The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-09-06
WHOLE NO. 25lO.

"And If, at the very last, you can't
decide, leave 1t all to the wheel"
leave it to the wheel2'' Celia did
not understand.
"Yes. Haven't you even noticed your
wheel act independent Of yourself?
That is, turn this way or that without
your consciously making it?'
at did that when l was learning to
ride"
"8ut sinee?'
"Nes-sOmetimes
"well, that's the way planchetta
works" said the other, mysteriously.
ats really ones subconsciousness that
does it, I suppose. You know, subeon-
scionsness is like clairyOyance and see
ond sight aud hypnOtism and all those
things which know all about the past
and future"
Celia shuddeTed.
81 am afraid OF such things"
''But not Of subconsciousness. To be
afraid of that would be like being afraid
of ones own soul"
"Well, what then ~ eagerly.
"Why, if il is best that you should
accept Mr. Ford, your wheel will keep
straight ahead down Columbia avenue
after him. But if you really ought to
refuse him il will turn without your
really making it, down the street that
your father takes"
"Really?'
ayes"
II have read that the wheel taught
one decision, " Celia said. "But / never
knew just how"
"Well, that's how" said Mrs. CASH
dy, slowly.
The sun had disappeared behind the
tall brick blocks to the west, when Celia
darted among the carriages. the while
keeping a sharp lookout upon the walk
for two men.
"Oh, there be is! Norman has new
suit Of gray. What would he think of
me if he knew was watching him?
He said he would be in torture till
gave him my answer. He doesn't act
like it. What can he and papa be talk
ing about so eontidentially? Papa, the
dear old soul! But must be thinking.
must choose between them.D
Cela's face paled a little.
"Papa wouldn't come and live with
us. he just couldn't. Whenever we
have talked OF boarding, he has said he
could not bear to give up his home. It's
a wonder Norman 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.
''It's at the next corner, nOwr' she
gasped, "and | haven't decided yet. 1
au all that papa has in the world. Can
] leave him alone? Would il be right?
Laura seemed TO think it would. Nor
man says he can never love any one
else - that he'd rather die than live
without me. Oh, here's the corner.
And they are separating. Papa is look
ing this way. What shall do? / Just
can't decide. Laura said leave it to the
wheel. What will the wheel dO?"
There VAS breathless moment. Ce-
las wheel Vas going very slowly, but
straight ahead. Upon its movements
hung her fate. Would it decide for
Norman? Hex beart had almost ceas-
ed to beat. One more turn Of the ped
ais would carry her by. Slower, slower.
Suddenly her wheel turneS sharply to
the right.
''Oh, it's for papa" she said, With a
breath that came like a knife in her
side. "POOr Norman"
Ia another moment Cela had over
takea her father.
''Y00 are not looking we'll, - said As.
Bethune.
"Tve been doing some pretty hard
riding" Celia replied, avoiding his eyes.
for there ~ere tears in her own. "Why.
there is Noz-Mr FOrd" she exelaim-
ed, as the goHng man came up the side
street.
Ford was surprised to find Celia with
her father, but delighted withal. Her
reception was such as one might give
the ghost of a dear friend.
Here are some papers meant to
give yoG, but forgot them"
-4Oh, yes" replied Bethune, taking
the package. you'll be up this even,
ing?' he inquired, with look toward
his daughter, which seemed to add
"uow that Celia is home"
'Yes," Celia answered quickly fol
him, and Fsrd felt he was to know hi:
fate that night, and feared what i
would be. Cesa was pale; her mannel
was unmistak&&sle.
, After tea Mr.. Bethune sat in his Ii
bFary in the dusk. Celia had taken ;
stool and drawn II near him.
Daughter, I'm going to take Mr.
Ford into partnership in my business
'-Oh, papa, ha-he has asked me Il
be his wife, toor'
''TOO?" I'm not going to be his wife
YOU needn't be so frightened"
"Oh, you horrid papa. SOu know
what mean. There's his bell now,
she added, springing to her feet.
swell, L half expected it, sighedth
old man, "but he'll have to come hes
t. live Tezn't have him carrying 20
away"
"Come hens to live" Celia repeated {
herself as she flew to answer the ring
~Why, Of e0nFse-thst's what it mean
/ his coming up that other street
Join US. My wheel knew how it wa
to be-"
"Well, which Is it?' said Ford, lik
one asking his doom.
I "IPs yes Bat, oh, it came awful
near being no. must tell you aboJ
I it. Now don't besiliy."-N. Y. Heralt