The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-07-31
mCMU@U@c2@c2McmOOMU@C@
|TheH0nOrof
Nurse Joyce


4 pected to leave London in few days
for Southern Russia.
ono, miss" replied Billy. "Mr.
Joyce left for the Midlands last night,
and he won't be back till the week
end. l think he is likely to be away a
good deal now" volunteered the office
10y, with an air of vast Importance
that was Infinitely amusing. Billy
knew that 'his f1rm"-he always
spoke of it as my frm"-was rising
in the world, and that Philips alb.
sence was concerned with the build
ing of the new cathedral in the Mid
lands. Business is booming, Miss"
he went on, smiling knowingly. But
Mr. Forde is in" he added. Jerking his
thumb toward the partners room.
Shall tell him that you are here?"
If any one had asked Christabel
whether she thought she might see
Norman Forde that morning she
would probably have denied with un-
conscious and innocent hypocrisy any
such idea but now. as the secret wish
CT her heart was put before her thus
nakedly, she was for disclaiming it,
1t was better that she should not see
Norman; she could send Philip line
telling him of her new engagement
SO she said to herself.
NO." she said to Billy, turning
away.
That's Mr. Forde calling me-"
cried Billy, as bell rang in his den
won't you wait minute, miss?"
Christabel shook her head and
walked out, her heart very heavy and
her step slow. She had hardly gain
ed the street when she heard the
sound of hurried footsteps on the
stairs down which she had just come
and then her name was uttered by a
voice which she knew we'll. so that
the color mantled her cheeks. She
stopped, and Norman, hatless and
GREATNESS, stood before her
How do you do, Christabel? Billy
told me that you had come to see
Philip, but he's off for a day or two
about the cathedral. Can be of any
! use?"
The greeting was on conventional
lines. and it could not we'll be other
wise in the circumstances, but Nor
mans voice was choking-though it
was not because he had run down the
stairs in such hurry.
They gazed at each other as they
shook hands-his a gaze of eager
questioning, hers soft response she
could not keep out of her eyes. He
thought she was looking pale and
wearied; she noticed lines on his fore
head she had not observed before, and
knew that she was the cause of those
lines. He was smiling, but the smile
was somewhat forced and did not hide
the love-hunger in his eyes. Yet she
was glad to see him, and did not fail
to hear that he addressed her as
"Christabel," and not as Miss Joyce"
Il called to see Philip" she said, Ito
tell him that I have become nurse to
Miss Sisterson, who is far from
strong. Sir John died last night-but
YOU would see the announcements in
the papers,"
Eyes. saw them But won't you
come upstairs, Christabel, and tell me
all about it," asked Norman, plead
ingly.
She looked at him and hesitated.
She told herself that in all probability
1t would be long time before she
| would see him again: perhaps it
might be never Might she not-just
this once-do what he wished?
well. for minute or two" she re.
piled. Il can't very we'll keep you
standing with your hat off in a public
street filled with people, can II" she
! asked, with something of her old
| brightness and charm.
''Of course not" he replied, almost
gaily.
Billy cast g. glance of inquiry at
them as they came in, and suppressed
a grin.
ct ought to be a case" he said to
his desk; "and they'd make proper
pair" and he grinned again. "She's
daisy, and he amt half bad. Well
I never! Did you ever?" he asked OF
the desk.
$50 Sir John Sisterson is dead
said Norman to Christabel, as he shut
the door of his room and was alone
with her, by way of opening the con
versation, though this was not what
he wanted to say "He lasted muct
longer after the accident than was ex
pected."
yes; he sank very slowly till close
on the end" said Christabel. with hel
head partly turned from him, bu
with her heart beating fast.
And you are not leaving Han,
Square at once? You are to stay a,
nurse to Miss Sisterson?"
That's what called to tell Philip
but l am not to stay long at Ham
Square. as Immediately after tn
funeral Miss Sisterson and depar
for sulja. the Sistersons' place ii
South Russia"
Indeed" cried Norman. startled
So she was going away; out Of Ems
land altogether. This was NO goo
news to him. III. Il B, 5. 6.
, "S,,1ia ~ ho V.,ont -, az :, !. !, q.