.. Lawson. Mr.. Melbourne will send
you check. Come. dear"
Ferdy. caressing an insufierable
little mustache. was also beaming
Edwy felt like biting him.
Mind. don't say positively THU
ceremony is binding" he said wick
eddy. Il would have to know all the
circumstances: and, come to think
Of It. there is a supreme court decision
Of 1876 that has a bearing on certain
mock marriages. will look that UP
and call tonight to let you know" he
finished. boldly.
There's no hurry" began Mrs. Mel
bourne. quickly.
"Oh, yes there isl" assured Jean
who had beer dashing her eyes with
her handkerchief. do come up
Edwy."
That evening the attorney was strid.
ing back and forth like menagerie
exhibit. He and Jean were alone in
the coy back parlor. The light.hearted
house party was making merry else
where.
Edwy sat down as far as possible
from Jean. He did not dare go near;
there was subdued pensiveness
about her altogether unaccustomed
and charming. He wanted to cuddle
and to comfort her, and he hadn't the
right, or the money to give him the
right.
WELL" he began. as cheerfully as
possible. the &c decision has moth.
Ing to do with your case. The cere-
mony is legal and binding"
Jean sighed and looked down at
her intertwined fingers. "Oh. well,
she said. gently. II don't know that
1t makes much difference. Every.
body's delighted-Ferdy and his moth
err and my mother"
II thought your mother was" re-
marked Lawson.
you did,"
Eyes. l did; Van sluyck hasn't any.
thing but money. He's q CATCH"
"Why, Edwy!" There was an in
jured look in her dewy eyes.
And 30 are you delighted" he
charged. harshly. HE can give you
. flock Of automobiles, and . forty.
room house. Bah. money. money,
money! It's the only thing that counts
nowadays"
She bridled. "You shouldn't talk %,
Mr.. Lawson. I have Z perfect right
to abide BY the law"
you haven't" Edwy's voice was
sharp with misery. "That marriage
must Be annulled."
Must be annulled-why"
Because I want you myself-and
I'm going to have you"
He gathered her hands to bis breast,
and kissed the pink palms.
Jean swayed toward him. "Oh,
Edwy." she whispered. Il was afraid
you were never going to say IT,
After q while, some minutes-or
maybe hours-later, Jean remarked
demurely: Il really don't think an an.
nulment is necessary. Edwy. You
see, when Polly asked me II I'd love,
honor and obey Ferdy, l didn't say
Yes"
you didn't" ccried Edwy excit.
eddy.
Il said. No, never. wouldn't
promise to obey any man."
Affectionate mirthfulness dubbed
up In Edwy's eyes. you little sea
lawyer. you! That really does put
the whole thing In the catalogue Of
Jokes" But" he continued, shrewd.
ly. why didn't you tell me that In
the Office this afternoon?"
Her burrowing movement fixed q
few more grains Of rice powder in the
shoulder Of his coat. Because !
wanted to tell you-here!" she vhie
pered.