Norwich bulletin., 1912-06-11

"Then it is decided?" he asked in a hollow voice.
 She looked at him in puzzled way.
 You mean about announcing 1t to- night?"
 He nodded grimly. He could not speak.
 "oh. yes-of course you do not mind?"
 Jacks face hardened. Of course they had thrust the knife in, but they needn't twist 1t around!
 No, indeed, Mrs, Howe, am de- lighted of coursei"
 Poor boy'' she murmured, sympa- thetically. T suppose you are fright ened to death-do go over and talk to William. Belinda has hurried us so, , only notified us this morning, and in sisted on it's being announced tonight.
 That's all right--den't mind me" faltered poor Jack and strolled over to William, who was Belinda's father. Keep up your courage, old boy! whispered MT. Howe. Brace up--it can't happen but once, you Rnow!" "I won't give any one chance to let it happen to me again." growled Jack fercely, but William Howe was hap pily hard of hearing, and at this mo- ment dashed awN1H for dinner was an- nounced.
 Mighty kind of 'em to be so careful of my feelings" thought Jack as he tried to quiet a murderous thrill at sight of Harry Brompton's carefully parted curly hair.
 Belinda came in then-a wonderful ly radiant Belinda in pale pink satin yelled with white lace and with pearls l about her throat She included Jack in her swift survey of the room, and he saw that a rosy wave of color stain ed her cheeks from brow to chin and left her pale.
 His own heart did not leap in re- sponse to her passing glance as it had ! been wont to do. It felt quite cold and 1 still. It did not throb even when he 1 found that he was to take Belinda in | to dinner. His face was like 8 white 1 mask as he gave her his arm and led ! her to her seat.
 To his relief Belinda did not talk 1 much to him. She seemed absorbed in conversation vFth Harry Brompton on her other hand, while Jack was not 1 obliged to talk, for lady beside him chatted foolishly from course to course until dessert was reached. 1 An unusual silence came upon the l company as Belinda's father slowly arose, holding his wine glass.
 
 may l ask you to drink to the health ! and happiness of one who is very dear to me-my daughter Belinda, and her future husband, Mr. John Owen
 Tt is a jokel" gasped poor Jack as the company merrily drank to their health and happiness. "There must be a limit to-"
 Nobody heard his voice save Belinda whose hand sought his and pressed il significantly,
 "I'il explain afterwards, Jack!" she said hurriedly. You must respond te the toast"
 Its true then?" he asked dazedly
 "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 anyone hiIar1ou, to win girl like Belinda Howe!" re- torted another.
 Who is this young Brompton 2"
 "Oh, don't know-some friend iron the west who inflicted himself upor them this morning and held to be in vited down"
 After dinner Jack Owen found him. self mysteriously spirited away to thu alcove in the library. Belinda was be Sloe hlrnJ very pale, very quiet Sounds from the company on the dis tant drawing room came faintly t 1 them.
 "Oh, Jack, do you mind?" asked Be linda after a long silence.
 "Mind2' he asked, still dazed at tn strangeness of the whole thing, ant suspecting trick of some sort,
 Mind being engaged to mel" sh faltered.
 Mind being engaged to you?" h repeated Why, Belinda, darling, it what I've been trying to accomplisl ever since I met youI" His arms wer around her now, and his lips wer pressed against her wonderful hair. |" | didn't understand, you sec"
 T knew you wanted to. only yor were so different-oh, indeed, sir, yoi are recovering rapidly-and it was tn only way. You know this is leap veal i-St. Louis Globe Democrat.