Jerry the Dreamer (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ... xm The telegram announcing the marriage was handed to Judge House in his chambers before court opened. He glanced at the yellow slip and at the signature, "Georgia," which the operator had written in a flourishing hand; and the combination of letters seemed alien, meaningless, like a queer word in a foreign tongue. Sidney Bane sat on the big leather lounge, idly tapping the toe of his yellow pointed shoe with his stick. The judge walked over slowly, his hat still in his hand, staring down at the message. Bane glanced at the telegram as the judge handed it, and looked around in sharp surprise, with a little exclamation. The dull, baffled misery in the elder man's face arrested the words which came to the younger's lips, and the judge sat down heavily. For a moment there was silence, Bane waiting, House in mere helpless incredulity. The judge finally reached out and got back the telegram and reread it carefully. "I suppose it's--genuine," he said, with a glance at Bane that showed he was clutching miserably at the chance. Bane weighed it a moment and gave a glance nt the unwelcome strip of paper. "Yes," he said, slowly, "I think it's genuine.." The judge pulled himself together with a sigh. "Well," he said, doubtfully, "I don't know that there's anything to be done--it's too late--" He felt a frightful catastrophe suddenly precipitated upon him--a catastrophe which lost none of its abhorrent aspect as his faculties began comprehending it more clearly. He showed what his first consideration was by adding quickly and fervently, "i hope the damned newspapers won't get hold of it." The first aspect in which the elopement presented itself to him was that of a subtle, incombatable disgrace to himself. "Poor little girl," Bane murmured. The judge...