Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1908-06-18
CHAPTER XIV.
Spying Out the Land.

Norman Forde sent the telegram
inquiring how Christabel was as he
was on his way to his Office in Shafts
bury avenue. While he hardly thought
that the illness which had overtaken
her on the previous evening was like
ly to be of serious nature, yet it had
been so sudden and alarming, espe-
cially in the circumstances, that he
could not but be very anxious about
her. He had never written to her or
sent her telegram before, but he
considered that in this case he was
justified.
He had not the least idea in the
world that her indisposition had been
caused by something that was not
physical, nor did he dream that the
trouble had arisen, not from some
weakness Of the body, but from the
tumult and anguish of the spirit. But
he was conscious in the depths of his
mind that the incident had had the
disquieting effect of making the wo-
man he loved seem remote and mac
cessible. Only a moment before her
illness they had been in such accord
and in such full sympathy with each
other, and then all at once she appear
ed to be far off, and it was almost as
if he did not exist at all for her. And
yet he had thought of putting his fate
to the test that night-of asking her
to marry him. With these ideas press
ing upon him he was more than usual
ly apt to be a prey to a lovers fond
solicitudes.
He was in this chastened frame of
mind when he arrived at the Office,
where he was greeted with a broad
smile by his partner, who had pre-
ceded him by several minutes Philip
had before him small heap of letters,
which had been opened and read, and
it was evident from his beaming face
that their contents had given him the
liveliest satisfaction.
Good morning, old chap he said,
Familiarity and affectionateIy. There's
splendid news! Success is smiling
upon u.s."
That's good" said Norman, smil-
ing, too. He noticed that Philip ap-
peared to have no recollection of
Christabeps Illness.
81 knew how it would be-" Philip
went on, cheerfully. "It never rains
but it pours'-what an old saw that is
when the rain is pouring in the way
you want it to pour! Oh, yes, it is
pouring all right on the firm of Joyce
& Forde, and no mistaken"
Whats happened now?" asked Nor
man.
Here's letter from Grey, the lord
mayor, you know, asking us if we
would care to submit plans for a new
city hall. 1t is private, unofficial
letter, but he says if we like to go in
for the job he will take pains to see
that our plans meet with the most
prompt and friendly consideration.
How's that?"
cit is splendid, just as you said!''
exclaimed Norman
"He must think lot of our plans
for the cathedral remarked Philip.
Grey was lord mayor of the great
and f1ourishing Midland city which
was about to build the cathedral from
their plans. The same city, it appear
ed, in the pride of its prosperity and
wealth, desired to erect a guildhall
which should not shame its cathedral
WELL" continued Philip, they are
pretty good plans, though I say it that
shouldn't. Then here's another letter
"a church this time. l tell you it's
great, Norman-simply great, as our
American friends would say"
They wouldn't use the word
simply observed Norman, with a
chuckle; ''but it is great simply
great, all the same, as you justly re
mark. Luck is coming our way
"Luck!" protested Philip who was
in exuberant spirits. Merit, you