Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-08
A Matrimonial
Disentanglement

Miss Evelyn" said Lord Richard
Jocelyn, will you honor me By be
coming my wife?"
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 a firing squad.
They were standing in the con-
seryatory Of the Squires house at
Newport, under a frond Of q large
palm tree that dropped over a ro-
mantle rockery. They we're 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
overshadowed them. the splendid
draperies and the beeswaxed floors
were, actually, a portion OF the trap
that had been baited for them. And
outside a hundred eyes were watch
ing for their appearance.
Evelyn Squires looked In Jocelyn's
eyes with amusement.
You speak almost sincerely" she
said, flushing a little with vexation.
y am as serious as l ever allow
myself TO be-" Lord Jocelyn answered.
sit down" said Evelyn Squires.
Before ] answer you. Lord Jocelyn,
and thank you for the honor you
propose 10 confer on me. let US be
plain with one another. Perhaps this
will be our last opportunity. It is,
] think, admitted that you do not
love me"
q esteem you more than any lady
have ever known" Lord Jocelyn
answered.
Evelyn inclined her head AND
that / do not love you" she con
tinued. 1T is. then. a transaction
purely Commercial! on either side"
Lord Jocclyn was silent He did
not 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 remorselessly.
81 am the daughter OF a multl-mil-
lionaire. From childhood I have been
trained with one object IN view-to
make q successful marriage-that is
10 say. 20 exchange my wealth for
q TITLE. II no be young. passably
EoOd-uOkug and clean OF life. so
much the better for me But these
are not essentials a title is.
81 was educated at the most ex-
peusivc schools and under the best
Coycru.aros and professors. At the
axe of twenty J was taken. through
Europe or exhibition. In London you
met .lC and admired me My parents
saw ia you "A possible husband You
have an ancient name and one that
has never been furnished. II is my
duty 10 repay the money that has
been spent on me by obedience to
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 50 many in these days.
has come to financial ruin. You owe
81 10 your family 10 make a wealthy
marriage. You were sent to America
by your father. the fourth viscount.
for that purpose. You knew me: 1
was, then, naturally. the first objec-
tive. II Is a fair barter. unalloyed by
sentiment. n you claim me as your
bride ip that frank spirit l will &C
cept you IN the same way"
Lord Jocelyu bowed: then raised
Evelyn's hand 10 his lips.
-. 1. .
love may come TO US"
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. that even now looks
and words were being iuterchanged
among them. that her parents. the
vaTnish king and his stout wife. were
hus'ly receiving the congratulations
OF their associates.
On the next day the news was
formally announced Lord Jocelyn
went 10 town and sent a brief cable
dispatch TO his father announcing the
event
i shall need 4 couple Of thousand
more for preliminary expenses" ne
wrote In letter Everything is ar
ranged, and the dowry will more than
refit and furnish Doublewith Manor.
Sguires has lent us his yacht for the
honeymoon. The lady is charming
aud ! think We shall both be happy. "
Then, leaning back in his armchair
IN his modest apartment on Madison
Avenue, he said 10 himself:
How can IL be that duty some
times turns decent fellows into muck
ers and cads9"
He tilted up the photograph OF his
betrothed SO that the light shone
fun on ii. Then be hit his table a
resounding thump with his INST.
God grant he cried, that / may
make her happy"
My present to you. Richard" said
Evelyn, on the following week, sis
going 70 be-guess whate"
Two thousand shares in Steel" he
said bitterly, and regretted it the
moment afterward.
mo" aha anFd ssTt iii -