The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1912-11-14
"Bv all means" was the dry reply.

you'll never regret II. ! know my folks
were not your social equals in the old
days down south. But you know as
well as | do that money talks here"
There was no installing the genuine
ness Of Bivens' feelings. Stuart had
but TO accent the generous offer made
in good faith. and every cloud between
him and Nan would vanish. They
could be married at once and the flu.
ture was secure. All he had to do was
to keep silent for the moment as to his
real relations to Nan and compromise
his sense of honor by accepting the
wages of a man whose principles he
despised. His decision was made with
out a moments hesitation.
81 refuse the offer. Cal" be said
firmly.
Bivens rose quickly and placed his
smooth hand on his friends.
81 won't take that answer now.
Think it over. I'll see you again.
He turned and left the room before
Stuart could reply.
The lawyer drew a photograph from
his desk and looked at ii, smiling ten
| derby.
81 wonder. Nan! | wonder!'
The smile slowly faded. and frown
clouded his brow The lines of his
mouth suddenly frightened.
I'm settle it today" he said with de-
cision. as he rose. took his hat and left
for Gramercy park.
1t was noon when Stuart reached the
Primrose house. and Nan was again
out He received the announcement
from her mother with feeling of rage
be could i'll conceal.
Where is she? / seem never to be
able to find her at home
NOW. don't be absurd. Jim. You
know she would have broken any en-
gagement to see you had she known
you were going to call today. don't
expect her home until l."
"Of course. understand. Mrs. Prim-
rose" Stuart said with a light laugh.
81 should have told her. but l didn't
know until a few moments ago that |
was coming"
Nothing serious has happened, l
hope?" she asked. with carefully mod
ulated sympathy, which said plainly
that she hoped for the worst
mo. Just say that I'll call after
dinner"
"All right. Jim. dear" the mother
purred. "I'll see that she's here If |
have to lock the door"
ri ctroIla1 puf air1laccIv and no
gan TO ramble without purpose. Some
how today everything on which his
eye rested and every sound that struck
his ear proclaimed the advent of the
trusts new power of which Bivens |
was the symbol-Bivens with his deli
cate. careful little hand. his bullying |
forehead. his dark keen eyes. What |
chance had his old friend Woodman
against such forces?
That Bivens should fall hopelessly |
and blindly in love with Nan at first 4
sight was too Supplying to be grasped |
at once She couldn't love such a
man-and yet his millions and that /
slippery mother were a sinister com
bination.
By evening he had thrown off his
and met Nan with some
hing OF his old gayety. to which she
with touch of coquetry.
Tell me. Jim she began with
smile of mischief in her eyes. why
Tou called at the remarkable hour of
II noon today? Am | becoming so
-esistless that work no longer has any
charms? You must have something
very important to sayT
Yes. | have, Nan" he answered
oberly, taking her hand. 81 want a
public announcement of our engage
nent In tomorrow mornings papers"
But Why? You know the one con-
o my mothers hostility to you. is
hat our engagement shall be kept Sc
re until we are ready to marry. We
must play fair"
IT will We are ready now"
Mans voice broke into a ripple Of
aughter.
"Oh. are we? l didn't know it"
Yes, that's what came to tell
ou,' Stuart went on. catching her I
pirit of fun and pressing her hand. ,
I've arranged little trip to the coun
~ tomorrow. and I'm going to con- [
ince you before we return. Make
be announcement tonight. dear! On ,
" honor | promise to convince you
omorrow that we are ready. I've an {
rgument that never fails-an argu- {
tent no woman can resist"
Not tonight, jim" was the laughing {
,ply.
Cant you trust me when | tell you r
lat I've discovered something today t
lat makes it necessary? have seen
r. Bivens." 8
Nan leaped to her feet, her face I
lshed. her voice ringing with tri- o
nph. a
And you did what l asked you Oh, y
,u're a darling! Why did you tease L
e so last night? You accepted his b
fer?" e
I'm sorry to disappoint you, dear, "
1t did not b
The girl dropped into her seat, with
sigh. while he went on: Y
"Bivens further confided in me the Il
CT that he is hopelessly and desper-
ely in love with you" b.