Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1899-04-14

Leave it to the wheel?" Celia did
not understand.
Eyes. Haven't you ever noticed
your wheel act independent of your
self? That is, turn this way or that
without your consciously making it,"
cit did that when / was learning to
ride.
But since?"
Eyes sometimes.
"Well, that's the way piauchette
works. said the other mysteriously
Its really ones subconsciousness
that does it, | suppose. You know
subconsciousness is like clairvoyancs
and second sight and hypnotism and
all those things which know all about
the past and future"
Celia shuddered.
II am afraid of such things"
"But not of subconsciousness. To
be afraid OF that would be like being
afraid of ones own soul. "
We'll, what then?" eagerly.
"Why, il it is best that you should
accept Mr.. Ford your wheel will keep
straight ahead down Columbia ave-
nue. after him. But if you really
ought to refuse him it will turn with
odt your really making it, down the
street that your father takes.
"Really?'
''Yes.
81 have read that the wheel taught
one decision, Celia said, "but 1 never
knew just how"
"WelI, that's how said Mrs. Cas-
sidy, slowly and thoughtfully.
The sun had disappeared behind
the tall brick blocks to the west, and
left the street, cauyonlike, in soft
shadows. Celia darted among the car
riages, lodging heavily laden trucks,
the while keeping a sharp eye upon
the walk for two men.
ooh, there he is" she said softly,
with little thrill Of delight. Norm
has new suit OF gray; that's why |
didn't know him sooner. What would
he think if he knew [ was 50 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 agree
ably about? Papa, the dear old soul!
But [ must he thinking-I must
choose between 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. Ho 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, "and | 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 any one
else-he d rather die than live without
me. Oh, here is the corner. And
they are separating. 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 GREATNESS moment.
Celas wheel was going very slow;
then slower, slower, but straight
ahead Upon its movements hung
her fate Would it decide fer Norm?
Her heart had almost ceased to beat.
One more turn of the pedals would
carry her by. Slower, slower Sud,
denly her wheel turned sharply to the
right.
"Oh, 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 tc Columbia avenue.
you're not looking WE'LL" Mr.
Bethune said.
Give been doing some very hare
riding" Celia replied, avoiding his
eyes, for there were tears i'll her own
"Why, there is Nor, Mr. Ford.
she exclaimed, as that young mar
came up the side street toward them
Ford was surprised to find Celt
with her father, but delighted withal
Her reception was such as enc nigh
give the ghost of a dear dead friend
Here are some papers | meant tx
give YOU, but forgot them.
"Oh, yes, replied Eethune, takin!
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 70
him, and Ford felt he was to know hi
fate that night, and feared what l
would be. Celia was very pale; he
manner was unmistakable.
After tea Mr.. Bethune sat in hi
library. Celia had taken stool ant
drawn it near him in the dusk.
Daughter, I'm going to take Mr.
Ford into partnership in my bust
ness"
ooh, papa, he--he has asked me t
be his wife, tool"
"Too? "Im not going to be hi
wife; you needn't be SO frightened.
ooh, you hcrrid papa You kno'
what l mean. There's his tell now,
she added springing to her feet.
"Well, I half expected it," sighe
the old man, "but he'll have to com
here to live. [ can't have him carry
, ing you away
"Come here to live," Celia repeate
to herself as she flew to answer tn
} ring. "Why. of course-that's WIFI
it meant his coming up that othe