The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-11-18

CidiiIlCQ IllCl
''Oh, no! So that's the way the land
lies, is it? 1 never supposed for mo-
ment that girl would hesitate be-
tween Mr. billiard and Dick Wheeler.
see I have made a mistake
You have done nothing of the kind"
began Ellen. p
Who is that coming in the gate?''
exclaimed Kate, looking out of the
window. Your aunt, Mrs. Williams,
and some clerical appearing gentle
man-old DR.. Watson, is it not? So
here's an end to our talk. Good by,
Ellie. I'm sure the lucky man is Mr..
billiard after all, and I do hope you
are not angry al anything I've said
want TO be on good terms with the
future Mrs. billiard. She will be per-
son worth cultivating. By by; and
this animated young woman was gone.
The next moment Mrs. Williams,
short, stout and good natured, entered
the room, followed by the kind. be-
nignant countenance and stately figure
of the Rev. Dr. Watson.
Good morning, aunty." said Ellen
cordially. Good morning, DR.. watson
I am very sorry, but mamma is down
town.
so John told us at the door," re-
marked her aunt, sinking into a chair
and tanning herself vigorously Il
only dropped in for a moment, and
CHANGED to meet DR.. Watson just COM
ing in the gate"
marks about the weather, and in
quiries regarding the health of the
respective families.
Il hope you are we'll, dear child"
said Mrs. Williams. 1T seems to me
you look a little flushed and feverish
this morning. Don't you think So,
doctor?"
usual good health" said the doctor,
with a smile.
II am quite well, thank you. aunty."
"Well, I am glad of that said her
aunt. "Oh, 1 have been hearing some
interesting stories about you, young
lady. Haven't you anything to tell
us at all? I think she might take
US into her CONFIDENCE, don't you, doc
tor?"
ELLEN knows I am always inter
ested in anything that concerns her
Indeed, I have nothing TO tell
Ellen fastened to say, with flushed
countenance.
Then you have not decided" ex-
claimed her aunt. Now, dear child,
know you don't mind my speaking
Of it before such an old friend as
DR.. Watson, and l am sure you know
I love you as though you were my own
child. 1 do hope you win be careful,
dear matter OF this kind is net to
be decided hastily. The choice of a
husband is a very serious matter,
isn't st, dootor?"
Most certainly it is assented the
doctor.
u am sure 1 would not wish to in
f1uence you, dear" went on the good
lady with animation. 1T is of course
a matter for your own heart to de-
eide. / am sure Richard is very
nice young man, but of course we
all know how unusually desirable Mr..
billiard is in every way. Is he not,
doctor?'
Both are excellent young MEM
reqnarke d the doctor.
Yes. indeed, of course they are, and
l ann the last person in the world to
wish Ellen to be influenced by world
ly considerations. l am fond of Rich
ard, bur he is a lawyer, my dear, and
lawyers are apt to drift into politics.
and the life of a Politicians wife is
very hard. Now Mr.. billiard, with his
position and wealth. could make you
so comfortable. He's such an I'M
usually fine man. Don't you think SO,
| doclcr?''
He is a liberal hearted, Christian
gentleman said the doctor. His
wife would be in a position to do much
good"
Al this juncture boys voice was
heard from the rear of the house call
ing iust4ly. Ellen. oh Elem
1T is only Jinl," explained Ellen, bur
her guests arose.
I'VE will not detain you,' said her
aunt. I'VE only dropped in for a mo
ment. Give my love to your mother,
and think we'll over what 1 have said -
Ellen found her 12-year-old brother
on THE back steps rocking himself
back and forth apparently in great
agony.
Why, what is the matter?" she in
quired in alarm.
I've hurt my arm" he groaned.
Get the witch hazel, won't you?"
How did it happen?" Ellen asked
alphabetically, as She bathed the in
jured member.
Fell off that old bicycle 1t amt fit
for a fellow of my age to ride. | do
hope, Ellen, when you marry Mr. Dill
lard, he'll give me decent wheel
Ellen drew herself up.
James, she said tragically, chow
dare you speak to me like that? Here.
take your lotion, and don't you ever
mention that subject to me again"
L don't know what is the. matter
with me- she thought. as she returned
to The sitting room. This has been a
horrid day'-and there were tears in
her eyes.
She was more than surprised as she
entered the room to find Mr. Wheeler
awaiting her. He was standing by the
mantel, and looked taller and more
grave than usual. she thought.
i was Just wondering what to do
he said Il was told that l would find
you here
How glad she was 20 see him! She
was amazed at her own gladness. She
explained her absence, and then touched
lightly and with unusual animation and
charm on a variety of subjects
You seem to be in a happy mood
this afternoon" he remarked gloomily.
do I?'' she returned You don't
NO. he said slowly. 81 am not. ]
| have come to Say good by
Good by?" she echoed Are you
going away?"
L am not coming here any more"
There was silence for a moment. Then
she said with dignity:
Have L offended you in any way?''
You understand well enough he
answered bitterly. do you suppose
that l do not know what every one
else knows1that you are going to
marry Dillard?'
Ellen rose and faced him steadily.
L am going to do nothing of the
kind she said with distinctness. Then
! she went over TO the window and low
cred the sash.
You are notr he repeated. ''Why?',
Because 1 don't care to- she an
swered, drumming lightly on the pane.
| He went over and stood by her side.