The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-05

My choice Is fixed. let good or i'll be-
 tide,
 A joyful bridegroom land you the
 bride.
 When at length the old man went away to attire himself for the festivi- ties of the day Miranda got an oppor- tunity for further conversation with Mistress Patch and that good woman told her that she was discharged by Sir Jealous and came from St. George She told her who was to be at the wedding-how Miranda could meet Sir George there. explained how this was now or never'' opportunity for the love affairs of both Isabinda and Mi randa to come to a favorable conclu- sion.
 The Spanish Suitor
 Meantime, at the house of Sir Jeal- ous, two gentlemen, one dressed in 8 Spanish costume. were inquiring for the worthy Knight.
 Sir said the stately fSotman, Thomas, to his master, "here are two gentlemen inquiring for you and one of them-a foreign looking man, sir. saving your presence, and dressed right strangely. calls himself Senor Babinetto."
 ''Ha." exclaimed the merchant joy fully, "Senor Babinetto! !-admit them
 
 my daughter married forthwith.
 Run you and get the nearest clergy man, MT. Tackum. I have warned him to be in readiness. I have already pro- cured the license for my daughters marriage. o, happy, happy day!"
 Then there entered to Sir Jealous 9 very stately man, whose dress bespoke him indisputably of old Spain. The man with him was dressed like mer- chant.
 Sir Jealous gave his visitors a well come in a short sentence of Spanish, to which the intending bridegroom re- sponded in long oration, likewise in the language of Castle
 Foreign Gabble \ Now Sir Jealous had only lived about 15 years in Spain, and, like most Eng lishmen, had regarded the language as something not worth while making a study oft was so un- English.
 He had acquired an admiration for the manner in which the Spaniards managed their women folks-which may have been bred of the fact that Lady Jealous used grievously to man. age her husband-had determined to marry his daughter to the son of his Spanish agent and had introduced the duenna system for his child
 But further than that-why do not all people who do not speak the Eng fish language simply "gabble?" So thought Sir Jealous with the insularity of a true Podsnap.
 Therefore he but faintly comprehend ed the reply of the senor and was much relieved when his companion said in English:
 ''l am commissioned by the father of my friend here, Don Pedro Babinetto, to see an affair of marriage concluded between your daughters and his son, Don Diego, here present"
 The Missing Crowns
 An, l will speak in English then, for, to tell the truth, I am somewhat rusty in my Spanish And your name. sir?'
 "Meanwell"
 "'Tis good name and very sgnif- cant. For to mean well is to be hon. est, and to be honest is the virtue of q friend, and friend is the support of human society,"
 You shall find that I perform the part of a friend well enough, Sir Jeal- ous in what I have undertaken. There fore, must request the presence Of your daughter immediately and of your chaplain-as I had strict injunctions to see the marriage performed immedl- ately upon our arrival"
 "Yes, yes,' replied Sir Jealous, but my friend Don Pedro wrote me that he intended the sum of 5000 crowns by way of jointure for my daughter and that it should be paid into my hands upoH the day of her marriage"
 The Bride Objects
 The two strangers looked at each other in dismay for a moment and spoke aside. Then, turning to Sir Jealous, Meanwell said
 Yes, that is true. and Don Diego has brought it. But he brought it in merchandise to be turned into money, as transporting gold by sea is, as you know, rather hazardous. Don Piedro did not imagine that you would insist upon having the jointure the very day of the marriage.
 We have brought sugar, lemons, spices and so forth. which shall short -ly be turned into money. Meantime. sir. if you will, be pleased to accept of my bond"
 Enough. enoughw cried Sir Jealous: q am so pleased with the countenance of Don Diego and the harmony of your name that I will take your word and fetch my daughter this instant"
 At this point Rev. MT. Tackum was shown in and in two minutes after came in again Sir Jealous, fairly drag ging his daughter with him.
 Hold, sir' cried the young lady, do not destroy my hopes of peace. I O. She knelt and clung about the knees of her father, imploring him to re- lent But he was abdurate
 Appearing to Yield
 Just look upon him." cried the fath- CT; 'he is we'll favored youth"
 But Isabinda kept her face averted from her intended husband. = Pray allow me- Sir James," inter- posed Maxwell, you are too passion ate. Allow me to talk with your daugh- ter and I am sure l can convince her." He raised the half-fainting Isabin- da and, taking her aside, said in low tone:
 Suppose this Spanard should be the very man with whom you wish to wed? 1? Nay, do not sart. Appear indifferent. It is Charles in disguise We have a little plot and had not an opportunity to get word to you, for your father. as you know, discharged Patch last week."
 And who are your" asked Isabinda in an undertone.
 "I am Sir George Airy; and your friend, Miranda. whom I hope to mar ry, should be here even now. Appear to yield'
 Slowly Isabinda turned to her father and said: Do with me as you please. I am all obedience. I have listened to reason"
 Marpl0t Once More
 Meantime Marplot was knocking at the door of the house and saying to himself: 'T have look ed for CharIAa all