Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-21
The Daily Story
HER sUIToRs-BY ELEANoRTREADWELL
copyr,gn,ee. 1919 Dy AssocIated Literary Bureau

interest to wartield from the time size
was five years old and used TO climb
on his lap TO listen to stories he
would tell her She was to aim the
daughter of the man who had given
him bis opportunity for his LIES work.
He was busy ut the time he received
the cable.ram. and it was difficult for
him TO leave Chicago. Nevertheless he
sailed 1T once for Naples and In few
hours after his arrival in Italy was in
Rome
We'll. Marsie, what is it," he asked
as soon rs the two had settled down
to business.
I'll tell you. can't imagine how
it happened that so many men should
have fallen in love with me ut once.
| suppose it's the Italian air or some
thing. but its SO. And the worst OF
it is that none of tbem will be re-
fused There's Prince BoloZzi. I've
told him again aud again that | can't
love him. and he threatens TO jump into
the Tiber Baron Becker says if
won't 80 with him to his estates In
Westphalia as his wife his life will
dleton pleaded his cause so pathetical-
ly that l couldn't help saying Yes
I've half promised the marquis. and. in
deed. there isn't one of them I'm not
partly committed to-
"I see no way out of it for you,"
said wartield. but TO go into be-
trothal bankruptcy. However. Ill
make inquiries about these gentlemen
and report TO you if any of them bears
a good reputation. II so and you wish
to marry him I'll help you out with
the others-which as your guardian
have 4 right 10 do-and you can be
welded to the man of your choice
whenever you like"
There isn't any of them the man Of
my choice
the lot"
How can that be done without the
prince jumping into the Tiber and the
marquis
well have them locked up till they
| get over it."
"Oh, my goodness gracious. could
never look them in the face again."
1T would be Just as well that you
shouldn't. However. my dear Margie.
having brought me over here TO get
you out of your difficulty, perhaps
you'd better leave the matter TO me-"
That's Just what I'd like-that is, ie
you don't mind such an awful job"
ut won't be so hard for me ash
would for you. Don't see any of them
till tomorrow afternoon. Then I'll fix
. oil a., ho
more trouble. Write each of them q
note asking him to call here tomorrow
at 3 p. M. to receive your final an
swer."
"All at once? Great heavens.
couldn't do that. They would kill one
another"
wartield persisted and went away
with note for each of the suitors,
which he posted at once.
The next afternoon Warfield called
before the others. He exacted prom
I Use from Marguerite that she would
bear him out in any statement he
might make. though he was obliged TO
assure her that nothing harsh should
be said TO any of them.
The prince arrived at ten minutes he
dppOillleu uOuL anu was IC-
quired to wait below. The marquis
came next and the baron next. All
were in the hotel at 3. and few min
utes later all received summons 10
Miss Ashton's private parlOr. Scarcely
had one entered before there was n rap
at the door and another stood at the
opening. There was no time for con.
versation since they came so near to-
gether Some Of them recognized 9th.
ers rs rivals. and they glared mutually.
When they had all been admitted War
field. who was formally introduced to
Them said:
Gentlemen. Miss Ashton has desir.
ed me to announce to you that, having
been honored by proposition of mar.
, riage from each and all of you. she
has considered your propositions and
come TO conclusion"
The speaker paused and cleared his
throat. while the visitors were visibly
agitated with expectancy.
Miss Ashton looked from her advo
! cate to the men. whom she expected
to either kill one another or commit
suicide If refused. like frightened
bird. Warfeld proceeded:
Having carefully weighed the nat.
). ter in her mind. Miss Ashton has de-
cided TO bestow her hand on
Every head was craned forward.
every eve and ear open.
Myself"
Z There was n rumbling Of voices sim.
/. liar To that accompanying an eGrtb-
, quake. In another moment Warfield
q turned toward Marguerite and asked:
do yO,i confirm what have saidf"
n YES I do exclaimed the girl as II
!. she were casting off burden.
;. The suitors withdrew I'm body. to
q separate rs soon as possible. leaving
/, Warfeld and Marguerite together.
4 How did you know that?' asked
o the latter.
q Know what?" .
4 why. that ! liked you better than
! any Of theni:"
. Warfeld. who was amazed nj the
:, revelation. was about 10 repiy "T
didn't" huf insfpod ha caid "a p+tI,,