The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-09-06
THE NEW
PLANCHETTE.

There was no one to answer the bell
so Mrs. Cassidy went herself.
'Why, Celia Bethune! am so glad
to see your she cried, in greeting her
visitor.
''Yes, wanted to see you" the girl
returned, fervently, as they kissed each
other. 81 was out for spin, and came
this way. How do you like
my new suite"
al like it. 1t looks just lovely on
you"
isn't the skirt too short"
''Not q bit. You want it short"
"But not too short, F." insisted the girl.
vas so afraid il would be too short.
Some look perfectly shocking"
'I know. But yours isn't a bit too
short. Come in this way, where We
can talk"
"Oh, but mustn't stay.
"I thought you wanted to see me-"
Cela's 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 regard 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
measure in certain other lights.
How old are you, Celia ?'' she asked,
abruptly.
"Why, Laura Cassidy! What ques-
tion! Do you think I'm going to tell >
. Nineteen. Why"
"You will be getting married before
long"
ooh, my goodness. Pm never going
to marry. But I've had u proposal, -
blushing furiOusly.
"And you've said 'Yes@ Pm 50 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 OIL.
ooh, dear, no! And what's more, 1
am not going to say Yes Oh, l don't
know what Pm going to say. How do
you decide about such things? You
had to, once, not long ago. Tell me-
That's what came for"
A note of tremulous despair hovered
about her voice.
"Irs 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 man.
Celia retorted, with a touch Of resent
ment.
Mrs. Cassidy gave tone to rich
laugh. She was in love with the mo-
ment. Celia was mindful only of the
main question.
"You see, / would have to leave papH
aud go and live with N-Mr. Ford.
I've only known him few MONTHS
year or two at mOst-and Pve known
papa all my life"
Mrs. Cassidy's laugh was very pro
Celia was vexed.
"Oh, you know what / mean. What
makes you behave so? thought you
would help me-"
"And so 1 will. You must stay with
me week. S-nd for your things You
must think it over. A matter of this
kind can't be decided at once"
That's just what told Norman
said the girl, flushing jOyOusly. ats
so kind Of you to help me. / knew
you would. l want 10 talk it all over
with you. You see, don't want tC
make any mistake"
And talk it over they did, every day
almost every hour, for week.
at will be better for you not to se'
Mr. Ford until you cs n give him a def
mite answer" her friend had said, and
Celia aequieseed in the wisdom OF this
"Of course, can't choose for you.
can only help you to know your OWL
mind"
"HOw did you ever choOse?' Cell
asked, envious OF sltr friends ability.
at was easy. I just knew"
"That's it. YCR sIways know every
thing, and I .ver know anything"
Later, when Mrs. Cassidy questiOne'
her, Celia said, "In the morning I'm al
for papa. Thel it seems just as elea
as can be what 1 shSiI do. But towar'
evening, about the time Nor--Mr. For'
usually comes." the red poured int
Cela's cheeks, "why, I'm all at SCI
again"
"But you don't really have to chOos
between them You just"
"Oh, yes, L dor interrupted Celia
very positively. "It can never he tn
same. 1t will all be different. Ishoul
have to give up papa, and l shall mos
certainly say Mo-
This was in the morning.
In the afternoon Mrs. Cassidy an
Celia went for spin through the park
on their wheels.
"Oh, Mr.. Ford and j have had sue
lovely rides on his tandemw Celia said
rapturously. al wish had writte
him a note telling where am staying
I really don't think there would be an
harm in his coming, and he might hel
me to decision. 1t really seems as
it would be heartless to say No. for b
says he thinks everything of me. 70
Just ought to hear him! And, as 70
say, / haven't really got to give pap
up He might come and live with u
Anyway, eOuld see him every day
almost as much as do now, for he
away all day at the Office. But it di
seem so terrible at firstp'
In the morning the terror Of it all n
turned, made worse by q feeling that
decision must be reached that day, fC
it was the last Of her stay with h'
friend.
When Mrs. Cassidy joined Celia he
face was beaming with plan whie
she had thought out
"I've q way, Celia, for you to knO'