The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-03-15
CHAPTER XIII.
A Wedding Postponed.

A Wedding Postponed.
vandervyn's face darkened with sus-
plcion.
"If you're not playing me then he
has lied to you, In order to get away
from u.s."
Marle's lips curved in q half-smile.
"He gave me his word Of honor. Do
you doubt itr
The young mans Jaw dropped slack.
He could not ven pretend to doubt
her statement or Hardy's word. He
looked down, his brows knotted and
eyes contracted with intense thought.
Dupont took the news In a far diff
ferent manner.
"By Carr he exulted. Hes going
to give you the mine? You're dead
sure Of 1t? By Gar! / call that
mighty square of Cap. It's white |!
And me a-thinklng he done 1t all to
git back at us. II sure is white Of
Cap. Why, it's nearly the same like
he had give II to mel"
"He named only one condition." re-
marked Marie.
Vandervyn started, and looked up at
her. She met him with a level glance
that told nothing Of what she was
thinking.
"One condition." she repeated. ut
was my promise not to give you any
share In the mine"
"MeT queried Dupont.
mo"
II see,r threatened Vandervyn. HE
thinks to force you from having any
thing to do with me-"
"On the contrary, he seemed to think
1t would-not prevent our marrying"
vandervyn stared in bewilderment.
Hardy's action seemed Incredible.
Then he thought he perceived the ex-
PLANTATION, and rallied from his per-
plexity. His frown gave place to a
cynical smile.
"O-ho, my lady! I see. You worked
him with the soft pedal-the saphead
The easy mark He's just the kind of
duffer to fall for the wall Of q pretty
girl with q tear in her eye and a qua
yer in her throat. Good for you, sweet
heart! You beat him at his own game.
He tried a bluff, thinking you'd be silly
enough to throw me over for him.
You called him, and he had to make
good. The fool-to think you'd be
soft enough to turn from me to him,
just because he made q play to the
galleries with his offer! Oh, what
an easymark
as that exactly the right termf'
calmly inquired the girl.
"None better" exulted Vandervyn,
"He made you promise not to give me
a share In the mine. Mining property
is real estate. An agreement in regard
to real estate is not binding unless In
writing"
Marie's tranquil face took on an ex'
preston Of artless concern. LOB
really2 Then his promise to give me
the mine is not binding"
Don't worry" treasured vandervyn
"He will keep his word. You are sure
Of the mine."
"But, Of course, II l take back my
promise, 1t will be no more than fail
to give him the chance to take bach
his" she innocently remarked.
"Not at all, sweetheart" he replied
"You can do as you please. A WON
ans promises are not considered bind
ing-in business matters. Legally, II
most of the states, she is rated as {
minor"
"Wlmmen amt minors no longer II
our state" interjected Dupont.
"Thank you for reminding me
PEREZ" said his daughter. She looked
at Vandervyn with naive seriousness
$50 you see | must keep my promise
"Oh, l say now, don't be a. III
detected something behind her look o
childllke artlessness, and fastened t.
concede the point. "But Of course 1
you feel that way about 1t! You vii
not have to break your promise after
The law will then make your propert.
mine. SO that is settled, sweetheart
Now comes the main question. Whei
shall we be marrledT
The girl qulvered at the word. Eli
stepped close, and looked into he
eyes, his own glowing golden with ar
dor. She dropped her gaze, and drew
back from him as II confused by tn
s~uddenness of his proposal.
Il. Unjust think" she murmured
"Would 1t not be best to-walt unit
, he has given mi the miner"
"Not when you have his word tina
, he will do 1t. Anyway, there's n
, harm In naming the day. Come, max
1t an early one"
} The girls rich color ~deepened wit
) q blush.
"Not nowl" she replied, strugglin
to O her composure. "You mus
|, wait. Perhaps tomorrow-but no'