Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1899-05-11

I be under torture lii gave MIN my an
swer. He doesn't act like it. What
Gun papa and he be talking so agreeably
about? Papa, the dear old soul! But
I must be thinking. must choose be-
tween them"
Cela's face paled little.
Papa wouldn't come and live with
us. He just couldn't. Whenever we've
talked of boarding, he has said he could
not bear to give up his home. It's a
wonder Norm doesn't look this way.
lie has said again and again that hs
knew when was in the same roor1
with him-that he could feel my eyes"
They crossed Jefferson street.
ITS ut the next corner, now" she
gasped, land haven't decided yet.
am all that papa has In this world.
How can I leave him alone? Would it
be right? Other daughters do. Laura
seemed to think it would. Norm says
he can never love anyone else - he'd
rather die than live without me. Oh,
here IS the corner. And they are sep
arating. Papa Is looking this way.
What shall I do? I just can't decide.
Laura said leave it to the wheel. What
will the wheel do?"
There was a breathless moment.
Ccla's wheel was going very slow; then
slower, slower, but straight ahead.
Upon its movements hung her fate.
Would it decide for Norm? Her heart
had almost ceased to beat. One moro
turn of the pedals would carry her by.
Slower, slower. Suddenly her wheel
turned sharply to the right.
"Oh, It's for papa" she sold. with
breath that came like a knife In her
side. Poor Norm"
In another moment Celia had over
taken her father, and together they
turned down the street, which ran
parallel to Columbia avenue.
you're not looking WELL" Mr.. Beth
une said.
1--WE been doing some very hard rid
ing" Celia replied, avoiding his eyes,
for there were tears in her own. "Why,
there is Nor-Mr. Ford" she exclaimed.
as that young man came up tho side
street toward them.
Ford was surprised to find Celia with
her father, but delighted withal. Her
reception was such as one might give
the ghost Of dear friend.
Here are some papers I meant to
give you, but forgot them"
"Oh, yes" replied Bethune, taking
the package. You'll be up this even
ing?" he inquired with a look toward
his daughter which seemed to add,
now that Celia is home"
YES" Celia answered quickly for
him, and Ford felt he was to know his
fate that night and feared what it
would be. Celia was very palei her
manner wac unmistekable-
After tea Mr.. Bethune sat IN his IL
brary. Celia had taken stool and
drawn it near him In the dusk.
Daughter, Pm going to take Mr..
Ford into partnership in my business"
"Oh, papa, he-he has asked me to
be his wife, tool"
TOO? I'm not going to be his wife;
you needn't be so frightened"
"Oh. you horrid papa! You know
what I mean. There's his bell now"
she added, springing to her feet
swell, I half expected it" sighed the
old man, "but he'll have to come here
to 1.-Two. I can't have him carrying you
away"
Come here to live" Celia repeated
to herself as she flew to answer the
ring. "Why, of course-that's what 1t
meant his coming up that other street
to join us. My wheel knew how 1t was
to be-"
"Well, which is it?" said Ford, like
one asking his doom.
ITS yes. But oh, 1t came awfully
near being no! I mus. tell you about
It. Now, don't act silly."-N. y. Herald