The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-05-18


were to start almost straight from the
church door for Rome and spend
Christmas there.
The tenth Of December was the hap
py day. The marriage morning was
unclouded as the lovers Joy: the sky
clear. the sun bright. and q keen. ex-
hiierating snap of frost in the air that
made the blood tingle with intense
vitality. The little church was brightly
lighted and gayly decorated with holly
ana the best man was well up to time
In orthodox wedding garments. with
hand nervously lingering his waistcoat
pocket to make sure the wedding ring
was safe.
Away In a corner the brides mother
was crying softly for her lost daugh-
ter. and beside her was the brides
bachelor uncle ready to give away
formally the treasure that did not be-
long to him. Yonder. under the shadow
Of a pillar, sat Beck, on whose pres
ence at the ceremony Mamie had i'm
periously insisted. Bride and BRIDE
groom were both popular. and the body
OF the church was filed with specta-
tors.
The vivacious Mamie was very quiet
now. her face was pale under the
wreath Of orange blossoms and diapha-
nous white veil. and her sweet lips
quivered little. But joyous triumph
was enthroned on her lovers face.
Ten o'clock. the hour appointed came
and passed: minute after minute went
slowly by: still one guest was missing.
Mr.. Marmaduke MeMredith, who had
faithfully promised Give to attend.
had not yet put in an appearance.
Give grew impatient: then as the
minutes dragged on a feeling Of some
thing like dismay stole over him.
He whispered a word or two to the
best man who sat beside him. and who
got up quietly and slipped away to
the vestry. Presently the vicar came
out, white stoled, on the altar steps.
and the wedding service began. Gives
responses were clear and Arm, as be-
fits a man; NAMES low and sweet, as
befits a woman. So the mystery was
accomplished that bound two lives to-
gether in soul and body.
Mamie Meredith. with trembling
hand. had just written the first half
of her new name in the register. when
the tramp and whirl of a carriage
driven furiously Numbered to the door,
and Mr.. Marmaduke Meredith, big.
red. impetuous. burst upon the COM
p0Iy anu kAZ0Q IOunQ ITO" IdC8
to face in angry amazement
MY Cod! I'm too late after all"
he shouted.
Mamie fell back in epen-eyed dis
may at the sight of him, but his
nephew came forward smiling. with
outstretched hand.
mot too late to give us your bless
ing. uncle" he said. I'VE waited for
you till the last moment"
His uncle stared at him like one
| dumfounded.
Don't dare to speak to me. siri"
he cried at last. What is the meaning
| OF this disgraceful proceedingr
"Dissraceful proceeding! My mar
! rtagei Why. you know you gave your
consent to it."
It's a ne." shouted Mr.. Meredith
| more furiously than ever, losing all
control Of his temper. "A pretty story.
truly. that I would marry my nephew
| to q baby and a pauper."
The hot young blood rushed to
Gives face and his fingers clenched
| instinctively. but Mr.. Beck-who had
crept quietly close to him-laid a re-
straining hand on his arm.
Keep COOL" he whispered The
paper"
Give heard. and plucked the sealed
envelope from his pocket
| Il have your consent here" he cried.
| your written consent under your own
hand. See!" he cried to the astonished
guests. who crowded around them.
this will show who's the liar"
| He tore open the envelope. and held
up. that all, might see. q sheet Of fools
| ran narsar-ry.}<~ hIsnk
| Mr.. Marmaduke Meredith laughed
on. a harsh. jeering laugh.
| els there any more foolery to b
gone through?s' he asked scornfuI1y.
Hold the paper to the fire." whis-
pcred Mr.. Beck in Gives ears
| The clear. sharp tone Of command
was in the whisper.
| Stunned and bewildered, Give me-
charically obeyed.
Then slowly, in sight Of them an
| the words came out on the paper IN
the large, clear handwriting Of Mr.
| Marmaduke Meredith:
Il hereby give my full and FREQ con-
sent to the marriage Of my nephew
Give worthington Meredith. to Mis-
Mamie CoyIe.
(Signed) "Marmaduke Meredith"
A big final flourish flowed from thu
lest letter of his name.
Mr.. Meredith's heavy mouth feT
asunder, and his face grew yellow and
mottleo like a half-ripe strawberry.
For a moment in his amazement HI
struggled in vain for words.
Then he broke out: What DIN trick
cry In this ?" and made a sudden dasi
for the paper.
But Mr.. Beck's big hand was on hi