The Home Journal

COUPLE OF FOREIGNERS

By Allen Wishert

Gordon Coleman and Maxine Shelton actually despised each other, yet, the following week they were to become man and wife. They were of the same age, only three weeks separating their births. From the time they could stand alone and harbour a few thoughts the prevailing idea was vividly impressed upon them. The parents of Gordon and Maxine possessed untold wealth, and they possessed the same plan; that of keeping the two fortunes intact. Their parents weren't the least deluded, they were well aware of the animosity that existed between their progenies, that, however, was the least concern, the vast fortunes must be kept within the boundaries of their own estates.

The eve before the solemnized event was due, Gordon and Maxine sat facing each other. For nineteen years, so it seemed, they constantly had assumed that self-same position, and the close association had produced glaring enmity, however, their parents had been over-indulgent, every wish and whim had been gratified, and this step was the only request the parents had sought, and they expected obedience.

Finally, Gordon located his tongue. Prying it loose from the roof of his mouth, he said; "This is a most deplorable situation. Sincerely, I wish I had been born a rag-picker's son."

"I can't understand," replied Maxine, "why my mother wasn't a washer-woman, then I could have married the trashman's boy and lived happily."

"Surely, there should be a way to avoid the dreadful affair."

"I wish I knew of just one. Have you a suggestion?"

"Yes," said Gordon. "Mayhem."

"That is being committed," replied Maxine, "when we stand before the minister."

A decision was reached; they would accede to their parents demands. After the ceremony, pledges being fulfilled, each would go their separate ways.

Their honeymoon, as planned by their parents, was to be spent abroad. Gordon could easily become confused and arrive at the pier long past sailing time, thereby, removing one basic element.

All the grandeur and pomposity that could be crowded into a church wedding was in full sway the following evening. The bride on the arm of her father hitch-stepped down the aisle. The groom and his best man timed their entrance, joining the bride at the altar.

To the assembled throng the occasion was sublime, to Gordon and Maxine, hideous.

Complications had arisen, made so by the tactful minds of the participants, causing fateful delay. The ocean liner was moored to the pier, tugging at its lashings in an effort to free itself and get beyond the twelve mile limit.

Gordon and Maxine after the ceremony, entered the waiting limousine amid the shower of rice and old shoes. The chauffeur had his instructions, he was to rush them to the pier. But as he shot forward he received another order. At the next corner he turned and headed in an entirely different direction.

"Gordon, why did you alter the driver's instructions?" asked Maxine.

"No need going abroad. I have become an alien in my own country."

"May I ask you to explain that remark?"

"When the minister pronounced us man and wife, we were no longer kids. I stepped into a different country."

"Then," replied Maxine, and she snuggled, Gordon drew her close. "I suppose that makes me an alien, also."

The limousine's motor purred. Two fortunes were to be kept intact.