The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1914-02-11

uut uot UelllkeTeutly 30. III never
be happy II New York should imagine
I'd been Tilted, or the subject OF a
practical joke she began simply. my
u for throwing you over is a very
good one-my engagement to the earl
of Cortland"
He bowed, too puzzled to find any
words.
After a few hours talk with Ran
kin | became convinced that a mar.
raige between you and me never would
have been a happy one"
Again Broadway nodded. He could
quite agree with that.
Hence my decision to marry the
earl" She went closer to him almost
pleadingly. I've played fair with you,
Jackson; o l want you to do the
same by me-"
"T1l do anything you ask" he fer
vently assured her. Anything with
in reason, Mrs. Gerard.
"All | ask is that you keep my
secret"
Il will. What is it,"
"You really don't known"
mo, Mrs. Gerard"
After another tiny hesitation she
held out her hand TO Rankin. May |
present the earl Of Cortland?" she
said. leading the abashed butler for
ward.
What" Broadway was astonished
almost to the point of physical col
lapse.
Its true" she went on gravely.
We've had a thorough understanding,
and Rankin has agreed to become an
earl"
Again Broadway's surprise was al
most more than he could quietly sup
port.
"Oh. don't be astonished! It's my
only protection. Have / your solemn
promise that you'll not divulge the Sc
cret?"
Il give you M word Of honor" he
said fervently.
Very well. Goodby!"
He earnestly shook hands with her.
"Goodby. Mrs. Gerard. l hope you
will be very happy"
1T isn't a question of happiness,
Jackson she said slowly, and In a
way that somewhat worried him. II
simply don't want to be Inundated.
You understand"
Yes; | understand, Mrs. Gerard"
She turned to the earl of Cortland.
Shake hands with Mr.. Jones, Ran
kim"
Jackson pulled him to one side, al
most Indignantly. See here, Rankin,
do you mea to tell me that you'd do
such a mean contemplate thing as
to marry q woman deliberately for her
money!"
Yes, sir" said Rankin very ~gravely,
and thank you. sir, for the opportu-
nifty"
Come. ~earlie," Mrs. Gerard called
softly.
Yes, Beatrice" He dropped the
hand of his erstwhile employer and
took the arm of his afianced wife.
I'VE have just six minutes before
train time" she admonished him, and
turned to Broadway, who was stand
Ing. dazed. "Goodby!"
He had gone back to the house and
was standing leaning somewhat weak
ly against a pillar of the porch. unable
even to make her presence known to
the two girls whose laughing. low
hind the vines, when Wallace came
up with his father. He listened to
his friends remarks mechanically.
YES" he was saying, the entire
population of the town is about four
thousand. The plant employs about
hundred" Then. catching sight
OF Broadway: There's jackson now.
Tell him what you just told me-"
Broadway went to meet them, glad
to have the opportunity to test life
and make sure that 1t was real, even
II the proof showed that the elder
Wallace was entirely hostile.
They offered you q million and q
half. didn't they?" asked Bob.
Yes. that's what they offered-a
million and a half"
"Mr. Jones'" said the elder Wallace,
not without enthusiasm, my son has
been telling me Of the grand, single
handed fight that you are making
against this giant corporation. I ad-
mire your pluck. sir"
Broadway looked at him with real
surprise and hearty gratitude. It
seemed that eve this was coming
out all right!
you deserve all the encouragement
and assistance possible" said this sud
denly delightful gentleman. "Your
loyalty to the people Of this little
town IL commendable. sir. You de-
serve great credit, and l want to shake
your hand"
Thanks. Mr.. Wallace. but the credit
really belongs to Bob" The delight
which Broadway felt was plainly aud
BILE In his voice.
Bob laughed. Il knew he'd say
thati"
He has told me of your modesty,"
said the elder Wallace. II am very
proud that you have taken him into
he Arm, and II advertising has any
aarket value we'll fight them to a En-.
sh. have promised my BOZ to return
lere Monday morning. may have q
nrOnoc;tSnn IN INIT hofnro Won ia