Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-03-08
HER LOT WAS TO OBEY.

Tall, debonair and smiling. Jack Dali
! ton looked worthy to WOO and win even
so fair prize as pretty Nora Carew
/ the belle of Hampden town. And as he
| looked at the bewitching face once
more he made up his mind that to-
night he would put his fate to the touch
and win-or lose it all.
What energetic people you all are,
! to be surew said Mrs. Carew, placidly
surveying the two young people. Ten
mis- all day long and now a dance
Where is Gladys, Nora?'
Here motherw answered calm,
suave voice, and Gladys Hastings, the
well-to-do married daughter, surveyed
| her young sister critically as she spoke,
then, as her eyes fell on the impassion-
ed face of Jack Dalton, she turned has
/ tily away.
Come, Nora, she said, "the carriage
has been waiting some time" and in
silence the young people followed her.
And now at last Jack Dalton will put
it off no longer The girl he loves with
all the strength of his honest, manly
heart is seated by his side. They are
| in the conservatory, and not a living
| being is in sight
mora" he says softly.
The girl bushes a bright pink. but
does not appear to resent his familiar
ity.
Nora" he repeats, taking hold of
the little hand in his, you know al
ready what l would say, do you not, my
| darling? Nora, l love you. Love you
more, | think, than ever man loved be-
fore. Nora, will you be my wife,"
The blue eyes were raised for one
second, and in their misty radiance
Jack Dalton read his answer.
Nora broke in a voice in tones of
measured severity, which made Nora
| start like a guilty creature. Il have
been looking for you everywhere. No
ra. Mr.. PontifeX has arrived unexpect-
| eddy 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"
q do not Sc why, Gladysr 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 circum-
stances" said Mrs Hastings sharply.
have made your apologies to Mrs. Pei
ham; she quite understands the cir
cumstances. Run quickly and get your
cloak"
AS the girl goes reluctantly forward
Jack Dalton makes a hasty step toward
her, but Mrs. Hastings gently detains
him.
Pardon me-" she said, in a soft voice.
in which there is 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. Naugh-
ty child, She is a sad flirtr
Mrs. Hastings gave gentle, amused
laugh. which died suddenly as her eyes
fell on Jacks white, stern face.
Excuse me-" he said in a naughty
| tone, "but / do not understand what
you are endeavoring to convey TO me.
! Why does the advent of this gentleman
appear so important to her. and"
"Ah, it is as | said; you do not under
stand the factsr' laughed Mrs. Hast
, engaged to Mr.. POntifex, has been since
the end Of the season, and they are to
be married in the autumn
The place seemed to swim round
jack eyes. but with firm resolve not
10 be beaten he set his teeth hard and
with absolute cOmposure surveyed No
IA as she returned 10 her sisters side.
rs this true?" he demanded, and his
voice to himself sounded far away.
rs it true that you are now going to
meet your affianced husband?" Nora
looked up startled into his white, stern
face.
Il" she faltered, but her voice
broke and she turned away
THAT is answer sufficient" he re-
turned. 81 fully indorse your sisters
sentiment, Miss Carew. you are a sad
hirt"
With harsh laugh he turned away