The Spectator., 1916-01-14
CHAPTER xIii-Continued.

''Oh, that's why you're in such hurry, te it? I thought so. Take one of those three women you have proposed to-they'n do for your purpose they'll help you out, any one of them. You have only to say the word. Whistle and they'll come to you. There's Mrs. Royalton, now! Marry her! You've got ten minutes left-go ahead, l don't care!" She paused on the threshold. 'Ili send her in. She'll make you a good wife-shes had a lot more ex- perience than have! Good luck!"
 Hall, left alone, walked up and down the studio angrily. He was so en- grossed with his thoughts that he did not see Mrs. Royalton, who had en- tered a moment after Flodie left until, turning suddenly, he all but ran into her. Rena, beaming, effusive, held out both her hands, caught his and laid her dark head against his shoulder.
 "Oh, Hall!" she breathed.
 Hall tried unsuccessfully to free himself. What's the matter now?" he asked.
 She looked fondly up into his face. "Oh, Hall, didn't you understand what I said over the phone?"
 A sudden thought came to him, a desperate expedient Any stick to beat a dog with; any excuse, however ri- diculous, would do for quarrel with this clinging sickening female. He must get rid of her. So, quick as flash, he took up her words and plunged into a histrionic rage.
 "Oh. understand it right enough That's the trouble, understand it too well. Well, you've put me out of my misery, all right Thank God, you did it while there was time for me to es- cape worse!"
 But I don't mean that. Hall real ly-"
 NO, you mean you only wanted to lure me on-get me to propose, and then throw me down! I know! All a woman cares for is to fool some man any man will do. I suppose, so long as her vanity is satisfied, and she can have his scalp to wear at her belt! Isn't it shameful what woman will do. just for the moments cruel pleas ure? You have no sympathy, no ten derness, no heart-you're nothing but mass of insane female conceit that's what you are! Thank God I found it out in time, I say, Oh, did think l loved you, Rena, admit: but l was a fool to believe in you. Now, it's all overt"
 He stood before her, shaking his fin ger savagely. Its all over. and I'm glad of it. I'm we'll rid of you, Rena Royalton, and it will teach me a les son! I'd just like to tell you what I think of you, but you're my guest in my house, and unfortunately I'm a gentleman, and so I cant do it. But there's one thing I can say, and that's Good evening" Mrs. Royalton, and you'll have to excuse me, for l have my guests to attend to-"
 Almost winded with this extrava- gant fury. he turned to make his exit as speedily as possible, but she was too quick for him. Seizing his arm. she looked him straight in the face, her eyes filled with tears.
 "Why, Hall Bonistelle!" she ex- claimed. You're crazy! Why. I'm go ing to accept you!"
 He dropped like log upon chair. in amazement She had demolished his whole towering pose at a word. For moment he was unable to speak.
 Then she looked at him very archly. "Hall," she said, don't you think Pm prettier than usual tonight? Or do I imagine it because I'm so awfully happy?"
 The question pricked him into life. He looked at her coldly, and in des- peration made another attempt to goad her into anger.
 By jove, I didn't think a woman could-well, a, woman will do any. thing to get what she wants, then, won't she? She'll pay any price, and suffer any indignity! Good Lord haven't you any pride, Rena. for heavens sake? Haven't you any sense of shame? Tell me; is there anything you wouldn't do for money. Rena Roy alton? Let's have it!"
 why. Hall, dear!" she replied, with big innocent eyes, q don't know wha, in the world you're talking about; but I'll tell you one thing that I wouldn't dol wouldn't give you up for all the money in the world!"
 Well. can you beat it!" he gasped addressing Spanish chair.
 "Ah, Hall," she continued, when once consent, I go fast. Really, Tt like to be married to you this very night, if you only had a marriage Ii cense."
 "A what?" he cried, thunderstruck.
 "A marriage license, you know. O course that's always necessary be fore"
 .By jiminy Christmas!" he thun dered, staring in front of him. Rens was forgotten, everything was forgot ten except that. through his stupidit! {. Ill. now, was lost. A marriage Ii cense! Not once had 1t occurred t, him--the whole sublime comedy hat