Smyrna times., 1879-02-19
Honora'S Decision.

Twas pretty and picturesque sight that
mot Belton Black gaze as he paused
amonc the clustering birches of the wood.
Nora Leigh was seated on the grass,
with one rosy child on her lap and two or
,brae others scattered around, her fair
checks crimsoned and the braids of bronze
brown hair shining beneath the cottage
bonnet that she wore.
She looked up radiantly as her lovers
shadow fell across the tangled ferns Of
the woodland glade.
"Belton, is it you?' she cried.
"Send the children away said he, i'm
maternity; IL want to talk to you
They will not disturb US"
"They will disturb me-
look Of pain came over Honora's sweet,
submissive face.
Charley" said she to the eldest lad,
take Katie and Nell to where the black
berries grow Johnny can carry the bas-
kets and see how many berries you can
pick before l come"
Charley obeyed without word but the
defiant glance which he bent on Mr.. Black
rom beneath his knitted brows showed
that ne fully comprehended the situation
Of things.
"I hate that man, said he to Katie.
"Oh, Charles" cried out the innocent
child, that's very wicked"
al can't help it" replied Charley. " He's
cross and he scolds Nora, and hate him..
In the meanwhile Belton Black had
seated himself on the grass beside Honora
Leigh and thrown one arm carelessly
around her waist.
Nora" said he, "I've made up my
mind
"As to what?"
She looked up fondly into his dark
Castian face.
"As to the propriety of our being mar
RED next month. Jennings says | am tC
have partnership, and | see my way
clear at once. I've spoken to the agen
about the little house in Clifton street
and
"Ob, Bolton, do you think that hous'
will be large enough?" interrupted Honora
with troubled face.
Large enough for what?"
For the children. There are four o
them, you know, and -
No." said Mr. Black, abruptly.
don't think it will be large enough
didn't mean that it should. You surel
'i hOe lutcllAf llOIlOTdg " OuIuCH Ou
household with your aunt's four children
They are nothing to me, and they shoul'
De nothing to you. | dare say | can fin
some excellent, institution where -
81 promised my aunt on her dying be-
that the children should never lack
mothers care" said Honora, who ha
grown very pale.
And you have kept your word" brok
IN Black, impatiently " For two years yo
nave led, clothed and supported them OF
Of your slender earnings. It's all nonsens
70 70 Keep up this sort of thing any longe
Ine boys are big enough to work; the CIR
can easily be provided for in an orpha
asylum
"Oh, Belton-neverr
Just as you please said Mr.. Blacl
us lace growing as hard as adamant.
But remember one thing, Nora, yC
must choose between me and them"
honora uttered a sobbing cry.
Belton, Belton,' walled she, chow CT
you be so hard?"
| am only sensible and practical"
Ihey are so little, so helpless. Oh
eah not turn them over to the cruel I'M
'ies $50, o. the world, pleaded Honora.
mat must be for you to decide"
,boI one sat for moment looking at the til
e1lld'hgures as they fitted about on t
euge OF the wood, listening to their inl
face.
have decided" said she. 81 can l
ie9Ve the children"
beiton Blacks brow grew dark as mig
Very we'll" said he, rising to his fe
!O9 know all that that implies"
les" in a low, tremulous tone.
ana you are willing to abide by it p
food by then,' extending cold hal
Good-by, Belton."
ana her eyes followed him with a vag
,asclnated gaze, as he strobe out of
sen glade and was lost to view.
have done right?' she asked hers
I'm IN. sharp pain at her heart; and til
N'le nl'le Nelly came up, crying out NJ
baJIs, me got form in me finger!"
"Sg SSluing up the tiny digit, with tear-stai
eks' she caught the child in her a
ana sobbed out:
e, uod help me! Yes, have done Ri
h., lnese orphan little ones have no
20 Honora Leigh went back to her Iii
Il paslent m drudgery and oeaseless toll {
aoo' And the rich gentleman on the
hOOf, who oor, l. - = \ - At