The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-05-08

had net been Philips.
I'VE expect to be very busy in a
short time," wrote Philip, land one or
the other Of us. or both, will almost
certainly lie a good deal out Of Lon
don, as work Oh the cathedral is to
begin without delay. Is it possible for
you to get an evening off, Chrissy?
And soon? The sooner the better.
Let me know at once, will you? When
this is settled I'll ask Ada Arlington
if she can come, too
Miss Arlington. of course, was the
young lady in whom Philip was inter-
ested.
There will Just be the four of US.
But, say. old girl. isn't it magnifi-
cent?" And thus ended the letter.
Yes. it is magnificent" said Chris
label to herself, and she was filled
with delight. That evening off must
be got. 1t was very important to her
that she should get it, for did not that
mean seeing Norman Forde? Yet
she kesitated at first to ask Lady Sis
terson for a favor, fearing that it
might be refused. To her surprise.
however, she found her ladyship I'M
eXpectedly gracious.
"Yoa can have tomorrow night. if
YOU Ike, nurse" she said, adding, in
consequently. as it might seem, MAX
we'll dimes cut to-morrOw-a business
dinner, ] understand" and she locked
at Christabal with an innuiring
glance.
But that will leave you alone at
dinner tomorrow. Lady Siste:son.
Would you rather that went out the
next evening"" asked Christabel,
knowing perfectly we'll that Lady Sis
terson might possibly suspect that her
evening off might perchance be con-
nected with Maxwell's business din
ncr' "A day later will not make any
difference to me-" she said.
"Oh. don't mind dining by myself"
replied Lady Ssterson. shortly. You
may have tomorrow evening. dare
say Mary will not object to taking
your place, and shall speak to her
about it,
The following evening. then. saw a
party of four-two pairs of unconfess-
cd lovsrs-seated in the famous res
taurant little after Z o'clock, and
it may be doubted whether among the
gay and fashionable host Of diners in
the Savoy there was any party more
happy or merry than this. 1t was
early, and the place was not full but
every table was either occupied or re-
served.
The scene was exhilarating; the
four were in the highest spirits. and
Christabel. to whom the change from
a house clouded with sickness to this
sparkling and brilliant room was like
some reviving cordial, never felthap'
pier in her life. Naturally there was
first much congratulation over the
success of the rising firm of Joyce &
Forde: then the men pointed out to
the ladies such celebrities as were
present if haply they knew who they
were. and the talk drifted pleasantly
around hundred topics of current in
terest. But it was not wonderful that
as the dinner proceeded it came about
that Philip found most to say to Ada
Arlington. and Norman to Christabel.
Any one with half an eye could see
that the two couples were lovers.
How long do you think you will be
engaged in Hans Square?" Norman
asked Christabel.
The question was of the most ordi-
nary kind, but it was not asked in an
ordinary way. Norman was athrill
with suppressed excitement and long
ing. He was eager to ask her another
question altogether-the question of
questions man can put to a woman.
and he hoped that some early oppor-
tunity might present itself in which
lie could ask it. Perhaps that very
night he might he might take her
home to Hans Square. and make an
opportunity for himself-this was in
his mind as he spoke.
mot very long, probably" replied
Christabel, who was not far from
guessing his, thoughts-she felt that
the crisis of fer life was near at hand,
and was ready to meet it with Joy
and giadness. And crisis was ap-
preaching, but not such as this maid
en- expected. "Sir John daily grows
weaker. loor mani"
do you know" said Norman, in a
1; low, confidential tone that charmed
Christabel, 81 find something rather
curious in your being nurse to old
Sisterson."
I'm what way?" she asked, as he
paused. ''It'shmy business to nurse
anybody to whom am sent, isn't it?'
/ Yes, yes-but old Sisterson! It's
i strange how things come about. Al
| least, find something strange in this
Did you ever hear by any chance that
my father and Sisterson were part
ners? 1t was ever 20 long ago-years
before you were horn; they were con
tractors and builders, and had place
! In Wadsworth, and they we're doini
pretty well, I've been told.
II never heard Of It," said Christa
bel, as he paused again. IS
Their partnership was dissolved b.
4 my fathers sudden death, 4 Normal
went On, TRANQUILITY, IN the same loy
tone. One evening he fell = distanc.