The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-06-19
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ed, in the pride of its prosperity and
wealth, desired to erect guildhall
which should not shame its cathedral.
WELL" continued Philip, "they are
pretty good plans, though l say it that
shouldn't. Then here's another letter
"a church this time. I 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
mean, just merit-only that, and moth
ing more!"
"All right" said Norman; well let
it go at that" And then he asked,
with quick change in his voice, 81
suppose you haven't heard how Miss
Joyce is this morning?"
mo; but l have no doubt that she
has quite recovered. She said it was
the heat of the room, and all that she
would want would be nights rest"
"You think so?" he asked. Some
how he felt rather shy about telling
this matter-of-fact brother of the lady
of his hopes and dreams that he had
taken the liberty of sending a tele.
gram of inquiry to her.
ooh, yes" said Philip, without hest
tation. Il dare say she had been wait
ing on old Sisterson far too attentive
ly, and, perhaps, was feeling bit off"
Then he went on talking about Lord
Mayor Grey's letter and other matters
that were purely of business interest.
1t was nearly two hours later when
Christabel's reply telegram was hand
ed to Norman by Billy. the Office boy.
"Wire for you, SIR" said Billy, i'm
portantly. ANY answer?"
mo, Billy" said Norman.
THE guv'nor must ha' spotted
winner" thought Billy, as he observed
how his masters face had frightened
on reading the dispatch; "but this
amt the time o. day to hear about
winners; it must ha' been something
just as good"
Christabel was better.
Everything was going we'll with
Joyce & Forde
NO wonder that Norman Forde re-
joiced, putting these two wonderful
facts together. And they suggested
to him something else. which was that,
fate having despoiled him Of an op-
portunity of proposing to Christabel
on the previous evening, he should do
| his best to bring about another oppor-
tunity as soon as possible, when fate
might be kinder. And why should he
not prepare the way by speaking to
Philip Joyce of his desire to marry his
sister? The receipt of her telegram
had had the effect of making him less
shy, and yet it was an awkward,
stammering young man who now
spoke to Philip.
This telegram I got just now" he
said to Philip. blushing a little while
he held out the dispatch, sis from
your sister. I took the liberty of wir-
ing this morning to ask how she was.
She says she is much better"
That's all right" said Christabel's
brother. 1T was good of you to wire;
l had not thought of it myself" And
with brief look at the telegram he
handed it back to Norman.
Phillip" said Norman. Il want to
talk to you for minute"
There was something out of the or
binary in Norman's tones. and Philip,
who was only dense where his sister
was concerned, noted it at once.
Anything wrong, old MANI" he
asked.
''Well, no, not exactly" said Nor
man. Then he plunged boldly. Had
it ever occurred to you, Philip" he
asked, that I might be in love with
your sister,"
We'll, no, not exactly" said Philip.
repeating with a touch of comic sur
prise his friends words. ct never
occurred to me-" he went on, as Nor
man stood before him, blushing and
slightly confused. 81 see. That's how
the land lies! What blind ass of a
brother have been! But I'm awfully
glad, Norman; couldn't wish for a
better chap than you for Chrissy.
Have You spoken to her yet?"
mo, haven't; but think she must
know that I care for her. You see,
did not like to say anything to her un-
til our business looked like being sue
cessful; it has every appearance of
being SO now"
"Rather!" interpolated Philip. v
"And So I shall propose to her the
very first chance get"
"You have my best wishes, Nor
man. said Philip, "and you can have
my blessing as soon as you call on me
for it" and he waved both hands high
in the air and then brought them
down over an imaginary head. I'm
very glad" he said, more soberly.
Nothing could please me more than
your marriage to Chrissy, and can
assure you that If you gain her con-
sent there will be no dimculty with
the old folks at home"
Thanks, Philip, thanks" and the
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