The Forrest City times., 1899-04-14
The New PlanChette

bell, so Mrs. Cassidy went herself
I.Why. Celia Bethune. i am so glad!
she cried, in greeting her visitor.
"Yes, | wanted to see you," the girl
returned fervently, as they kissed each
other. y was out for spin and came
this way. How do you like
my new suit?"
II like il. 1t looks just lovely on you.
isn't the skirt too short?''
"Not bit. You want it short"
"But not too short" insisted the girl
81 was so afraid it would be too short
Some look perfectly shocking"
Il know. But yours isn't bit toe
short. Come in this way, where we car
sit down."
"0h, but | mustn't stay"
81 thought you wanted to see me?"
Celas exercise had heightened the
color in her pretty face. but blush in
creased it still more as Mrs. Cassidy re-
called those first words. Celia covered
her confusion with more talk in re-
gard to her new gown and the trials
she had undergone in having it cut and
fitted. Even as she spoke Mrs. Cassidy
seemed forced to take the girls meas
ure in certain other light.
How old are you. Cela?" she asked
abruptly.
why, Laura Cassidy! What ques-
ton! Do you think I'm going to tell E:
Nineteen. Why?"
You'll be getting married before
| long"
"0h, my goodness! I'm never going
to marry. But I've had a proposal,
blushing furiously.
And you've said: Yes I'm so glad
How lovely of you to come and tell me
all about it,
Mrs. Cassidy was about to fold the
girl in her arms again, but Celia waved
her off.
"Oh, dear, no! And what's more, I'm
not going to say: Yes Oh, don't
know what I'm going to say How do
you decide about such things? You've
mad to, once, not long ago. Tell me.
that's what | came for"
note of tremulous despair hovered
about her voice
Its easy. You must know whether
you love Norman Ford or not"
Norman Ford! How did you guess
him?"
Why, who else could it be?"
he isn't the only young mani" Celia
fetorted, with touch of resentment.
MRS. Cassidy gave tone to a rich
laugh She was in love with the mo-
inent Celia was mindful only of the
main question.
You see, l would have to leave papa
ana go and live with N-Mr. Ford. I've
ohiy known him few months-a year
or TWO at most-and I've known papa
all my life"
MRS. Cassidy's laugh was very pro-
ohng. Celia was vexed.
oh' you know what 1 mean. What
makes you behave so? / thought you
would help me-"
and so will. You must stay with
ae week. Send for your things. You
nuss think it over. A matter of this
ind can't be decided at once"
mats just what l told Norm'!" said
4segiri' flashing joyously. Its so kind
you to help me. knew you would.
want TO talk it all over with you. You
cont want to make any mistake. "
Ahu talk it over they did every day,
most .w every hour, for week.
VIII be better for you not to see
ford until you can give him a
ennlte answer" her friend had said.
~ celia acquiesced in the wisdom of
VI course, / can't choose for
NJ can only help you to know your
wn mind"
now did you ever choose?" Celia
u' sse envious of her friends ability.
.su, I. was easy. just knew"
mat 1t; you always know every
ing and never know anything"
.ater' when Mrs. Cassidy questioned
.' oeia said: I'm the morning I'm all
papa. Then it seems just as clear as
oe what l shall do. But toward
ening about the time Nor-Mr. Ford
!, saaiiy comes"-the red poured into
gain" 90 se'