The Lamar register., 1900-08-29
1bC I1%A HI A Fascinating
v wen% gng 5: ;;:::.. !; &: :;='::: s:...-

how, when she was drowning even,
her one regret would be that she
should see his face no more,
The preparations for the wedding
went on apace. joyce was very popu-
lar among her friends. and quite recog-
nized TO be pearl among womanhood
Old General Grenyille. her father, had
a large acquaintance. who were all
disposed 10 make much of the beauti-
full, bright girl. Not few men We're
envious of Alan's luck. There was
quite a little stir in the circle of which
Joyce was the ornament. 1t only
wanted a fortnight 10 the wedding,
and Joyce and her betrothed were
driving down Regent street together.
II was the beginning Of May. and they
were 10 be married on the seven
teenth. BE tn Joyce and Alan were
willing TO forego the details of the
London season. They had taken
charming house in the country. where
they intended to spend the summer in
honeymooning II they liked the
neighburhood. and it suited them.
they thought OF buying II, as little
country house where they could live
when tired OF London. But for this
season it vas to be their home as
soon as tley had returned from
abroad. They were on their way to
LIberty's 70 buy hangings for their
new abode when a block occurred in
the traffic Joyce and Alan were
laughing at some foolish Joke, and
waiting for their hanson TO be Hllowed
TO move on. 4 slight woman with
child in her arms attracted his atten-
/ ton.
The child VAS about three, and
{ Alan could see that his head was Gov
{ cred with rich Drown euFls. He could
not see the woman. but the pose of
! her head seemed familiar to him. In
an instant the color ,orsook his face,
and everything seemed to turn black
/ before his eyes when he had re-
/ gained control over himself the wom-
/ an was gone Joyce turned quickly
and saw the palior on his face,
Alan. she cried. IN alarm my
+ darling. what 70 it7 Are you not
/ wcIlT"
I "A passfng taintuess, he said He
I could not tell her that this strange
( woman carrying child. and whom of
{ course he had never seen before. re-
minded him OF Veronica, and II gave
I him shock
Are you often like this7" she
I asked, anSiously. oh Alan, there is
/ only fortnight more, and then |
shall BE- able TO come and take care OF
/ you always. am sure you do too
8
( He grippsd her hand hard, II would
+ be exquisite TO have her with him al
ways but he was truthful above all
: things 4 have never been faint be
Z tore he said
Then 1t Is the prul peet OF spending
l,te with mr that alarms you" she
said. Eaily. Alan had rsgBined his
gsual color and his usual manner.
( The cab stopped al the door OF the
2 shop. and he spraHE out TO help her
Z down. They were both very much in
! earnest over their purchase Joyce
I had exquisite taste. and Alan was
/ deeply Interested in getting all that
she wanted: but he was conscious all
. the time OF feeling nt strain. Do
what he would he could not get the
woman's hgure out OF his head. It
was an utter absurdity that this
strange woman with her child should
have so upset him. and he hated him
( self for the thought that he must al
ways keep something from joyce.
( Although she knew all about it, yet
he felt that he should not have liked
to tell her Why ne turned faint when
the hanson stopped He did so yearn
I to be entirely one with the girl who
( had promised herself TO him. and how
could he with the shadow OF the past
I over him Aud all the time that he
! criticized Joyoets hnngings, and the
! eolors and tmts thar would do well
J with her fair skin aud light hair. he
/ felt an undereurrent of restlessness.
ITS only because my happiness has
made me nervous. feel like the old
I Greeks. VINO made libations to their
gods when some great good fortune
( happened TO them. II could only give
something-a hank-offering-for what
! have gott'
Joyce was too much In sympathy
with him not to know that something
was worrying him. They went to
lunch at some quiet place. and when
she had got her gloves on she put her
hand in his and said Now. what Is