The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-02

| 'he telephOne boX the clerk OF the Hote
Zulu leaning over the onyx counter, ban
tering with a stylishly dressed Chimes,
tourist. When he did respond it was t.
say that her mother and father had left
that morning for Mount Ora. Their next
address would be at the Summit House
Lake Nyassa, which they hoped to reach
by July 10. the day appointed for her mar
rage. Poor Alora,
rs she ill?" inquired Eric.
NO" said Alora's aunt; land yet she
doesn't look really well, either"
Il came back from the North only this
afternoon and mother said she hadn t
seen Alora for week"
"She has received her notice, you know.
! don't know why she should feel so, I'm
Won't she see me-just for a minute ?"
mo; she said she couldn't see you to-
night"
Eric's eyebrows almost Joined each
other in their gloomy scowIing as he
walked slowly away. Down below in the
darkness he could see the lights of ves-
sells at anchor in the river, throwing long,
trembling reflections that glittered in red
and green. Near the shore lay steamer
that doomed up to an enormous size. 1t
was the Tyra, which sailed the next day
for Spain. While his eyes wandered rest
lessly over the water some one hurried
by him. 1t was Alora. He recognized her
at once. and in an instant had overtaken
her. 1t startled him when she looked up,
her face was so very white and her eyes
shone so.
What is 1t, Alora?"
She tried to laugh, but the laugh was a
failure.
Isn't this the trouble-isn't it that
you're finding out that you do believe in
the old ideas in spite of yourself? Alora,
I'VE been thinking while stood here that
as a substitute, and well sail away on her
tomorrow night to Spain and leave this
lccursed system behind US"
"Oh, if We could,' she said, almost in a
whisper, pressing her hands together
lightly. But l don't know whether l
hink your way. Eric. l like you better
han anyone else, but"
Never mind" said Eric, looking down !
It her tenderly; perhaps l can teach you |
o think my way"
1t was feverish night for Alora. In the |
morning, as soon as she had seen her |
Iunt safely off to make visit in the next
ownship, she set about her preparations.
there was no one in the house, and yet
he found herself stealing softly from
DOM to room on tiptoe, collecting her
hings like thief.
At times feeling of shame nearly put
n end to the work; then Z thought of
that would happen on the next day II
he stayed came to goad her on Every !
hing was ready at last, even to the cloak
nat was to hide this backsliding daugh-
IT of Township No. 1.
It was to minute when Eric came.
Let me have your things, Alora; we
aven't a moments time to spare"
There were the inevitable few last in
spensables to get together. Alora had
me UP stairs for the fourth time to rum
age for something when Unexpectedly
lie came upon a little book in white and
Id 1t was the Life of Chauvel."
Eric was pacing the hall below. his
nall remnant of patience evaporating
pidIy Come, Alora, we can't wait any
niger. We've only twenty minutes now
I'd after minute, You must come at
ce, Alora!"
When she came down it was with her
t and cloak off. Eric looked at her in
constituent.
Il can't GO" She held the book in her j
nd. II found this and l can't 60" C
"Aloran' There was despair and en- s
eaty in his voice. c
I've promised to him." she said point
to the face on the cover. Think of
lat he endured I've been proud to be-
We in him, and now when my turn comes r,
suffer little / turn coward. l can't II
untrue to that dead man. And, Eric"
rhe bell in the town hall clock rang
, half hour with it's usual solemnity.
ic sank into q chair. We're too late!" n
She realized fully what his words meant t.
her, but in the determination to be d.
thful to her belief at any cost she was 81
troubled about herself. The misfor-
lie seemed to have fallen not on her, "
on Eric. She stood before him with a
a word or a motion.
there was the sound of voices ST
the hall and the maid brought in let f.
. Alora broke the seal and read through
paper at first listlessly. and then, as
, began to understand it, she gave an
,ited little gasp and thrust the paper
o Eric's hand. 10
oh, Eric, it's not too late. Read it!' 81
,ric was on his feet just in time to re- tr
We Alora and her shower of tears. He a.,
naged to keep one arm around her, :,
lie with the other he held the paper
lind her back, where the lamplight fell -
it, and read its surprising contents:
Dear Madam: 1t is with profound re-
t that the bureau begs to inform you
t owing TO clerical error the number pc
the citizen assigned you was given as
instead of 4O5 eric Holt, which lat
number is hereby substituted. In III
W of the unfortunate mistake, your
rriage, il you so desire, will be post
led for ten days. Permit us to tender lis
most sincere apologies" au
/ was signed by the secretary of the
eau. no
sa
1oro bas eiven her husband much as Hf