The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1916-06-03

SiOns are less volatile than re tnOoe VI
the great majority"-with a deprecat-
ing wave of his hand-"they have the
quality OF steadiness and endurance.
I'm one OF the old SCOtts-the last or
the old SCOTS, | should say Ohow me
that sounded and ! assure YOU that !
in asking for your hand | do 1t with |
all the sincerity and respect Scott |
can be capable of. Will you marry |
me-"
"Yes-Alfred." she said, blushing MP !
at him. ard in a moment she 1glt the
dispassioEate embrace and judicial
kiss OF the last highly evolved mem
Der Of the ancient family of Scott
She felt he might have shown some
emotion. If ever so little, al this. the
greatest moment of their lives; buy
was treasured with the thought that
his high breeding and fine origin more
than compensated for the lack OF any
momentary display of passion.
| Il have my car at the door, Alfred
| It's been waiting for me for over an
hour. VIII you ride with me, out into
the country? We can be alone. feel
We should be alone today
AS you wish. dear. | shall be de-
lighted
Then go out and wait for me at the
gate shan't be minute. ! want
to get some wraps
She went with swift, glad steps to-
ward the house and he sauntered
lancudly to the gate.
When he reached the sidewalk, his
gentle delicate nature was shocked at
the sight Of John Huff his tobacco
mist, and one of his many creditors, in
an attitude denoting deliberate wait
ing.
Mr.. Scott, sir. I've taken the lib
erty-"
II should say you had taken
liberty" Scott cut in. How dare you,
sir"
But" pleadingly, this bill has been
running for eight months now, and l
have bills | myself must meet"
Il can't talk of this matter now.
Then, suddenly, as he saw a nasty
CLINT harden the others eye. Listen,
Huff" in a conciliatory tone, and
don't let this go any further conf
dentally-'I expect to marry the mis-
tress Of this house very shortly" with
a look OF subtle assurance, and then
| shall settle in full In the mean
time don't make yourself evident. Go
; away now"
A moment later Anita. dressed for
motoring, and looking infinitely hap
py, appeared at the gate.
~
They rode a great distance, through
small towns and sleepy villages, way
!, on up into the mountains, and arrlv
D ing at the village of HaslOn about two
/ o'clock in the afternoon. The cal
-, was crawling slowly along the mar
! street when their attention was at
| tracted to a low red brick building
| the only brick building they had thu:
| far seen in the town.
| Il wonder what that is II seem:
| out of place here" she laughed.
] Courthouse, probably" he said
| and then, struck with a suddeI
! thought, Il say. Ann, wouldn't it b'
! lark to go in there and get mar
/ ried-right now,
|: They went: and, when she rod
i home again in the sweet pink gioV
! of June evening. it was as the wifi
of Alfred Scott, the last of the nool
i old family of Scots
i They were met at the gate by he
i butler
/ Miss Logan, ma'am There's
j man in the library. MA am, who say
! he wants to see you. Very importan
/ business. he says"
i Did he tell you his name?'
"Yesm. Rodgers" he said. 'Henr
,e Rodgers"
"Oh, to be sure Rodgers. Hes m
attorney"
'e When they reached the librar,
~ Henry Rodgers rose from his cha
IA and bowed courteously.
eu Good evening. Miss Logan.
20 shouldn't have awaited your comm
y, so persistently only in going owe
uo your fathers will again today | ha
po pened on a clause which, I'm sOrl
~ to say. has hitherto escaped my a
tentiOn."
Vi What is it," she asked nervousl
"Why it's in the nature of a r
NJ strictive clause, Miss Logan. It pr
"' yided that if either you or your 81
AZ ter marry before reaching the age
=" twenty-five, you forfeit your share
= the fortune"
N Anita was stunned at this startlir
disclosure. and for a moment W
up speechless. Then she turned quick
confidently TO her husband, al
found his eyes intent upon her. II
'Hu face had gone suddenly pale, his ey
iau brows were contracted in fear, al
.'o his lips pressed into a tight line
ne mute warning for her to be silent,
his head shook ever so little - Ju
suggestively-from side to side
bly, Very well, Mr.. Rodgers. but
ra- should have known this before. Y
in will wire Immediately to my sist
the please"
lily He bowed. walked toward the do
to they following. Scott bent low a
vas whispered into Anita's ear, I'VE mi
ON keep quiet. Ann-for your sake"
the She smiled up at him radiant
ish- and catching hold of his arm press
lin it impulsively, a token of her app
citation for his infinite consideration