The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-03-09
THE TWO JACKS.

y J
ger, lived i'll Brixton.
They belonged to the Same club, and
i'll spite of the difference in their aces
moved i'll the Same set.
Foremost III the train of Angola Pr;.h-
ncli's admirers was Jack Harding; but,
although Angela was kinder to him than
to any OF the others, he yet lacked cour
age 10 risk IL possible rejection.
The Prudnclls gave II ball, and Jacl;
made up his mind To take the first on
portunity Of declaring his love. 1t was
late when no arrived, and he looked
mXiously around for his ladylovc. lie
discovered her quito at the end of The
room, convcrsing intimately with hi:
Uncle Jack. The crowd was large. and
it was several minutes before he could
reach them
In the meantime Mr.. Jack Harding
and Miss Prudnc!l were talking.
Miss Angela" said Uncle Jack. al
those orchids -
II am ashamed to confess it" an
swered Miss Prudncll, "but I actually
do not care for them
Mr.. Harding was shocked. He had
an unboundod admiration for orchids and
thought every one else should see their
beauties.
"Why, my dear Miss Angela, do you
Know, positively adore
Beg pardon, Miss Prudncll, but this
is our waltz, " interrupted gentleman.
and thus Mr. Harding lost his chance
OF telling her why he adorcd-orchids
Jack walked about, vexcd at himself
for missing his chance, until the eyoln-
lions OF the dance brought Angola al
most to his side as the last strains of the
music died away
Going uD to her, he offered her his
arm and led her to the conservatory.
There Jack fondly imagined his tale of
love could be easily told.
Not so. Tho glowing words of the
speech he had so carefully composed
forsook his tongue. He sat by Angela 5
side for some moments, talking of in
different things, trying i'll vain to recall
them At last, i'll despair, he spoke:
Angela, you know 1 adore you.
Can't You love me little, and-marry
me, Angcla:"
81 have found you at last, Miss Prud-
nell, " broke i'll Il joyous voice, and the
tall form of ono of jacks friends doomed
up before them.
"Confound the man, he muttcrcd
beneath his breath; then, turning to
Angela, he said:
"Ah, Miss Prudncll that little mat
ter we were discussing, you know.
Would you kindly drop INC q note at the
club i'll the morning, telling me what
you Will do?'
Angela promised TO send the note and
passed out of the conservatory.
Jack waking thought the next morn
ing was of Anycla's letter awaiting him,
ut the club
He hurried off rs soon as possible
and asked for his letters.
There is mono for you," said the
man.
Jack sank into Il chair. She intended
to refuse him, after all, and could not
bring herself TO write the unllind words.
She did not love him.
Then camo wild desire to get away
away from all that might remind him
of her, and he rushed ont of the room
and ran full tilt into his uncle After
they had recovered themselves the uncle
spoke
jack said he, edo you want $40 :
600? The money shall be yours, my boy,
dropping his voice to Il whisper
If you will take II charming girl of
my hands "
Jack started in amazcmcnt, unable to
speak
Won see, Jack, at the ball last
night was talking with IL young lady
about orchids. l leaned over hcr-alas !
L fear too devotcdly-and said My
dear Miss -, L positively adore
and before 1 could finish some fellow
came up and took her away. This morn
ing received note from her saying
she accepted my interrupted offer had
loved me IL long while and called me
thought | meant ;,dorcd her instead of
orchids. Angela Prudncll has always
been great favorite of mine. but L
don want 70 marry
III do my best, Uncle Jack, to help
you.
Young Jack went straight to Angela
and explained how nearly he had missed
getting the letter and also of his un-
clc's dilemma.
When Jack returned to the club, his
uncle was still there. He came up to
him, and his eyes asked the question
his lips dared not ask
IT'S all right, uncle, announced
Jack. Il have Angela's promise that she
will be my wife
Bless you, Jack! You are noble,
self sacrificing fricnd!' cried Mr. Hard
ing as he dropped into chair. with IL
long sigh of relief. And now for the
money"
Il cannot take it," said Jack. you
see, that letter was meant for me. L