An Interrupted Wedding, or Marion Marlowe as Maid of Honor — page 6: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

MY QUEEN. 3 Dollie wriggled and squealed, but it was all of no avail. Bert was as strong as a 4 young giant; she could not get-away from him. “Oh, Bert! If Ralph should see you he would be dreadfully angry,” she gasped. “Well, he won’t see me,” was the reply, as Bert strode on.. “I don’t do this sort of thing when a lady’s husband is around! I have too much respect for my own safety, and don’t you forget it.” “Bert, [ll tell you something if you let me down,” eurgled* Dollie, again. “It is something about Marion, and you'd be glad to know it.” | ; Bert dropped her like a flash just outside the parlor door and, in a second, Dollie rose on tiptoe and whispered, softly: “Marion is crying, Bert, and it is because of Alma’s wedding, too, but I know exactly why she is doing it. Marion is falling in love and she doesn’t know it, and she is actually envying Miss Allyn her happiness!” Bért gave a low whistle of actual surprise, then he turned on his heel and started back toward the kitchen. | | “Oh; Bert! where are you going?” called Dollie, in astonishment. Bert looked over his shoulder and low- ered his voice.as he answered: “I'm going out to telephone to Dr. Brookes. If Marion is really weeping, it is his golden opportunity.” “But I don’t know that it is the doctor,” began Dollie, nervously. “In which respect I have the advantage of Mrs. Moore,” was Bert’s answer, “for I hap- pen to know that it is the doctor!” There was a rustle in the parlor, and Ma- rion opened the door. She was not weep- ing now, but was laughing merrily. “Oh, Bert! I’m so glad to see you!” she cried, gayly. “I’ve had a fit of the blues over Alma’s marriage. I guess it is because I love her so much that I am positively jealous of Mr. Fairfax.” “Then you ain’t in love, after all,” blurted out Bert, gloomily. “Well, all I have to say is that you are a curious girl, Marion, but Gee! I nearly forgot what 1 came for, Dollie. Alma wishes me to tell you that the devil has broken loose and she cannot possibly accept your invitation to dinner.” There was a gasp from Dollie, and Ma- rion’s face grew pale with emotion, for, in spite of Bert’s flippant words, they could both see that he was in earnest. “Oh! what can have happened?” cried Marion, and just then Bert succeeded in ex- tracting a letter from one of his -inside pockets. “IT haven't the remotest idea what has broken, but I guess this will explain,” he said, handing the letter to Marion. “I saw Alma an hour ago and she looked like a spook instead of a girl who is to be married to-morrow.” Marion seized the letter and tore it open hastily, then read the contents aloud to her companions. 3 CHAPTER TIT; e MISS ALLYN’S SECRET. An hour after breaking the seal of her friend’s letter, Marion was hurrying down- town in a cab to call upon her. Miss Allyn was stopping at a quiet hotel and, as the young girl tapped upon her door, she cautiously admitted her. *Oh, Alma! What is it?” were Marion’s first words. She had taken one glimpse at her friend’s face and knew she was suffer- ing. “Take off your hat, dearie, and make yourself comfortable,” was Alma’s only re- ply. “I knew you would come, but, honest: ly, Marion, IT hoped you wouldn't, | just don’t feel that I have any right to bother you with my troubles.” ComichoookSs.E€©