The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-10-16

L
$50 you have" he said, speaking at
last. But the ice being fairly broken the
conversation could now run with case
into whatever course it was directed.
But all the same she found him very
hard to talk to-he appeared so unrespon-
siye to her own open, frank nature-and
when he had gone after lingering over |
the breakfast table for an hour Norah |
came to the melancholy conclusion that |
she had done most of the talking herself. |
"Perhaps he's afraid of me. What a |
refreshing novelty that would be!' and |
she wandered around the saloon, taking !!
down one book after another from the |
shelves in hopes of finding something ex-
citing to pass away the time. Not sin
gle fellow passenger had come into the
saloon since the morning, and she had had
her luncheon in solitary state at one end
of the long table.
Norah loved being on the sea in every
sort of weather, but this storm had i'm
pressed her in an unusual manner, max
ing her feel how there was indeed a
serious side to nature. "How lightly
she seemed to have taken her life so far
in every way-even respecting Colonel
Gerard And here her book slipped
UNDECIDED onto tho floor, and unbidden
tears dimmed the bright brown eyes as
her mind went back to the visit five
months ago when she had first met him;
to those rides across country in the crisp
morning air; to the walks they had taken
together among the faded bracken and
leaves that merciless autumn had DOOM
ed to death, till ono day she had sudden
" realized that she was child no
longer-but a woman, with woman's
heart.
''Oh, it was cruel-it was shameful of
himr cried Norah, stamping her foot
with anger MY only mite of comfort
is that | don't believe he knew l ever
cared rap for him, and I'll soon let him
see that l can fiirt with others besides
himself" And getting up she flung open
the piano which stood in q corner of the
saloon and began to play. At first care
lessly, viciously almost, but gradually
her anger died away, and she forgot her
woes, forgot the storm that was raging
outside and the storm OF thought that
had been running riot in her own brain,
as she threw her whole soul into the mu-
sic and rocked and soothed her mind to
peace once more.
She was SO utterly absorbed that she
never heard the saloon door open or the
quiet steps of the young man half cross
the room-then stop. But his presence
there seemed to change the current of
her thoughts. The earnest, wistful look
gradually left her face. She broke into
yalse; then, suddenly ceasing, swung
around and came face to face with him.
II beg your parouA, Ae ,stl; Il am
disturbing you, but hearing the piano l
ventured to come in"
Disturb me2 No, indeed" laughed
Norah. "rve only been wishing for the
last four hours that somebody would.
I've been alone all day, Everybody is
ILL.," Then as he neither spoke or changed
his position she added: Would you like
me TO playf It's the only thing that l
can do a little bit in the whole world"
II should ike it very much" he an
,swered, coming forward and standing
by the piano
Norah was thoroughly good must
clan. and she exerted herself to play her
best, just glancing occasionally at her
companion. who was sitting in low
armchair. his face concealed by one hand
ard twisting his gold watch chain with
the other.
"Fhank you very much" was all be
said when she stopped.
II do believe he is actually going to
run away again y SAID Norah te herself
on seeing him rise NO: he really
must staNand talk to me for little, or
shall go melancholy mad Are you
fond of music?' she said. turning toward
him. DO you sing or play YOURSELF"
No. neither" he returned with curl
ors smile.
us it still, ra:uing?" asked the girl feel
ing that r.us'c was no. sympathetic
subject. "Are there no hopes of going
on deck today
No, I'm afraid you could not eves
stand"
Now / wonder If he's married,
thought Norah. II must find out. Pooi
man, he's dying to go and doesn't quit,
like to. Why of course it's bold stroke
but I'll risk it,"
Are you going all the way to Con
stantlnoplet' she asked earelessly. AM
turning to the piano again began softly
to play polka.
'Yes-ali the way"
80 are we. We are gong TO stay
with an uncle who has just Joined thu
consulate. Will there be much goins
ont Are there many nice reople?" sh
continued, looking Up for an instant.
ayes, think there are sorne-wha
are generally called rice people" he re
piled, leaning on the piano. There ar
certainly plenty of balls"
From the tone of your voice con
clude you don't like balls
"Ours give great deal of trouble,
| know that"
"What do you mean BY 'ours2"
"The English embassy balls"
| And at this reply Norahs heart gave
loud beat of satisfaction, and the polka
which had dwindled into little chant
started off again merrily.
/ Have you lived long in Constantine
pie? DO you know many people theref
| aho aeIya1