The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1912-04-19
"A Matrimonial
Disentanglenent

coming my wieT
Lord Jocelyn removed his hands
from his pockets and stood up to re
ceive the verdict, looking about as
comfortable as a soldier In the face
of firing squad.
They were standing In the con.
seryatory OF the Squires house AT
Newport, under frond OF a large
Palm tree that dropped over a TO.
mantle rockery. They were entirely
alone. Yet each Of them was aware
that the entire setting Of the scene
was for them: that the musicians,
playing the latest waltz in the big
ballroom beyond, the palms that
ovcrshadowed them, the splendid
draperies and the beeswaxed floors
were, actually, a portion OF the trap
that had been baited for them. And
outside q hundred eyes were watch.
Ing for their appearance.
Evelyn Squires looked In Jocelyn's
eyes with amusement.
You speak almost sincerely" she
said, flushing little with vexation.
Il am as serious as ever allow
myself 10 be-" Lord Jocelyn answered.
sit down." said Evelyn Squires.
before ! answer you. Lord Jocelyn.
and thank you for the honor you
propose TO confer on me, let us be
plain with one another Perhaps this
will be our last opportunity. II is,
| think, admitted that you do not
love me-"
| have ever known" Lord Jocelyn
answered.
Evelyn inclined her head. And
that / do not love you." she con.
tinued 1T is. then, n transaction
purely commercial on either side"
Lord .Iocelyn was silent He did
rot know what TO say, and so took
refuge in the sanctuary OF the wise
man.
Let me recount TO you my posi-.
ton Evelyn went on remorsolessly
Il am the daughter Of a multi-mil-
lionaire. From childhood ! have been
trained with one object in view-to
make a successful marriage-that Is
TO say. TO exchange my wealth for
title. II he be young, passably
good-looking, and clean Of life, SO
much the better for me. But these
are not essentials. A title is.
Il was educated at the most ex.
ponsive schools and under the best
goyernesses and professors. At the
age of twenty / was taken through
Europe on exhibition. In London you
met me and admired me. My parents
saw in you possible husband. You
have an ancient name and one that
has never been furnished. II is my
duty to repay the money that has
been spent on me by obedience tn
my parents wish rather than by
Sinking my responsibilities"
but L" Lord Jocelyn protested.
Yes, now for you, Lord Jocelyn.
You are one OF an ancient house
which, like so many in these days.
has come 10 financial ruin. You owe
II to your family TO make n wealthy
marriage. You were sent TO America
by your father, the fourth viscount,
Tor that purpose. You knew me; l
was, then, naturally, the first objec-
tive. 1t is n fair barter. unalloyed by
sentiment. II you claim mo as your
bride In that frank spirit l will &C
cept you in the same way"
Lord Jocelyn bowed; then raised
Evelyn's hand to his lips.
l hope In time" he said, chat
love may come TO u.s."
She suddenly grew pale and be-
gan trembling; his words affected her
where her own had left her unmoved.
Then. placing her hand upon his
arm, she suffered him to lead her
INTO the drawing room. And. all the
remainder Of that evening, some sub
Tie sense told each of the: that the
guests knew, tfat even now looks
and words were being interchangcd
among them. that her parents, the
Varnish king and his stout wife. were
Dusily receiving the congratulations
OF their associates.
thc utAt udy tHt HcNS Nho
formally announced. Lord Jocelyn
went to town and sent brief cable
dispatch to his father announcing the
event.
shall need couple of thousand
more for preliminary expenses" he
wrote In n letter. Everything is ar
ranged, and the dowry will more than
rent and furnish Doublewith Manor.
squires has lent us his yacht for the
honeymoon. The lady Is charming
ana | think We shall both be happy"
Then. leaning back In his armchair
IN his modest apartment on Madison
avenue, he said to himself:
How can Il be that duty some
,imes turns decent fellows into muck
ers and cads?"
He tilted up the photograph of his
oetrothed 30 that the light shone
Iuii On 1t. Then he hit his table a
'esounding thump with his fist.
God grant," he cried, "that I may
make her happy"
MY present to you. Richard" said