The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1916-12-07

4 know wnqt I'm doing. all right, all I
right"
"A man never speaks his mind un-
I'll he's ginned." Lllas giggled.
"Rightol I'm not half drunk YETI
Jim urged the sultor on with a nerv-
Gus laugh, at the same time avoiding |
his sisters eyes. "She's stalllng, Bob. |
Make her answer"
"Yes or no?" forcefuliy insisted the |
wooer. determined, now. to show his
complete sobrlety.
"No."
Jim seized Wharton's hand and
shook II Justify. Congratulations
old man; that means yes. I'm her
brother and | know. Why, she told
father that you were her ideal. and pa
said he'd die happy IL you two were
married. He meant II, too; he's
mighty sick man."
Lorclei stirred uncomfortably, and
the faint color In her checks faded
slowly. wen talk about II some
other tlmc-tomorrow. Please don't
tease the poor man any more. He
didn't know what he was saying. and
now. for heavens sake, talk about
something else"
Jim leapcd TO his feet with n grin
and chuckle. then drew Lilas from
her chair. saying: The lovers are en-
barrasscd. and they're dying TO be
alone. Let's leave 'em to talk II over"
"Shc's IA dear, Bob, and wish you
both joy But don't kiss her here"
said Lilas, warnlngly; then. with
wave OF her hand, she turned toward
the dancing room with Jim.
"Call us when you've fixed the date"
laughed the latter. over his shoulder.
When he and Lilas had danced the
encore and returned to the table Bob
rose unsteadlly, glass in hand, and
nodded at them.
Thanks, noble comrades" he pro.
claimed: shes miner
"Hurrah" Lilas kissed Lorelei Of
fuslvely. Jim seized Bob's hand, cry
| ing:
Brother" He waved TO waiter
and ordered magnum OF champagne.
Bring me n wreath OF orange bios
SONS and wedding cake, too" His
| iubilation attracted the attention of
the other diners; the occupants OF
nearby table began TO applaud, where
upon Bob beamed with delight.
Lorelei was very white now. She
had decided swiftly, recklessly. reason
ing that this proffered marriage was
merely bargain by which she got
more than she gave. She had accepted
without allowing her better self an
opportunity TO marshal its protests.
and, having closed her eyes and leaped
into the dark. II now seemed easier to
meet new consequences than TO heed
those higher feelings that were tardily
struggling for expression. She did
pity Wharton, however, for IL seemed
to her that he was the injured party.
But she was in wanton mood tonight,
and OF late voice had been despe-
rately urging her to grasp at what she
could, that she might, as long as pos
sible. delay her descent into worse con-
ditlons.
She heard Iilas inquiring: "When
does the marriage come off? Right
away?"
Bob. who appeared somewhat dazed
by the suddenness and the complete
ness of his good fortune, smiled va.
cantly. ANY time suits me-" he said
"Pm happy man-little Joys are ca
pering all over the place. and old Doc
tor Gloom has packed his grip"
Jim startled them all by saying
crlsply: Lets make It tonight.
, know BOb-he's not the sort to watt
, "Flne! Never thought of that. But
say-where do they keep these wed
dings?" he inquired. "Everything's
closed now, and there's nobody dane
ing at the city hall, is there?" He ap
, pealed helplessly TO Jim.
Jim rose to the occasion with the
same promptitude he had displayed
throughout. marriages aren't mad,
in heaven any more-that's old stun
They're made In Hoboken, while the
cab waits. Get your things on, every
body, while / telephone" He allowed
no lettering; he waved the girls away
sent the walter scurrying with his bill
helped Robert secure hat and stick
and then dived into telephone booti
as n woodchuck enters its hole. WheI
he had disposed his three charges In
side a taxicab he disappeared briefly
to return with basket of champaign,
upon his arm. 1t is a wise genera
who provides himself in advance will
ammunition.
The smooth celerity with which thli
whole adventure ran its course argued
thorough preparation on James part
but Lorelei was In no condition to an
alyZe. Even at the journeys end ther'
; was suspicious lack Of delay. The
vehicle stopped in narrow business
street, now dark and dismal; its occu
pants were hurried up stairway ant
into room filed with law-books
where sleepy justice of the peace
, was nodding in cloud OF cigar smoke
3 There followed a noisy shufillng Of