The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1899-05-11

corner where they part that you Will
follow the one whom you decide upon.
Ride your wheel just as slow as you can,
but you mustn't stop or fall Of"
"Yes," said Celia.
"And if at the very last you can't de-
eide to leave it all to the wheel"
Leave it to the wheel?" Celia did not
understand.
Eyes. Haven't you ever noticed your
wheel act independent of yourself?
That is, turn this way or that without
your consciously making t?''
ut did that when was learning to
| ride"
But since?"
"Yes-sometimes."
"Well, that's the way planchetta
works." said the other, mysteriously.
Its really ones subconsciousness
that does it, suppose. You know
| subconsciousness is like clairvoyance
and second sight and hypnotism and all
those things which know all about the
past and future"
Celia shuddered.
I'm afraid of such things"
But not of subconsciousness. To be
afraid of that would be like being afraid
of ones own soul"
''Well, what them" eagerly.
"Why, if it is best that you should ac-
cept Mr.. Ford your wheel will keep
straight ahead down Columbia avenue
after him. But if you really ought to re-
fuse him it will turn without your real
ly making it, down the street that your
father takes"
'Really?"
Yes"
Il have read that the wheel taught
one decision" Celia said. But l never
knew just how"
well, that's how said Mrs. Cassidy,
slowly and thoughtfully.
The sun had disappeared behind the
tall brick blocks to the west and left
the street, canyonlike, in soft shadows.
Celia darted among the carriages, dodg-
ing heavily-laden trucks, the while
keeping sharp eye upon the walk for
two men.
"Oh, there he isl" she said, softly,
with a little thrill of delight. Norm
has a new suit of gray-that's why |
didn't know him sooner. What would
he think of me if he knew l was so
near, watching him? He said he should
be under torture till | gave him my an
swer. He doesn't act like it. What
can papa and he be talking so agreeablv
about? Papa, the dear old SOUL But
l must be thinking. 1 must choose be-
tween them
Gela's face paled a 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.
He has said again and again that he
knew when | was in the same room
with him-that he could feel my eyes"
They crossed jefferson street.
Its at the next corner, now!" she
gasped, land haven't decided yet. I
am all that papa has in this world.
How can l 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 | do? just can't decide.
Laura said leave it to the wheel. What
will the wheel do?"
There was a breathless moment.
Cela'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 more
turn of the pedals would carry her by.
Slower, slower. Suddenly her wheel
turned sharply to the right.
sob, it's for papa" she said, 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 the 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 1 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"
eyes," Celia answered quickly for
him, and Ford felt he was to know his.
fate that night, and feared what 1t
would be. Celia was very pale; her
manner was unmistakable.
After tea Mr.. Bethune sat in his Ii
brary. Celia had taken stool and
| drawn it near him in the dusk.
Daughter, I'm going to take Mr..
Ford into partnership in my business"
sob, papa, he-he has asked me to
be his wife, tool"
"Too? I'm not going to be his wife;