Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-12-20
DECEMBER 20, 1908
NORA'S LUCKY SIXPENCE
Continued from Page ~

81 wonder" said Mrs. Melford pres
emily, chow we should each have spent
today but for DR.. Estcourts kindness"'
"Ho-ho" protested he; SAY rather
for the kindness of those who honor
me-"
Just as you please" returned Mrs.
Melford 81 should have probably
dozed the best part of the afternoon,
for want of something better to do.
And you, Miss Leigh?"
Il should have read till tea time,
and then till bedtime"
Same here" said DR.. Estcourt, land
been heartily glad when the day was
ended"
"And now?"
"Now"-he looked from the speaker
to Nora, and his eyes fingered on the
younger face with an unconscious ten
derness-"now," he said, Il shall count
the minutes and grudge their pass
ing"
$50 shall l." thought Nora, who had
not seen the look, but felt vaguely
something in the tone which prevented
her from uttering her thought aloud.
The next moment the door opened
and Lizzie, who had already removed
the first course, entered, flushed ana
triumphant. with the pudding, which
had come forth unbroken and SYM
metrical and, surmounted by a tail
sprig of holly it looked, as Nora said,
most imposing" 1t proved worthy
of Lizzie's pride in it, and the little
maid almost clapped her hands, despite
her master and his guests, when told
that the lucky siXpence imbedded in
the pudding had fallen to Miss Leigh's
share. Nora herself laughed merrily
as she put the siXpence in her purse.
money is not likely to come my
way" she said.
"Who knows?" said DR.. Estcourt
you may have an unknown uncle in
Australia"
know of is he of the three golden balls
I don't mean in personal experience"
81 hope not indeed" he answered,
gravely.
Il might, you know, only 1 doubt if
| possess anything worth presenting to
that relative. Was it you had the six
pence put into the pudding, doctorE'
Il plead guilty"
And Nora thought she would value
the little coin all the more for that
knowledge. 1t might not bring her
money, but it was sure to be kind
of mascot.
But the happy evening came to an
end at last, and Dr. Estcourt escorted
his guests to their own doors. Nora
lived some little way beyond Mrs. Mel
ford, so VIXEN they turned from the
latters door the physician had his
younger guest to himself
81 suppose" he said presently, II
shall not see you again for long
time"
The girls cheeks flushed. She was
glad of the semi-darkness of the gas
lighted street 81 dare say not" she
replied, lightly. 81 am busy all day.
and so are you"
I'VE might chance to meet at Mrs.
Melford's" That lady had cordially
invited Nora to go and see her.
81 should he very pleased" she SAID
and" He stopped abruptly
gnawing his lip. 81 have been too
happy today" he said presently; "it
isn't good for me-"
"Happiness is good for everyone"
the girl replied. She could not assume
his words to have personal reference
though she felt that they had.
mot all kinds of happiness he
corrected.
"Ah! that is a wide question 1 am
not in a philosophical mood"
"Too tired?"
tented"
what makes you so?"
1T have had a very happy day. l
ought to be contented."
''I am not l want it all over again;
but that is ungrateful. One can only
have paradise now and then-perhaps
only once in a life"
Nora could make no answer to that;
She walked on in silence, and so ola
her companion till they reached her
own door Then she paused and gave
the nhysiciqn her hand.
Good night" she said and once
more. thanks for your Kindness.
81 don't want thanks" he said-her
bond yas still in his his clasp uncon-