Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-07-08

excitement, tfptoed back into the Of
fee
Dir. Doremus deposited the paper
upon the table well, I shall leave
you this copy to inspect at your
leisure. You may not be aware that
an justice Of the peace, Mr.. Boni-
STEELE. l shall be quite willing to &C.
conmodate you, should you find a
bride. I think I could perform as cred
at half price!" He chuckled at the
idea
Hall, in no mood for tests, rose and
followed him. Where's Cousin Jonas
Mr.. Hassingbury he asked. Lord,
he ought TO be a happy man, about
now!"
BIr. Doremus paused. 81 took The
first opportunity Of teIegraphing TO
Mr.. Hassingbury," he said, informing
him Of the provisions Of J. B. Boni-
stelle's will. I requested his immedi-
ate appearance in town, and have no
doubt that he will arrive here some
time during the day"
Think of that old hypocrite getting
all that money!" Hail exclaimed.
LORD it makes me iIl-heu be a thou
sand times more disgusting than ever,
with his religious bosh and his charity
talk"
Mr.. Doremus lifted an eloquent fin
ger. GAS an executor, you understand
must preserve an attitude of strict
impartiality," he admonished. cat the
same time, IN my private capacity,
confess that am on the side of youth.
Four millions--ah, one could indulge
ones youthful dreams!" He shook
his head sentinentally. Isl la jeu-
nesse savait, ST la yIeiIlesse pouYait!"
Hall watched him, haIf-amused.
Say, Doremus, you're all right" Mr..
Doremus was looking over his shout
der to get a glimpse of FIodie. Hall
had an idea. 81 say" he suggested,
why not come around here tonight,
and We'll have wake over my lost in
heritance. I'm giving a small party,
you know, just few of my clients,
and an actress or two"
well, we'll! 1t might remind me Of
old times" Mr.. Doremus offered his
hand. 81 think shall come It may
renew my youth. All, Mr.. BonistelIe,
you might not believe it, but I've wait
ed at the stage door myself, in my
timen
'T'u bet you have, old sport! and got
away with it, too" said Hall, laugh
ing. Come along, then, I'll set them
on you!"
But meanwhile, don't forget that I'm
a justice of the peace!" Mr.. Doremus
gave Hall a poke in the ribs, grinned.
bowed and went out, with a youngish
smile at FIodie as he fourished
through the office.
No sooner was the door shut than
Hall Bonistelle exploded. well, Flo
die, it's all up! It's back to the farm
for mine! Isn't that just my Iuck?"
A lively hope had blossomed in Flo
dies heart. She was pale and trepid.
Il couldn't quite hear she answered,
assembling; what was it?"
-Four and a half million dollars
gone to the devil just by a fuke-
that's all! By jove, it's an outrage"
Flodie stood twisting her hands
nervously. you don't mean you're
going to let that" FTodie stopped
just in time; her mind had run away
with her lips. ooh, Mr.. Bonistelle, I
mean you don't mean that mean old
Jonas HassingbuTy's going to get that
money"
Il In I'm
singing, holier-than-thou old hypo-
critic! Four millions. F1odie! Think
Of it! Good Lord, isn't 1t ferocious?
And if that will had only been found
when Uncle John debut Lord,
what's the use of talking" He walked
doggedly back into the studio, and
gave a vicious swing to his camera
Flodie Fisher followed him in. then
stood looking at him pensively. She
spoke slowly, softly, deliberately.
why don't you go ahead and get the
money, Mr.. Bonistelle?"
Get the money? How?"
why, get married." F1odie turned
suddenly crimson.
why, who in the world would have
me?"
FTodie swallowed down a lump in
her throat. "Oh," she said, 'Tm sure
there's some nice girl who'd be so
proud to marry you. Mr.. Bonistelle!"
well, I don't know how I'm to
find her-and I've got deuced little
time to look. Why, do you realize
that I've only got till midnight to. do
the whole thing in?" He went up to
her. "And do you imagine that any
woman would want to be married in
that way?"
ooh, when you're in love, it doesn't
matter how soon"
"a hurricane wooing, Ell? By joYe,
I wonder" He stared at her with
new light in his eyes. Say, you real
ly think I could get away with it?
Why, I never"
"Oh, you could do anything, Mr..
BonisteIle, I'm certain you could"
do you know of any woman who'd
have me-that quick?"
CTO BE CONTTNUED)