Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1907 — In Spite of His Grace. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

In Spite of His Grace.

By GRACE HENDRICK.

“The special car for New York?” demanded Margaret. “Track 12," came the response. “Horry up! They’re Just closing the gates.” With a little shriek of excitement Margaret dashed down the concourse and slipped through the gate just In time. She paused uncertainly, looking for the private car. A brakeman darted forward, half pushed her upon the rear platform and the train began to move. There was a clamor at the gate, evidently from the people who bad missed the train, and smiled contentedly as she realized by how narrow a margin she had caught the train herself. The friendly brakeman looked puzzled when she spoke of a special car, but at last a light dawned upon his face. “That was to be attached to the Washington express,” he explained. “The train is twenty minutes late.” “And I’m on the wrong train,” she cried. “It's all right If you want to go to New York. We'll get there about the time they do.” “Then 1 may as well stay on.” Margaret moved forwaif to the Pullmans still attended by the brakeman. She had Just entered the first of parlor cars when she felt a tug at her sleeve. “Jimmy,” she cried In astonishment. "What are you doing here?” “Bearing defeat back to New York,” be explained. "I got the license, and tried to get word to you, but it seems that your father took the precaution to put a couple of private detectives on guard. One of them had me arrested tor disturbing the peace when I tried

“JIMMY,” SHE CRIED IW ASTONISHMENT. “WHAT ABE YOU DOING HEBE ?" to sec you. I Just got out In time to learn that you were on your way back home.” “That was horrid,” she said. “It was not like father.” “But you see he’s worked so bard that be wants to land the match.” Meg frowned as she always did when reminded of her approaching marriage. An English duke with vast estates and an infinitesimal Income had asked her hand in marriage, and her father had given assent in her name. Francis Cadmus had been ambitious for his daughter. He had always frowned upon Jimmy Dorval’s suit, even while admitting that be was a fine young fellow and bound to make his way In the world. Ben Tibbettson’s daughter had married a baronet. Here was a chance to administer a final coup to Tibbettson, who had boasted of his titled son in law ever since. So when young Dorval began to show signs of insubordination Cadmus had hired private detectives. The events In Philadelphia had proved the value of this move, for Dorval and Margaret had planned an elopement. Meg's mother came from one of the old Philadelphia families, and her aunts had insisted upon ,a visit that they might shine In reflected glory of her engagement to the duke. ’Cadmus had sent her over In a private car and had arranged that she should come back the same way. The gate--7 man had not caught her reference to the private car when she came back from the telegraph office, and by mistake had directed her to the regular train just pulling out “It’s a dispensation of Providence,” declared Dorval when she had explained the situation. “There are his dukelets, the detectives and your respected parent cooped up, waiting for the other train, and here we are, together, and with a Pennsylvania license in my pocket. If we can be married before we cross the state line—will you, dear?” “Of course I will,” she declared briskly “I don’t want to marry the duke, and Ido want to marry you. Is there a clergyman on board?” “I’ll get you one,” offered the brakeman, who had been standing at hand, in expectation of a tip. “There’s an old guy with white whiskers two cars back.” He darted outwhile Jimmy gave Meg his seat and stood beside her. Tb{

train slowed np for West Philadelphia, and a boy In blue and brass ctfme through the car calling her name. She held out her hand for the telegram. “Father says to wait here.” She smiled as she read It through, Dorval fished out a bill and banded it to the boy, together with the message. “You could not find the lady, understand ?” “I’m Vise,” agreed the boy. “Mebbe the lady didn’t bear me.” He passed out, and just as the train began to move Meg saw him going leisurely across the platform, the envelope still In his hand. “The old guy was a drummer,” explained the brakeman, returning wttb a young and vefy nervous person with a flushed sac% “He says he’s a minister.” “I have Just begun my pastorate,” explained the nervous man, “but am a regularly ordained clergyman. I leave the train shortly. If you can satisfy me that there is no legal Impediment, I should advise celerity.” Rapidly Dorval explained the situation. The drawing rooms were all engaged, but there was a case car on the train, and the tiny pantry was empty. The porter mounted guard to keep out the curious: the simple ceremony was concluded and a certificate made out long before the minister reacbed his stopping place. “It was my first marriage,” he said nervously as his slender fingers closed over the yellow backed bill. “I am sure that I wish you all happiness.” He pecked Meg’s cheek much as a bachelor kisses a baby and returned to his own car to hide bis confusion. The passenger In the seat adjoining Dorval’s, who had been Impressed as a witness, expressed an overwhelming desire for a smoke and went forward that the young couple might not be separated. “Are yon sorry now that It’s over, dear?” he asked as he leaned forward and placed his hand over hers. “1 shall never be 6orry,” she said bravely. “I was only afraid that you would not be able to rescue me from the duke.” “I bet he drops his eyeglass when we tell him,” said Jimmy with a wicked smile. “He’ll drop his eyeglass and say, ‘My word!’ See If he doesn’t.” “I’m thinking of what father will say,” she answered, trying to smile. “It will be a great disappointment to him.” “Then he shouldn't sell his daughter,” explained Jimmy. “I guess that’s him now." He pointed ont of the window as another train went rnshing by. On the platform of the rear car, made Into an observation balcony, they could 866 ; the duke. The special had been sent through on another track, and Mr. Cadmus’ temper was not improved by a halt hour wait In the Jersey City station for the slower train with Margaret aboard. The entire party were lined up at the gate as the passengers of the regular train poured throngb.“I made a mistake,” explained Meg as she held up her face to be kissed. “So the gateman said,” her father returned. “It was very good of Mr. Dorval to take care of you. We will relieve him of any further responsibility.” "I say,” broke In Jimmy, “yon can’t very well do that. I’ve arranged to take care of Meg for the rest of her life. We were married on the train coming over.” The ducal Jaw dropped and the ducal eyebrows raised while the monocle dropped from the ducal eye. “My word!” said his grace. “How very extraordinary, you know”' “I told you so,” said Jimmy, breaking a tense situation with a laugh.