The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-15
6be
Conspirators
Their Clever Bit Of
Strategy.
BY VIRGINIA BLAIR.

"NFFF%F<%EE%<V
"Of course can understand my
wife's position In the case" the Judge
said. She wants her only daughter
to marry man with money. and you
haven't any. So this is my plan: I'll
settle a good round sum on you, and
you can say 1t came from a rich rela-
tive. Then my wife will be satisfied.
You can marry Roxane and live hap
PLY ever after"
"oh"-oliver's face was bright with
hope-"you are very good, sirr'
but you mustn't tell Roxane where
you got the money" the judge pur-
sued. She couldn't keep It from her
mother"
But ought not to deceive my fu.
ture wife"
The judge banged a heavy ist on
his desk. Don't be foolish" he said
sternly. Its the only way"
But Then before Oliver could
proceed with his objection clear voice
EShtu, Mig Coue iut
"Roxaner' exclaimed the two men.
She stood hesitating on the thresh-
old. slender little thing. with her fair
hair puffed out under plumed hat
Mother is waiting In the motor"
she said breathlessly I'VE are on
our way to the charity pazaar. and l
want some money"
The judge kissed her. Now it's
divers turn" he teased
"Oh. father" she reproached him,
with sob. you know Oliver and I
have had TO break our engagement be-
cause mother won't hear of itr' And
she hid her face on the judges shoul.
der.
The judge glanced at Oliver. Tell
her" he commanded, and the boy be
gan hal;ing tale.
As he proceeded Roxane Interrupted.
"Yon mean that some one has left you
fortuue?"
Oliver nodded
With her face shining. the girl went
swiftly TO her lover. "oh. Oliver. Oh.
ver." she said. how happy | ami"
For Il moment he hesitated; then he
gathered l!er into his arms. Its worth
every thing To Know that you are mine,
RoSane." he said huskily
The rustic OF silk skirts in the hall
brought him out of bis Rhapsody.
Its yonr mother" warned the
judge. alrl when the rather stout lady
III maure entered she found two sol
emn yo1us people on each side Of the
judges desk.
Il thought Roxane was never coming
down. she panted
Il foumi Oliver here" Roxane ex.
planned. "and. oh, mother. rich rela
tive has left him fortune"
"A fortune Oliverr scolfed the stout
lady why. he hasn't rich relative
in the world
The fact remains. my dear" the
judge asserted bandly that he has
had a fortune left him by distant
cousin"
What cousin:" was the demand,
You needn't tell me, James"
Tut tut" the judge cautioned.
Don't accuse the boy of lying"
I'm not accusing anyhody." Mrs
Vandiver stated Il merely asked you
what cousin. lanes"
I'm not sure OF the name. AShie,"
he stamplered perhaps Oliver can
satisfy you"
But Oliver weakened IL think Mrs.
Nandiver is right" he said uisteadily
Until ! can offer satisfactory proof of
my good fortune II will he well for me
TO give up RoXane. There may be some
mistake
"0f course" said Mrs vandiver,
with agsravating sureness. Come on.
Roxane." And She dragged her unwil
ling captive from the room.
Left alone, the conspirators stared at
each other
Now you've done it." said the Judge
dissusteGiy. why couldn't you buC
IL uut: =
"Nui with Roxane's trusting eyes on
me, said Roxaue's lover.
We'll. IL you knew Ruxane's mother
az we'll a> | do" tie judge gruwled.
you would know that it's the only
hope
After depressing silence Oliver
ventured, Perhaps If you approached
her differently you might get better
results"
The judge smiled. "How do you
meanr'
Oliver blushed. "Oh. well, I've some
times thought. sir, that il you appealed
to your wife's sense of romance
"Abbie's sense OF romancep the
judge calculated
You must lave some memories thai
would MAKE her frel lriHIerly tOwarc
yOu-tow;srd us
1T has been So ions. the judge mul
INJURED and found himself suddenl
curious as ~ when he ii;rsi ceased