Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-10-26
The
Substitute
Millionaire
By
HUBERT FooTN3R

Jack looked seriously impressed,
but inwardly he was grinning wick
eddy. Hal" he thought, having fail
ed in her effort to kick me out she
now proposes In a diplomatic
language that we get together and
whack up. Aloud he said: II expect
you're right, tho hadn't thought of
1t that way. I thought + would take
care of Bobo's business affairs, and
you would look after his personal
character"
But under altered circumstances
1t might be difficult" she said dark
ly.
"Eh?"
Don't be dense. I suppose you
know that Bobo wants to marry me-
Jack never batted an eye. 81 can't
say that I am exactly surprised. Nor
that blame him,1 he added gallant
ly.
BE serious. or course / haven't
accepted him yet l have to be sure
of my own feelings"
Jack stroked his lip to hide grim
smile.
Have you any objection to his
marrying me?" she asked boldly.
Jack lied quickly. "None what
ever"
"Then why did you try to poison
his mind against me?"
Jack thought: "Oh, Bobo! Bobo,
I'm glad I didn't tell you ALL" To
her he said With seeming astonish-
ment: II! Poison his mind against
you! What an ideal"
well. try to dissuade him from
er-paying me attention"
MY dear Miriam, put yourself In
my place for u moment. 1 am Bo-
bo's friend. I do feel the responsible
ity Of looking after him, just as you
say He meets a lovely girl OF whom
we know nothing, girl lovely
enough to believe the worst of--and
he falls head over heels in love. Was
1t not my plain duty to beg him to
go slow, to think what he was do
ing?"
What do you mean, believe the
worst Off"
Just figure of speech. You are
really remarkably beautiful. It isn't
reasonable to suppose that you have
reached your present age without
having had-well, exciting things
happen to YOU
She shrugged. II wish had had"
She was unable to keep q sharp note
out Of her voice. You told him that
wasn't all that I ought to be-
II had to say something to make
him pull up long enough to give me
time to find out
Then you haven't got anything
against me?' &
Jacks eyes were as limpid as a
mountain stream. If one is going to
lie, one may as well do it artistically
Nothing in the world, Miriam!"
She leaned across the table and
gave his hand a little squeeze. I'm
so glad we've had this talk she
murmured.
They beamed on each other in
seeming friendly fashion-but there
were hard points of light in each pair
of eyes.
Pheasant little comedy" thought
jack I'm willing to keep it up as
long as she isl
and decide what is best for Bobo,'
she went on sweetly. "And If he
won't do things that you think he
ought, I'll add my influence. And
then I'll get. you to help me with him
when 1 need YOU"
"Fine!" saiG Jack. poor Bobo!'
he silently added.
AS was usual with this young lady
her romantic and sentimental scenes
generally led UP to a very practical
climax.
Has Bobo given you power of at
torney?'' she asked.
NO"
why is it he won't draw even the
smallest of checks unless you are
there?"
ooh, that was one of the things
we agreed on when I took the job
OF secretary. He wanted to be saved
from throwing it about"
Every WISE" said Miriam. But
now that he has another disinterest-
ed friend the situation is altered
isn't it? If am with him it will be
sufficient. 1 shall tell him that you
release him from that part of your
agreement" This was said with a
charming smile, as sort of expert
mental joke.
Jack smiled back no less sweetly
But I have not released him."
II thought we were going to work
together" she pouted.
Jack still affected to treat the mat
ter as a joke. you surely don't ex-
pect me to yield up the only source
of my poWer!-the hand upon the
purse strings!"
She shook an arch finger at him
but there was an angry spark in the
hazel eyes. Beware" she said mer-
rily. "The power of the faithful Sec
rotary is threatened by the adored
wife. You'd better accept my offer
Of an alliance when it is OPEN"
"Oh. when Bobo takes a wife I'll
resign" said Jack, laughing.
Bobo came busting back at tthis
juncture. 1--WE had q deuce of a
time" he grumbled. "The theater was