As the old gentleman was about to be married
'imself, he 'ated to share the prominence with 'er. So he said he'd
disown 'er if she even thought of marrying a low-down circus rider.
That was enough for Mary. She up and run off with Tom and got married
to 'im in a jiffy, beating 'er father to the altar by about two weeks.
"As soon as Tom was able to ride again, they joined the show. Her
father disowned 'er, as he said he would. He said he'd 'ave the butler
shut the door in 'er face if she ever come to the 'ouse. They went up
to ask for forgiveness, and the butler _did_ shut the door in 'er
face. So she turned 'er back on 'er father's 'ome and went to the
little one Tom made for 'er in Baltimore. She never even wrote to 'er
father after that, and she won't ever go back, no matter wot 'appens.
Not even if he sends for and forgives 'er, I believe. She's stood it
this long, she'll stick it out. Mr. Portman got married right enough
and I understand he's 'ad a 'ell of a time of it ever since. Married a
reg'lar tartar, thank God.
"Well, in a year Christine came. After a couple of years they went to
England and the Continent, where Brad rode for several seasons very
successful.
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