Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-05-27


out of little Miss Rays face. When
she had been very, very young and
charming, and Jack Sutherland an
awkward lad of ten, their fathers had
planned a marriage in the future.
Soon after Jacks father had died and
Jack had gone to live with his moth
er's relatives in England He carried
with him the memory of a pair of
sweet eyes. Twelve years passed.
Neither chafed against the paternal
decision of their childhood. No fair
English maiden displaced his first love
in Jacks loyal heart. As for Jessica,
she had grown to think of Jack as a
hero. who was coming across the sea
to claim her.
One day, just two weeks ago it was,
she went down to the drawing room in
response to the servants announce
ment. A gentleman standing in the
window turned at her entrance.
1T is-it is-little Jessica!"
She knew him then. Jessica's heart
gave a great throb. She put her hand
in his with an air of cool surprise.
touch of well bred reproof in her greet
ing.
And you are-Mr. Sutherland
Neither had in any way suggested the
odd relationship in which they tacitly
stood to each other. Both felt the
chain that bound them, for all its mas
sive golden links a very frail and brit
ne one in the passionate strength Of
youthful impulse.
Of his courtship Jack Sutherland
made short work. Putting aside the
understanding between their fathers
like the man he was he wooed her for
her own sweet sake. Just two nights
ago he had told her in his own direct
fashion how dearly he loved her.
cts the money" moaned Jessica'
cts the horrid, detestible money he
wants. 1t isn't me-"
But after awhile she sprang up, rub
hing two very small, resolute fists in
two very pink eyes. 81 won't see him
tonight. And I'll be in the library at
ten. I'll look my very loveliest-I will
i will
It was after ten before she could
escape from her companion and make
her wav to the library. Her hand on
the portiere dividing that apartment
from the morning room she paused.
Voices. She didn't intend to caves
drop. OF course it was unintentional
all was said and over so quickly.
eve decided to take her" Jacks
quiet voice was saying YEARLY. IT'S
the only thing I can do now.
shes skittish, 1 know, but (by way
Of consolation she may outgrow
that"
well. drop the subject" In low
er voice: Keep it dark, like good
how. I don't want people to know that
7 an such a young fool as to be taken
in by bag of bones, all paint and
drugs"
Jessica was plump as a partridge
and her complexion was a bloom
patented by natures self. She felt
herself growing faint and dizzy, Was
that Jack who talked so-could it be
her Jack?
90 come. now" laughed Ned. you
know you are exaggerating. She's not
quite as bad as that
pretty nearly" ruefully. q don't
50 much mind her skittishness-I could
break her of that, I hatter myself-but
she has a terrible temper!"
She sank down on it heavily, weak
" exhaustedly. Horror Of horrors!
L At first succumbed a second to her
weight. then moved, protested with
vigorous energy shrieked.
Jessica leaped to her feet, her soft
Quick cry Of alarm mingling with that
UTILIZED roar Of rheumatic agony.
That's aunt" gasped Ned.
"7essica!" cried Jack. The light
from the library poured into the shad-
owy morning room. 1t fell on Jes-
slca standing just within very white