OCR Text |
Show .::g- Copyright byCARoiYM wflls k. W. M.U. SERVICE SYNOPSIS Terilla Fairfax and Corey Maiden are to be married the next day at Lovoll Terrace, Long Island home ot John Lovell, her stepfather. Gathered Gath-ered are Tony Gaskell, best man, a nlladolphia lawyer; Hilda Sheldon maid ot honor; and Pete Wilson and Hob Coles, friends of Malcolm Fairfax, Fair-fax, Perilla's brother, ushers. Corey whose home is In Richmond, Is very wealthy. He Is thirty-eight and Perilla twenty-four, but it is a true love match. Everybody Is busy, aiding aid-ing In the preparations, Including Jane Latimer, Mrs. Lovell's pretty and efficient social secretary. CHAPTER I Continued 2 "Now, my dear lady, this Is nerves, and nothing but. Have another an-other cocktail." "No, thank you, but yon may. Now, Tony, whether you think me silly or not, I want you to speak to Corey about this, before they start Tonight, perhaps, might be better than to wait till tomorrow." "Why, of course I will. What shall I say?" "I don't care how you word It. Just make It clear that I am afraid for my girl, if he goes so-fast. And tell him, won't you, that you, too, feel he Is both foolish and unkind to his bride to endanger her safety as he so often does?" "I do think so, Mrs. Lovell, and I will" tell him and ask him just what you suggest. If he Is offended, offend-ed, It will be with me, not with you." "Oh, thank you, Tony. You've lifted a weight from my heart. Of course, I have spoken to him about this, lots of times, but that's just the trouble. A thing you harp on like that loses all power of persuasion; per-suasion; the same subject brought up by another has far more force." "Yes, but you know old Corey Is going to see through us. I'll bet he'll say at once that you put me up to saying it." "All right, if he does. Tell him I did, and tell him that you want to add your persuasion to mine." "And I do. I quite agree that he has no right to jeopardize his wife's life, whatever he may do with bis own. A married man has responsibilities respon-sibilities that a single man need never think about." "Very well. Oh, here's another thing, Tony. I've had to put you and Corey in the same room. You see, we didn't expect Pete and Bobby to stay the night. We thought they wouldn't come until tomorrow morning. So we've been obliged to double up. I've given you and Corey Malcolm's room. You won't mind, will you?" "Not a mite. Seems a pity to turn Malky out, though." "No, indeed, he's more than willing. will-ing. Don't you envy Corey?" "Well, I just do. livery man at the wedding will envy him, married or not! Now, Mrs. Lovell, is there anything else I can do for you? Anything about the ceremony? You know that's what I'm here for." "You know more about your duties as best man than I do. Don't let Corey drop the ring, and all that. Now, go over there; they're looking look-ing for you. And send Miss Latl-. mer to me, please." "There's a peach! Who is she? I'm mad about her." "She's a perfect darling. Don t ever take her away from me." Tony smiled at her, and crossed the room to where Jane Latimer was gaily dialling the bridegroom. "Mrs. Lovell wants you, Miss Latimer," Gaskell said. "Come back-when back-when you can, won't you?" "Yes indeed," and Jane ran away. "I don't know how I'll get along without Jane," said Perilla; ' think I'll have to have her when I get back. May I. Corey, if I can "et her from mother?" " "You may have anything or anybody any-body in the world that I can get 0"No0w"tl,afs the sort of husband to have," said UiUla. "I hope to goodness that's the sort I get. you will have, if you take me exclaimed Malcolm who, as all knew, was deeply in e itu his sisters friend. Don't bother me about it today, se returned, airily. 'Tve one wed-dlnVon wed-dlnVon my hands now, and I never consider nfore than one wedding on 'VonV'taUe it too hard dear" rerun" bossed her. "I'd hate to M 4 you overworked to bnng my ing 0, properly. Are ter perfect in your part Co. cj . j.hho V "turned." the 1 Tump on. and dress ilia decreed. Lome on, for dinner now, and we'll have the rehearsal this evening." So they all went to their varl-ous varl-ous rooms. Maiden, however, did not appear until -Gaskell was ready to go downstairs. "Go along, Corey said. "I was delayed talking to Mr. Lovell about some affairs. You go on, and if I'm late they'll excuse me." "Righto!" And Gaskell hurried down the stairs. After dinner Perilla declared the rehearsal should take place at once. "Is everybody here that belongs in the procession?" asked Malcolm. "All but the Tenney girls," his sister said. "You and Bobby run over and get them and we'll have all ready when you get back." "Now, who, for mercy's sake are the Tenney girls?" exclaimed Tony. iney're my bridesmaids," Perilla told him. "They're darlings, and they live just up the road a piece." The great drawing-room was soon arranged, and under the orders of Miss Latimer and Mrs. Lovell, all the necessary furniture was put in place. "Perilla is beautiful," said John Lovell, watching the graceful figure fig-ure of his stepdaughter as she made sure things were as she wanted them. "They all are," returned his wife. "I never saw a lovelier wedding group. And here are the Tenneys, quite in the class with the others." But Corey Maiden, looking at his chosen bride, wondered how anyone any-one could see any charm in the others. He wondered a little" at his marvelous mar-velous luck. He was handsome, in a dignified way, had all the courtesies cour-tesies and graces of his southern breeding, but he was nearly fourteen four-teen years older than Perilla, and years count with a young girl. But he knew well that his darling dar-ling was marrying him because of her love for him, her dear precious love that left no room for doubt of her fealty, loyalty and true sincerity. sincer-ity. To the idea that she was attracted at-tracted by his wealth he gave no thought. Dearly as Perilla loved lip P 111 L mm (M 1 mm Perilla and Hilda Were at Once Sent to Bed. beautiful belongings, much as she cared for the luxuries of life, Corey Maiden knew that her affection for him was the mainspring of her existence now. And Perilla herself knew her own heart. She was sure of her love, sure of her faith, and she was as happy as it is possible for a girl to be. Maiden's father was dead, and his mother, because of incurable arthritis, was unabl to attend the wedding. So they had planned their trip to include the Maiden home in Richmond, and Perilla was as anxious anx-ious to meet Maiden's mother as he was to present his bride. The Tenney sisters, neighbors and long-time friends of Perilla, were excitedly asking questions and making'comnients. Thev made up the list of the bridafpartv, and ns Mrs. Lovell had little to do in her part she took charge. But the young people were cn'tirclv conversant with the tricks ami manners of up-to-date wed-!lln.-s and after going through the maneuvers twice, declared they could do it blindfolded. The Tennev girls, escorted by MUcohn and Bob Coles, went home oa'rlv, and at Mrs. Lovell's suggestion sugges-tion Perilla and Hilda were at once sent to bed. And no visiting In rooms or whispered good nights in the hall," the pleasant voice went on. "Now, Jane, you and I will look after a, few little matters, and then bed for ns, too." CHAPTER II MALCOLM and Bob came home soon. "I feel like the dickens," Mai-' colm said. "I'd no Tdea getting married meant such a lot of fuss. Got any aspirin, Dad? I feel a nervous headache coming on, and I want to be right for tomorrow." "There's some upstairs, son; I'll give it to you when we go up, and I think we'll go now." "Don't take aspirin, you old back number," advised Gaskell. "I've a much better dose. Made up for me by an A-l doctor, who knows his business." "Sure it's all right?" asked Malcolm. Mal-colm. "Quite sure! - Famous doctor's prescription and well-known chemist's chem-ist's make-up." Tony took a small phial from his pocket. "I always have 'em handy. Subject to nervous nerv-ous sleeplessness myself. I'll take mine now." He took a small white tablet from the bottle and swallowed It, with a sip of water. "Give me one, will you?" said Mr. Lovell. "Just what I want." "All right, sir. Help yourself. I want you to have one, Corey." He handed one to Maiden, and passed him a glass of water. Mr. Lovell scrutinized the label. "Oh, I know these people, doctor and chemist both. Whatever they put out Is all right. Give me one for Mrs. Lovell, will you?" "Take the bottle, sir. I can easily get the prescription filled again." "Thank you, Tony, you are surely a capable best man. I'm sure It will do Ellen good. Now I'm going upstairs, and I advise you to follow pretty soon." Malcolm took a tablet, remarking that the house seemed like a sanitarium. sani-tarium. "Hurry along," said Tony. "We don't want to enact the seven sleepers sleep-ers tomorrow morning." They all went upstairs then, and to their rooms. Next morning no one overslept. Gaskell, opening his eyes, found that the prospective bridegroom was already up and In possession of the bathroom. "Take your time, old top," he called through the closed door, "and wake me up when you come out." Maiden soon appeared, and gave his sleeping comrade a shake. Tony opened his eyes and looked at him. "To think," he said, "that I've full charge of you for nearly a whole day. You've got to come when I say cometh, and go when I say get out! IJow're you feeling?" "Fine, couldn't be better. Your little pellet worked like a charm." Corey Maiden went downstairs slowly. He was a thoughtful sort, and the fact that it was his wedding day impressed him more sentimentally sentimen-tally than it would many. Most of the men were at the breakfast table, but the girls did not appear. "How is Mrs. Lovell?" Tony inquired, in-quired, and her husband replied, "Fine. She took one of your pellets, pel-lets, and she slept like a cherub all night. She'll be down soon. You youngsters better eat your breakfast break-fast now." Just as they had finished the caterers arrived and the groupat the table rose and scattered, Malcolm Mal-colm grumbling that there ought to be a law against anybody's sister getting married. The men went out on the screened porch and drifted off to different pursuits. "All right about the will?" asked Tony as he and the bridegroom strolled down the garden path. "Yes, I fixed it with my lawyer to be In Philadelphia tomorrow morning and meet me there. It's all ready but the signatures, and he'll have witnesses, 50 I shan't need you for that. But look after any mall that conies for me here, and forward It Here's a list of the addresses." "How long shall you be away?" "Haven't a notion. Just as long as Perilla enjoys motoring about the South." "All right, old man. And I won't put it In words, but you know, after our years of friendship, that I wish you and her all the happiness In the whole big world." Maiden made no reply, but his handclasp spoke better than words. "Now," Tony said, resuming his generalship, "you'd better begin to assume the royal garniinks. You march, sir, to the robing room, in-slanter." in-slanter." And at the same time. Hilda and Jane were trying to get Perilla Into her bridal garb. She was ready In good time, and a fairer, lovelier bride the sun never nev-er looked upon, j Noon came; noon wont, ami Ter-1 Ter-1 ilia Fairfax was now Mrs. Corny Maiden. . Congratulations over, breakfast was served. James Lovell was only a stepfather, but no real falher i could have put more a.Tcction ami ! tenderness in his voice when hp ! proposed the health of the newly ! married pair. I An orchestra gave delightful music mu-sic and soon the guests wore d.uic-1 d.uic-1 Ing and hilarity ruled. Perhaps ! Mrs. Love'! enjoyed the s.-ene more 1 than any one else. ' Corey was n charming ni.in. Old er than Perilla, to be sure, but la looks and behavior often younger than his years. And a man of delightful de-lightful manners. Scion of one of the first families of Richmond, how could he be otherwise? Thus ran Ellen Lovell's thoughts, when Tony-came Tony-came and sat beside her. "It's about time to bid your baby good-by," he said, gently. "Do you want to take her into some other room?" Almost at the same moment Bob Coles appeared. "Mrs. Lovell," he said, 'Terilla wants to see you alone, before she goes, and the time is flying." "Thank you, Bob, I'll go to her at once. No, Tony, you bring her to me, In my little sewing room." Mrs. Lovell went off, and Gaskell Gas-kell found Perilla and asked her to follow her mother. The girl looked at him pleadingly, pleading-ly, but as Tony had no idea of what she wanted, if anything, he merely escorted her to the staircase and she went upstairs alone. She found her mother awaiting her, and Mrs. Lovell was astounded to find Perilla with tear-filled eyes. "What is the matter, child?" she asked, restraining her anxiety. "There's nothing wrong. Is there? Just a bit sad at leaving the old home, aren't you?" "Yes that's it," but Perilla spoke brokenly and Ellen Lovell knew the words were not true. "Well, brace up now. Yon must be getting dressed. And remember, dear, I'll write you every day, and you write me whenever you feel like it. Come, dear, don't spoil things at the last minute." "It Isn't that, Mummy; you're on the wrong track. Im not afraid of Corey, or lonesome for you. It's it's Bob" "Bob Coles! What do you mean? Has he been teasing you?" "More than teasing. He just now whispered to me to remember that he once told me that It I married anyone except him he would kill either the bridegroom, or me, or himself." "Good heavens, child, he didn't mean that. You must know he didn't." "I didn't think he did at the time, but today, a few moments ago, he reminded me of it, and he was oh, he looked dreadful." "Well, come along, dear, and get off with Corey, and forget the very fact that Bobby is in existence." exist-ence." Ellen thought little of ' Perilla's fears; she felt sure It was a natural nat-ural nervousness, and that Bob had been merely chaffing her. That he loved Perilla, she knew, and he had often begged her to marry him, but Perilla was a one-man girl, and ever since she had known Corey she had cared for him. "It Isn't imagination, dear," Perilla Peril-la said earnestly to her mother. "Bob has been queer and frightening fright-ening all day, and last evening, too. Ask Malcolm, he noticed it. Now, I'll forget him and go away, but I want you and dad to keep an eye on him, will you?" "Of course we will. Now, will you be good?" They went to Perilla's own room, and changed her beautiful white gown for a russet brown knitted silk and a modish hat. ' The great hall was crowded with the guests eager for a last glimpse of the now flushed and smiling bride. Halfway down she threw her bouquet. It was caught by Hilda, which was not really surprising, sur-prising, as Terilla threw It directly at her, and Tony Gaskell assisted it a bit on its course. The car was waiting, and Corey himself helped his wife in. At the wheel was Boynton, skilled chauffeur and mechanician, who could, as well, act as Corey's valet. With him in front was Sarah, onetime one-time nurse, and now maid of her beloved be-loved Perilla. - As Corey got in, he paused a moment mo-ment for a last word with Tony, when Bob Coles took the opportunity opportu-nity to jump on the running board on the other side and give Perilla a long, deep kiss, not at all the sort of kiss to bestow in public. The girl turned white, but preserved pre-served her poise, and calling out a gay good-by to all, clasped Corey's, arm as a signal to start. "Home, James!" Maiden shouted, and fluttering handkerchiefs and scarfs waved a farewell. Tony Gaskell turned to tell Coles what he thought of him, but suddenly sud-denly decided not to. ' His work as best man was done now, his trust was over. And while he regretted Bob's rudeness, It was not his business busi-ness to remark upon it. Stepping past Coles as If he were not there, Tony turned his attention to Ellen Lovell. "Everything went off. all right," he said, cheerily, "but I'm quite done up. You fellers don't know what bard work It is to be best man. "Well, anyway, it's a gorgeous j night to go to Philadelphia in a car like that !" It was about five o'clock of a crisp, clear October evening. The party watched for the last view of the speeding car as it made for j New York, and then turned bank f j the house. I (to nr. coTiui:m |