The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1896-04-08
HER LOT WAS TO OBEY.

Tall, dcbonair and smiling, Jack
Dalton looked worthy to WOO and win
even so fair n prize as pretty Nora
Cnrew, the belle of Hnmpden town.
And ms he looked at the bewitching
face once more he made up his mind
that tonight he would put his fate TO
the touch, and would win-or else lose
it all.
"What energetic people you all are,
TO be surel" said Mrs. Carew, placidly
surveying the two young people.
"Tennis all day long, aud now
dance. Where is Gladys, Nora?"
"Hcre, mother" answered calm,
suave voice, and Gladys Hastings, the
well-to.do married daughter, surveyed
her young sister critically MS she spoke
then ms her eyes fell on the impassioned
face of Jack Dalton, she turned has
tily away.
Come, Nora" she said, "the car
riage has been waiting some time,
and in silence the young people fol-
lowed her.
And now at last Jack will put it off
no longer. The girl no loves with nil
the strenth OF his honest, manly heart
is seated by his side. They are in the
conservatory and not living being is
in sight.
"Nora," he says softly.
The girl bushes bright pink, but
does not appear to resent his famil-
iarity.
"Nora," he repeats, taking hold of
the little hand in this, "you know al
ready what ! would say, do You not,
my darling? Nora, love you. Love
you more, l think, than ever man
ever loved before. Nora, will you be
my wife ?"
The blue eyes we're raised for
second, and in their misty radiance
Jack Dalton read his answer.
"Noral" broke in a voice of meas
ured severity, which made Nora start
like a guilty creature, 81 have been
looking for you everywhere! Nora,
Mr.. Pontifex has arrived unexpectedly
at home, and apparently, from what
l can gather, does not wish to meet
you first here. So, of course, you will
at once leave and"
81 do not see why, Gladys!" SAID
Nora, but her voice trembled and her
fair face was very white.
"Then allow others to Judge of
what is right and fitting under the
circumstances, said Mrs. Hastings,
sharply. 81 have made your apollo
gies to Mrs. Pelham; she quite un-
derstands the circumstances. Run
quickly and get your cloak"
As the girl goes reluctantly forward
Jack Dalton makes a hasty step tow
ard her, but Mrs. Hastings gently de-
| tains him.
"Pardon me" she said in a soft
voice, in which there was a light ring
of pity. "but cannot but fear you do
not quite know the facts about my
little sister. If you have been led to
think anything from her manner l am
very sorry, but it happens SO often.
Naughty child! She is sad firtl"
Mrs. Hastings gave gentle, amused
laugh. which died suddenly as her
eyes fell on Jacks white, stern face.
Excuse mel" he said, in naughty
tone. "but I do not understand what
you are endeavoring to convey to me.
Why does the advent of this gentle
man appear 80 important to her,
aud"-
"Ah, it is as I said you do not un-
derstand the facts" laughed Mrs.
Hastings "They are briefly these.
Nora is engaged to Mr.. Pontifex, has
been since the end OF the season, and
they are to be married in the au-
tumnl"
The place seemed to swim round
Jacks eyes. but with firm resolve
not TO be beaten he set his teeth hard
and With absolute composure surveyed
Nora q she returned TO her sisters
sidA