Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-08-13
CHAPTER TX.
RS. Jocks QUESTION

MRS. JOCK ) QUESIlON!
THE fortunate man waits for peace, and the
unlucky man takes leap In the dark"
"Mrs. Jock" said Lumley an hour
later as he held her hand at parting for
the night-''pleased don't say anything,
but l want you to do me favor.
must get to Town early. Will 1t be
possible for me to catch the eight
o'clock train?"
i'0h, yes.
ITS rather early-but I wish you
would drive me over yourself" he said
wistfully.
"Of course l wifi. But George-you
are coming down again?" anxiously.
''Oh yes, Of course am"
"When?"
"When? Saturday-will that suit
youP"
Perfectly. And we shall be alone.
except for Vere," she said encourag-
ingly.
The news Of his departure was kept
very quiet, so quiet that when Mrs.
Hope made her appearance in another
smart tailor-frock, the big gray mare
was tearing along the quiet country
roads in the direction Of the station.
81 say, Mrs. jock" Lumley said,
when they had fairly got out of sight Of
the Fish Ponds, "it's awfully sweet and
kind of you to ask me to come down
again, but l am not coming on Satur-
day, though said l would last night in
case anyone overheard me-"
You're not coming?" in the utmost
dismay.
Mrs. Jock" he said, not looking at
her, but staring hard over the sweet
flower-strewn hedgerows, 81 can't come
again while Miss Nugent is staying
with you"
"But why? IL thought you liked
her So" the little woman exclaimed.
She was so disturbed by the news that
she jerked hard at the reins and the big
mare who resented liberties of that
kind was grievously offended and after
romping about the road for minute or
two, tore away up a steep hill as II to
express the extent Of her displeasure.
George, has anything happened?"
Mrs. Jock asked in scared tone, when
the offended steed had resumed more
reasonable pace.
"Miss Nugent definitely refused me
last night" he said in an odd unmoved
wooden kind of voice.
"But how-why-how did ii happen?"
Mrs. Jock cried. She was almost weep
ing in her disappointment and vexa-
ton.
'Ohl Mrs. Mrs. jock" he burst out
"why did you ask that woman down
here? was getting on splendidly until
she and her broken-backed little John
ME came"
Mrs. Jock was dlsmayed and bewild-
cred. In a moment she knew what q
complete failure she had made of the
whole affair, that her first attempt at
matchmaking was an absolute fasco.
Nay, she had done worse than that, she
had the chagrin Of knowing that in all
probability, IL she had not interfered at
all but had let events shape their own
course, the marriage she so ardently de-
sired would quietly have come about.
George, l am very sorry" she said,
winking hard to keep the tears out OF
her eyes-they were plainly to be heard
in her trembling voice-"but, indeed, l
think there is quite Misunderstanding,
/ am sure Very likes you-how could
she help itP' she added, with unconscious
flattery.
rAny way, she seemed very well able
to do So" he answered grimly.
"But, George, / am sure can put
everything right for you; II must be a
mistake, Observation-Disclosures let me
try at least"
ssNot for the whole world" he cried
hastily. "My dear Mrs. Jock. don't
think I'm strnck-up sort of chap or
that ever give myself airs or anything
of that kind. but have a little pride
and am far TO proud to offer myself
twice to the same woman. / wouldn't
do it for queen.
ssBut, George, II 1t was my fault, you
might at least give nae the satisfaction
of trying to put It right
ssDesr Mrs. jock. please say no more
about It." be said lpploEingly.
sWon't Jon cone down Cd Saturday