The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-11-08

In the matter. The sutton has been &C.
cepted by her father"
who Is this new person. and what
is his income?"
HE is Herr Otto Schmidt. and his
income is 10000 francs"
young or old?"
Herr Schmidt Is sixty years old"
"Good looking?"
Good looking. Not at all. He has
no teeth and little or no hair on his
head"
II presume Signorina Blanca would
prefer almost any one else"
Certainly. But the signorina has no
choice in the matter"
docs this old person furnish dowry
"a settlement on his bride to be?"
"Ne. signor."
Every well. see his 10000 francs
income and go him 100000 francs bet.
ter as a settlement"
"But you said your income was only
5000 francs"
THAT was for my wife's pin money"
"And you will settle this income on
herr
"Yes."
"And 100000 francs besides"
"Yes."
The broker pulled his mustache and
thought. Presently he said:
Il think. signor, that you offer more
than is necessary"
Never mind that; carry my bid to
Signor Amodeo."
The broker went to the home Of his
client, leaving wilkins to await his
return. He was not long gone. When
he re-entered the Office 1t was not with
an expression, indicating that all had
been settled In his clients favor.
Il found Signor Amodeo," he said,
drawing up a contract with Herr
Schmidt. l made your offer. It seems
that Herr Schmidt as well as you has
been concealing his property. l pre-
sumo this was to make better terms
Not In my case; had another rea-
son." interrupted wilkins.
"Herr Schmidt offers to settle on
Signorina Blanca 100000 francs"
Tell him to make 1t a Jack pot of
100000 francs settlement, and I will
open it with 100000 francs income be-
sides for the brides pin money"
"Ah, signor, you are joking''
mot bit Of it. If you or the others
think so 60 to my bankers, Martinelli
& Co.. and learn something about my
pile"
The broker departed. This time he
was gone quite awhile When he re-
turned there was wonder in his eyes.
"Well" asked wilkins.
"Ah, signor. what does it mean ?
You, resident of the great gold coun.
try on the Pacific ocean. come to Italy
to bid for girl who, had you decided
sooner, might have been had for a
song"
Have bid high enough? If not
High enough? Not yet. Herr
Schmidt turns out to be rich brewer
in Milwaukee, wherever that is. But
your bankers say you own half a doz-
en- of the biggest gold mines In Califor-
mia. Doubtless you cam
"What is his offer?"
HE says he is in the jack pot, sees
your opening and goes you 100000
francs In the matter Of settlement"
"Tell him call, but insist that ST.
gnorina Blanca shall decide which is
the better show down-his or NINE"
Eyes. signor. but
But what?"
Where do l come in?"
IF you succeed in getting the deci-
sion left with Signorina Blanca l will
make your commission 100000 francs. i"
The broker shot out Of the office and
ran down the street at top speed to
Signor Amodeos. Presently he re-
turned and told wilkins that he was
expected by Signorina Blanca, who
would give her decision between her
two suitors. wilkins went with the
broker and found Amodeo and Schmidt
together. Schmidt and Wilkins bow.
ed formally. Amodeo went to another
room and came back with his daugh-
! ter.
Before l decide this question:" she
said, 81 want to know, Herr Schmidt,
why you wish to marry me and why
you concealed your wealth."
"Achl don't like bluff. | am an
old man, and 1 wish young wife. I
concealed my wealth because l know
| how to make bargain"
"And you, signor,' turning to VIII
kins. "why do you wish me for your
wifeY"
Because | love you"
But why did you come to Italy to
fnG helpmate. and why did you con
ceal your wealth."
II did not come abroad purposely for
wife, but l have not married. In
America because my wealth is known
there and one l might have chosen
would have married IL, not me. Hav
Ing run up against your singular mar
riage custom here. I thought | would
look into it. OF course didn't display
my wealth. had no intention of go
Ing SO far as to marry. The rest you
know"
Smiling, Blanca advanced to wilkins
He opened his arms and took her I'm.
When wilkins returned to America
with his Italian bride the story got