The Red Cloud chief., 1912-05-30

to william. Belinda has hurried us
insisted on It's being announced to.
night"
That's all right--dont mind me-"
faltered poor Jack and strollcd over
to william. who was Belinda's father.
Keep up your courage. old boy!"
whispered Mr.. Howe. Brace up--it
can't happen but once. you know!"
Il won't give any one a chance to
let II happen to me again!" growled
Jack tiercely. but William Howe was
happily hard Of hearing. and at this
moment dashed away. for dinner was
announced.
Mighty kind Of 'em to be 80 care.
ful OF my feelings" thought Jack as
ne tried to Qucll murderous thrill
at sight Of Harry Brompton's care
fully parted curly hair.
Belinda came In then--a wonderful.
ly radiant Belinda in pale pink satin
veiled with white lace and with pearls
| about her throat. She included Jack
In her swift survey OF tho room. and
| he saw that rosy wave OF color
, stained her cheeks from brow to chin
and left her pale.
His own heart did not leap in re-
sponsc to her passing glance as 1t had
! been wont to do. II felt quite cold
and still. II did not throb even when
he found that he was to take Belinda
| In to dinner. His face was like
white mask as he gave her his arm
and led her to her seat.
To his relief Belinda did not talk
much to him. She seemed absorbed
In conversation with Harry Brompton
on her other hand. while Jack was
not obliged to talk. for a lady beside
| him chattered fOolishly from course
to course until dessert was reached.
| An unusual silence came upon the
company as Belinda's father slowly
arose holding his wine glass.
| Friends" he smiled upon them.
may l ask you to drink to the health
happiness OF one who is very dear to
me-my daughter. Belinda. and her
future husband, MIR Jack Owen"
1T Is n joke!" gasped poor Jack
as the company merrily drank to
their health and happiness. There
must be a limit to"
Nobody heard his voice save be
linda. whose hand sought his and
pressed II significantly.
'lll explain afterwards. Jack!" she
said hurriedly. "You must respond to
the toast"
ITS true. them" he asked dazed
ly.
"Of course--stupid!"
Afterwards they commented on the
brilliant speech OF Jack Owen.
Didn't know 1t was In him to be sc
funny" commented one.
Enough to make any one hilarious
to win girl like Belinda Howell" re-
torted another.
who IL this young Brompton?"
"Oh, I don't know-sOme frient
from the west who inflicted himsel
upon them this morning and had t
be invited down"
After dinner Jack owen found him
self mysteriously spirited away to tn
alcove in the library. Belinda was be
side him, very pale. very quiet. Sound
from the company In the distant draw
Ing room came family to them.
"Oh. Jack. do you mind?" asked
Belinda after long silence.
"Mind" he asked. still dazed Mt th'
strangeness OF the whole thing. ant
suspecting a trick OF some sort.
Mind being engaged to me?" sh'
faltered.
Mind being engaged to your hi
repeated. Why. Belinda. darling. III
what I've been trying to accomplish
ever since met you!" His arms were
around her now. and his lips were
pressed against her wonderful hair
II didn't understand. you see."
Il knew you wanted to. only you
were so diffident--oh. indeed. sir. YOU
are recovering rapidly-and It was the
only way. You know this is lear
Aaen