Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-10-11

AS for ME. didn't open my mouth. but
submitted to be led like lamb TO the
slaughter.
In order TO keep up appearances
that is, TO avoid a swoon or a break
down of some kind during the cere-
money! exercised my viii power to-
fancy that was happy bride. marry
ing the man of my choice. I got on
tolerably well till I heard the words
man and wife," then things began to
grow confused about me. and I knew
nothing more till found myself lying
on an Office lounge, looking M into
the most sympathetic. kindly. loving
yes, 1t was loving-face l ever saw.
Then l heard persons leaving the
room, and presently all was still.
judged that was alone with rsy-le-
gal-husband.
Poor child"
81 hope" said. that you don't con-
slider my breaking down in this way
any want of compliment to you. Ii
was the suddenneSs of 1t, the-the"-
I was stalled
1T would be very foolish in me-" he
said, "to consider my individuality of
any Importance whatever in the mat
ter l am simply that legal party. Mr..
John Doe, who is constantly disputlns
with Richard Roe. You. being wom-
an, can't he Richard Roe. I suppose,
however. you might be Richarda Roe
But we need never have any of the
legal squabbles of these two ancient
and honorable parties, for we are not
to be together. and you can rely on Mr..
Croker to get you out OF Il without
any trouble whatever. see no neces-
sity of your giving up your maiden
name except in signing documents.
This legal condition need not last a
year. am sure. and will be scarcely
a ripple on the surface OF your life"
You are very nice about II. and
have every confidence in You. How did
Mr.. Crocker come to select you for the
purpose:"
81 am under great obligations to
your late father"
"You, Under obligations to papa!'
Eyes. Fifteen years ago, when was
boy, he took me into his business
and advanced me till Mt the time of
his death was his principal manager"
'You are not Edward KeaneT"
"I am"
How singular! I was married to Ed
ward Keane. Ten years before n
young man of twenty had come one
day to the house from my fathers Of
fee with n message for him. I was
then girl of ten and saw him hut
ri
of Edward Keane. whom my father
was intending TO place at the head Of
his business when he should leave It,
The young man had been to the house
number of times since, but had al.
ways been away, either Mt school or
visiting, at the time of his coming |
was lost in wonder at this happening
and was tongue tied. Presently I ask
ed him if the marriage was the carry
, ing out of plan laid by my father be-
fore his death.
81 only know" he replied, that not
! two hours ago Mr.. Croker summoned
! me here in great haste and told me
that my benefactor's daughter must be
married before noon or lose her in
heritance He asked me If I would
consent to be a legal husband till the
property could be turned over 10 you
and would pledge myself to leave you
free and consent to divorce at any
time you desired. I told him that
would do anything in my power for
your fathers daughter. Besides, have
seen you once or twice when you have
not seen, or perhaps have not noticed,
me-"
"And you did not marry me for a
for consideration"
Eyes; the consideration of being OF
service to you"
We chatted some time longer, when
my husband prepared to call in Mr..
Croker and ask him for full state
ment Of the case. He came and tod
us that It was my fathers wish that
should marry Edward Keane. My IA.
Their had stipulated that / was to dc
so or the provision already stated was
to be enforced Mr. Crocker was re-
lied on to make this match. If possible.
His failure to return as soon as ex-
pected came very near costing me
fortune. When he found that he must
act at once he did so with bis accus.
toned rapidity and talent for manage
ment He had married me as my ia.
Their desired. and 1t remained with me
and my husband whether we should
make the marriage real as well as le-
gal. After giving us this explanation
he retired. leaving us again alone TO.
gether.
what shall we do?" ! remarked, al
much to myself as to him.
You can do nothing unless asl.
you TO be my wife till death do us
part. as your father desired. VIII
you:''
We remained together where we
were for an bour longer At first
was disposed TO put Off decision. but
before we left had consented There
was nothing more to do hut make ar
. announcement % our marriage and II
on our wedding journey .
i Oct. IL IN American
Hiafnrv