Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-07-25
WAVES MYSTERY.
New Illustrated Magazine.


her, too. If there is one thing more
than another that makes a man re-
solved to win girl, is the knowledge
that another fellow wants her also.
In a midnight confab over hot grog
when the heart yearns for sympathy
and the tongue grows loquacious
staid Jack burden confessed to his pal
Staines his passion for Nellie Wane-
declared that she was the sweetest and
prettiest little creature in the world
and that he meant to go in for her
tooth and nail.
His confdant-a handsome young
northumberland to this revelation
with disguised amazement, the stu
dious barrister being the last man on
earth he ever suspected of falling IN
love
Each saw in the other formidable
rival, and each mentally swore war 10
the knife" They had been invited to
a grand ball at Squire Wanes country
house in Norfolk to dance in the New
Year. and they both accepted, each
mentally resolving while there to try
his fate.
Arriving at the. hall, the typical,
old-fashioned country house, burden
had the presence of mind to spring
first off the dog cart, and bounded up
the steps with the pleasing conviction
that he had scored off his enemy again.
He avoided the smoking room, into
which his rival was ushered, and turn
ed down the passage to the morning
room. where he felt sure of finding the
ladies. His perspicacity was reward
ed by a warm greeting from his hostess
and Nellie, the latter clearly showing
her JOY at seeing him again.
He profited so we'll by the oppor-
tunity that by the time the squire en-
tered with the dashing guardsman for
some tea the astute lawyer had kissed
Nellie's hand twice.. had clasped 1t In
his own full five minutes, and had
wrung promise from her to meet
him in the conservatory in an hours
time. It was just 5 o'clock, and as
dinner was fixed for 7 they could have
one delicious hour all to themselves.
"By the by, Jack" said the squire,
turning to burden, who was helping
the ladies serve tea, we're so full up
tonight that | shall be obliged to put
Won in the Elizabethan chamber. 1t is
rarely | honor a guest with even a
sight of the historical old room, but
YOU are such a quiet, reliable fellow,
who won't be up to any larks, that 1
shan't mind you sleeping in it for once.
Run up with me now, and I'll show 1t
to YOU"
Delighted with the lucky circum-
stance which would enable him to dress
at 6 o'clock, burden followed his host
with alacrity, possessed himself OF his
bag from the hall, and set it down with
a sigh of relief on chair in the bed
room allotted to his use. He looked
around as the squire lighted the can
dies on the dressing table. 1t was a
long low, rambling room, wainscoted
from floor to ceiling, full Of antiquated
spindle-legged furniture and quantity
carved, high-backed chairs
Magnificent, isn't it," said the
squire. who was very proud Of the old
fashioned room, with its historical as
sociations. But, CAD, how freezing it
is, though; / can't stand this cold; L
must send some one to light the fire
and bring you some hot water. You
see. there are no BELLS
"By no means! pray do not trouble"
protested burden. anxious to get rid OF
his host and begin dressing; Il can't
bear fire in my bedroom, and | really
shan't need any hot water, for I'm
thoroughly Spartan in my habits and
Injured to cold"
"Then I'll make myself scarce, as
I've a lot to see TO-" said the squire,
turning his back and going off. With
intense satisfaction the preoccupied
lover heard the door close on his hosts
retracing footsteps, and proceeded at
once to make an elaborate toilet to meet
his lady love.
The chimes from the stable tower
by tolled out o'clock as. the young
man surveyed himself in the mirror be-
fore him. He felt highly gratified at
the reflection therein; his new dress
suit fitted to perfection, and the little
bit of padding to broaden the shoulders
was certainly a great improvement.
Only a little color was wanting to COM
plete the effect, so thrusting in his
waistcoat a pale blue silk handkerchief,
he bent forward, vigorously blew out
the candles and made for the door.
The last boom of the big clock on the
landing had died away when a graceful
form in gossamer white gayly tripped
down the wide staircase and entered
RY TERN.