The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1915-12-24
CHAPTER xiv-continued.

means that AlfredS true blue, She re-
piled soberly. He has the loyalty Of
a dog. IL was awful of me 10 do 1t.
though. / don't know what you'll
think of me. Hall. But you haven't
told him, yet, Alfred. Go on! And do
hurry. please!"
We'll. she asked me TO go down TO
the city hall with her, for TO get mar
riage license. This afternoon. IL was.
and you know what | thought Well,
We went up TO the desk and We got a
application-a printed paper it was
tellin' all about what we was and how
old. like. and we sat down to a table
and Miss Fisher. here, she took pen
and ink"
Hurry. Alfred, hurry" cried Flodie
impatiently.
We'll she went TO work and wrote
'yesses and noes on the lines. And
then she signed her name, Miss Fisher
did, and she handed me the pen" Sud-
denly Alfred turned his head. and
busted himself for moment with his
handkerchief He returned to his mar
rative almost choking. Il was just
a-goin' 10 sign Alfred j. Smallish;
that's my name and what always sign
#, when she says to me. Miss Fisher
did, You write down this here name
what ] tell you Hall Cutler Boni.
stelle' she says. You asked me 10 ask
you TO do something hard for me, for
10 prove your love for me- she says.
and indeed / did, Mr. Bonistelle-and
80 ! signed the paper. and we had it
swore TO-"
We'll, give me the paper. Alfred!
Do hurry" Flodie cried anxiously.
Alfred drew from his pocket the
document. and handed it over to Hall.
Flodie bent over it, You see. AL
fred had TO pretend he was you. that's
all. He's the same color you know"
Hall looked up at Alfred. and smiled.
We'll. / mean he's white" Flodie
explained anXiously.
Yes, he certainly is rather white"
Nall remarked and turned again to
look at the document
"Of course we did have TO lie little,
that is, Alfred did-about your father
and mother, you know. | didn't know
what their names were, 50 we had to
call them John and Mary-you don't
mind, do you?"
Not at ALL"
And you haven't any former wives.
have you, living or dead?"
Not one!" Hall was emphatic.
Then it's perfectly good license.
and it fits you and there's your name
and everything, and mine. too. You
don't mind. do you. Hall. dear?" Flodie
began to blush violently. and was very
confused. You see, kind OF thought
you were going to ask me. sort of felt
It coming. and | knew you'd be too
stupid 10 get one yourself!"
"Flodie-Fisher-Bo he ex-
claimed, and threw up his hands. you
certainly are a business woman!
don't see what chance I'll have after
we're married! But I'm perfectly viii.
ling to let you manage me, Flo.
certainly have botched things when
ever I've tried to run them myself"
He turned TO Alfred who stood,
looking at his shoes. And you COM
mitted perjury Alfred, just for my
sake?"
Alfred drew himself up proudly.
mot at all. Mr.. Bonistelle. 1t was for
Miss Fisher | done it,"
Then you did il for me. By jove,
Alfred, let me shake your hand. A
man can't be thanked for service like
that. and he can't be rewarded: but II
\ do 90
name it,"
There's only the one thing want
now. Mr. Bonistelle. Would you leave
me be your best man at the weddin'?
There was once when hoped | could
be bridegroom myself, Mr.. Bonistelle,
but see now that was foolish. But Il
would be a satisfaction 10 see the last
OF Miss Fisher, II you don't mind"
Hall, laughing. slapped him on the
back. Sure. Alfred! You can be the
chief mourner. Alfred-that is, II this
license is all right. Let's call in Mr..
Doremus: he'll tell u.s." He started
for the door. but Flodie had already
beckoned to the attorney. who now
came in with her
wen, were gong TO have a cere-
mony. after ALL" said Hall I'm going
TO take you at your word and let you
marry me-"
Flodie interrupted his reply. What
Is the shortest possible way you can
do IL, and have IL legal. Mr.. Doremus?"
she asked. nudging him anxiously.
"Oh. I'll fix that" said the lawyer
1T won't take two minutes"
What's goin' on?" came a harsh
voice at the door Jonas Hassingbury
was looking In.
Cone in. Jonas. come IN and be
among those present .St's my merry
marriage morn!" cried Hall gayly.
Flodie whispered 20 Alfred Run.
Alfred. bring every body I'm. quicki"
Alfred disappeared into the office
end could be heard announcing the In.
vitatiOn.
Jonas. however Rad begun to bristie.
Tie strode up to his cousin belligerent-
ly. Why. II amt no use 10 git mar
ried now. Hail you know that Don't
he foolfshft