The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1915-05-11

ury, with the idea of making fash
ionable marriage with a man of title,
1t didn't matter who he was-English,
French, German. Italian, or what his
character was, or his age. or his per-
sonality, so long as he had a title. The
higher, the better, you know. Well.
when you came to New York, of course
we all understood your motive IN call
ing upon me. When l am with plain
American he takes me to theaters and
the opera alone Sometimes he may
take me out in his auto. But for you.
you know, | had TO play the part of
an ingenue. l was a delicate hot
house flower, who must never be
shown alone. / had to have a chaperon
with me always. That was part of the
game You understand that?"
No, | didn't understand that" an
swered the man, wincing in his turn.
But pray go on, Miss Vining."
THAT is about all, except that 1 was
hawked round Europe last year and
the year before. They nearly married
me to an Italian prince. But at the
last moment it was discovered that he
was courier from Turkey, masquer-
aiding. Probably he. too, was in touch
with your man Smith
L hardly think so, Miss Vining," an
sWered the young man thoughtfully.
You see, Smith is an honest broker,
so to speak, and only handles the real
article"
The flicker of a smile played about
her mouth for the first time.
Well" she resumed, 81 don't count
| myself one whit better than you, I'M
derstand. We are both simply the vic
| Tins of circumstances. The bargain
| proposed was very suitable one. 1t
isn't that all the people in our society
| are like this, you must know. 1t is
| just the new-rich-us! The decent
families wouldn't have anything to do
with us. They married their own peo-
pie. However, suppose oughtn't to
| disparage my own family. And now,
| monsieur, suppose we play out this
| farce to the end
BY all MEANS" he replied. Miss
Vining, l have the honor to ask your
hand in marriage"
"The answer is no." said the girl
Then she looked in amazement at
his chagrined expression. In fact.
such a reply had never occurred to
him.
But seriously" he urged.
| nil
seriously believe, then, that l would
be willing to sell myself?" she cried
why, never-never, sir. l have al
ways resolved that If l do play a
parasites part at least my heart is
clean. When l marry if any man OF
my own nation is willing to take me-
soiled as | am, he shall But this"
Her anger was so genuine that the
man did not know how to reply.
| but I will ask you one question,
she continued. "a woman's curiosity
you know. Why did you select me out
of all the girls upon the list that the
man Smith gave you?"
"Why?" he repeated stupidity.
| Eyes. Rich as we are, / know sew
eral families that are richer and have
eligible daughters"
"Why, because l fell in love with
4 you," he retorted.
| What" she cried incredulously
After telling me that?"
"But have never said did not love
| you. In fact, l have loved you since
l first saw you"
us this part Of the game, too?" she
demanded; but he saw that her lips
| were quivering.
And suddenly some interior emotion
surged up in him and banished the
last touch Of cynicism. He fell upon
| his knees before her and clasped he1
| hands.
| Miss Vining Elsie, love you with
all my heart" he cried. Can you
do you think that if / prove my love
can win your"
She had broken down under the
passion Of her heart. The anger which
had held her evaporated, leaving only
very miserable and very helpless
girl.
He rose to his feet. 81 am going
back to France" he said. 81 cannot
expect you to believe in me. And vel
it was my love for you that prompted
me to say what | have said. | could
rot win you with lie. So | told you
as you asked me. But before 1 go
will you tell me that there may be a
hope for me at some distant time!
Let the money go, the title go; just
look upon me as one who loves you
and desires you"
Elsie Vining lifted her tear-stained
face to his
Il don't think-there is any need
for you to go back to France" she
said softly.
Ten minutes later Bobby Brooks
nudged Charlie Twiss.
pair, perhaps would be a better term,
he said. my! Don't they look pleased
with themselves
'They ought to, seeing what each
has got out Of it, answered Charlie
Say, l shouldn't be surprised il
there was romance in it after all,
suggested his friend
well, if money and title aren't
romantic, what is?" replied the other
"But still, you never can tell"
| Ch9L Nn&