Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1884-04-24
MADE OR MARRIED
CHAPTER X.-CONTINUEp
BY JESSIE FoTHERGILL.
Author of lone of Three Probation" "Ths
HsufGsds," Etc,

Weufc.ds." Etc.
CHAPTER X-CoNr1NuEp.
1t was still day. still broad, hot sun
light. 1t seemed to him as if ages had
passed since Mr.. Starkie had sum-
moned him to his room. On arriving
at his house he went into the parlor,
and found Grace in a state OF extreme
deShabille, seated on sofa in a red
Vatican dressing-gown, while tinery
was strewed in all directions around
her, and a very large work-basket stood
before her on the table. Yards and
yards of amber ribbon and knots of
black velvet were spread around in
bewildering confusion, and Miss Massey
was absorbed in preparations for the
evening.
''Phi1ip!" she calculated, as he came
in, you here at this hour! What has
happened? Is the ball given up?"
She flung her work down and stood up.
''Somethirg has happened, l sup
pose," he said, gravely, and the ball
is certainly given up-at least for me.
They are sending me out to China, to
look after some business there"
Ito China to-nightn' echoed Grace,
and stood silent for a moment looking at
him. Her first impulse, why, she knew
felt would be folly. In Philips face,
despite its gravity. she thought she read
citation. Like good sister, putting all
private feelings and sensations aside,
she said:
eff it is good for you, dear Philip. I
congratulate you. But are you off this
minute? You will have meal, and let
me pack up your things for you. At
what time do YOU go?h
Ito London, by the eight o'clock ex-
press
...Oh. there's an hour or two yet. I
will look after your things. III clear
all this rubbish away and put on my
dress, because of course there will be no
ball for US tonight, now.'
II am very sorry to deprive you of
your pleasure" he began.
Nonsense! AS if it would be any
pleasure to me with you just starting on
such an expedition"
81 must go and see Angela" said
Philip absently. II shall not be long,
Grace"
sAngela! Oh. yes. I suppose you
must" she replied, cold look coming
across her face. a spasm across her
heart, as she realized how much he was
thinking OF Angela. How small his
.
Philip, without another word, went
away, and rang the bell of the next
house.
Miss Fairfax was reading. Mabelle
was sewing. my dear little milliner,"
as her sister called her with affectionate
fastidiousness. They, too, both started,
and exclaimed as Philip came in.
What is happening3" burst from
Angela's lips in tone of unusual
animation.
N.May l speak with you alone few
minutes?" he asked, gently and gravely.
II have something important to tell
YOU
Mabelle gathered up her work and
went upstairs. Philip and Angela
were left alone.
Don't keep me in suspense" she
said, with melancholy smile. ''Have
YOU made fortune. Philip, or lost all
that you have, that you look so dread
fully solemn"
..Neither one nor the other. dear"
he said, seating himself on the couch
beside her and taking her hand; "but
it has been put within my power greatly
to improve my fortune"
s.Has it? How?' exclaimed Angela,
with genuine interest.
ACh oAiOhy "hae hoo mop
pened.
al said. to improve my fortune" he
added; '.but, Angela, if you elect to re-
main true to me, and will wait, and
will let me say our fortunes, why, when
/ come home again-and what could
hinder me. if knew goa were waiting
for fnep I should be able to say to
you: will you be my wife, at once
any time-and-"
:.Dear Philip, to hesitate at such
moment would not be womanly, but
pruiish and unkind. l say yes. L will
wait for you."
"Oh. God bless you" cried he, with
almost q sob, as he caught her in his
arms for the first time, and could only
hold her to his heart and remain silent.
Angela behaved very properly and
verv prettily; nothing could have sur
passed the sweetness of her demeanor.
She rested her head ON his shoulder,
and she, too, said nothing, no doubt
feeling il unnecessary co add to her
lovers excitement hF any high flown
Language or passionat assurances. She
was thinking-who sEfn say what she
was thinking? One tang only is GER
tain. that she rejoiced unfeignedly in
Philips improved prospects, and won
dered very much By how much they
wers improved