The Spectator., 1916-01-28
CHAPTER XiV-Continusd.
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means that Alfred true Dlue, SHe It. piled soberly. He has the loyalty of a dog. It was awful of me to do 1t, though I don't know what you'll think of me, Hall But you haven't told him. yet, Alfred. Go on! And do hurry, please!"
 Well, she asked me to go down to the city hall with her, for to get mar riage license. This afternoon, it was, and you know what l thought. We'll, we went up to the desk and We got application-a printed paper it was tellin' all about what we was and how old, like, and we sat down to table and Miss Fisher, here, she took pen and ink"
 Hurry, Alfred, hurry!" cried Flodie impatiently.
 Well 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 a moment with his handkerchief He returned to his mar rative almost choking. 'I was just a-goin' to sign Alfred J. Smallish; that's my name and what ! always sign it, when she says to me, Miss Fisher did, You write down this here name what I tell you: Hall Cutler Boni, stelle she says. You asked me to ask you to do something hard for me, for to prove your love for mel she says, and indeed I did, MT. Bonistelle-and so l signed the paper, and we had 1t swore to-
 Well, 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. Well, I mean he's white" Flodie explained anxiously.
 Yes, he certainly is rather white" Hall remarked and turned again to look at the document
 "Of course we did have to lie little, that is, Aired did-about your father and mother yod know. didn't know what their names weYc, so 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 1t coming. and I knew you'd be too stupid to get one yourself,"
 ''Flodie-Fisher-Bo he ex- claimed, and threw up his hands, you certainly are business woman! don't see what chance I'll have after we're married! But I'm perfectly will 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. Not at all, MT. Bonistelle. It was for Miss Fisher I done it."
 Then you did it for me. By jove, Alfred, let me shake your hand. A man cant be thanked for a service like that, and he cant be rewarded but if there's anything l can do for you, you name it."
 There's only the one thing want now, MT. Bonistelle. Would you leave me be your best man at the weddin'? |? There was once when I hoped I could be bridegroom myself Mir. Bonistelle, but see now that was foolish But it would be a satisfaction to see the last of Miss Fisher, If you don't mind"
 Hall, laughing slapped him on the back. Sure, Alfred! You can be the chief mourner, Alfred-that is, if this license is ell right. Let's call in Mir Doremus; he'll tell us" He started for the door, but Flodie had already beckoned to the attorney, who now came in with her
 Well we're going 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 it, and have it legal, MT. Doremus 9" she asked, nudging him anxiously.
 'Oh. I'll fix that" said the lawyer ''lt won't take two minutes"
 
 What's goin' on?" came a harsh voice at the door. Jonas Hassingbury was looking in.
 Come in, Jonas, come in and be among those present. It's my merry marriage morn!' cried Hall gayly.
 Flodie whispered to Alfred. Run, Alfred, bring everybody in, quick"
 Alfred disappeared into the office and could be heard announcing the in. vitation.
 Jonas. however, had begun to bristle He strode up to his cousin belligerent