The Lamar register., 1916-02-23


band. John Raymond was not in the
least what he had expected from
the girls description of him. A frank,
good-looking. well-set-up young fellow.
he dropped easily into chair and
poured out his heart to the young
lawyer.
Yes, ] know It isn't professional to
come to you," he began. but I'm very
much troubled. You see, love Elise,
and believe she loves me. in spite of
our troubles. She has a hot temper.
and when little dispute arises she
thinks it's the end OF everything. l
wish with all my heart she could be
brought to see things differently"
He pleaded hard with Ellis to in
duce the girl to reconsider her de-
cision. Il only want a chance to show
what | can do" he said. Il do love
Elise with all my heart"
Before he went away he had per-
suaded the young lawyer to present
his side OF the case seriously to his
wife.
He did so on the occasion of Mrs.
Raymond's next visit. At first the girl
was as hard as flint. but in the end
she softened. And all the while he
pleaded with her Elise knew that he
was pleading his own hopes away.
He loved this girl with all his heart.
even at the second sight OF her. She
was his dream. his ideal.
Tell me why you are so anxious
not to take my case?" she inquired
curfpusIy hafora sha Iaft
Il don't think there is adequate
cause. he answered.
Are lawyers generally so scrupu-
lous?"
Mrs. Raymond said Ellis. rising.
you are two young people upon the
verge OF life. You must try to live
that life for a while. cannot con
sciously be instrumental in separating
you until l am convinced that there is
due cause"
Thank youl" she said in a choking
voice-and left him.
For weeks he heard no more of the
girl. And all the while he cursed his
folly. and yet was glad. The love
that had only increased during this
time was too high to be won by any
ignoble means. He tried to put Elise
Raymond out of his mind
One day. about a couple of months
later, he was astonished to receive
visit from the girls step-mother.
Mrs. Delatour
II have only Just heard of what you
did for Elise she said. Il cannot tell
you how grateful am. Elise is CRATE
full too. She and her husband seem
to have entered upon a new life to-
gether. They are the happiest couple
that have ever known And we want
to know you. We want you to dine
with us tomorrow night. You must
meet my younger daughter Mary-my
step-daughter. OF course. but she has
always been a daughter to me"
Nothing would suffice but that Ellis
should accept the invitation. The De'a-
tours were staying in the same town
at the hotel for few days. On the
following evening Ellis called there.
MY daughter Mary" said Mrs.
Delatour. presenting him to-the iden-
teal girl who had been in his office
The girl checked his establishment
and, as the other guests began to ar
rive, drew him aside.
Can you forgive me?" she pleaded.
Il wanted to tell you how my con-
science troubled me. persuaded
mamma to invite you so that could
ask your forgiveness. Elise was afraid
to 60 to you in person. She begged
me to impersonate her. until | con-
sented. We are all so happy for your
advice. and we shall never forget it.
IN forgive you on one condition"
said Ellis.
And. as she looked at him inquir-
ingly. he added:
On condition that you let me come
here again and again until-until
can form my judgment on another
case-and get you to be the Judge"
Long before he left that night he
knew that the judge would render a
favorable decision.