Norwich bulletin., 1913-01-15
BELINDA'S WAY

We are all so delighted about little Belinda
 Then it is decided2 he asked in a hollow voice.
 She looked at him in a puzzled way. You mean about announcing it to- night3'
 He nodded grtrnly. He could not speak.
 "oh, yes-of course you do not n1ind?'
 Jacks face hardened. Of course f they had thrust the knife in, but they needn't twist it around. No, indeed, Mrs. Howe. l am de- lighted, of coursel"
 Poor boy!" she murmured, sympa- l thetically T suppose you are frignt- ened to death-do go over and talk to William. Belinda has hurried us so, only notified us this morning, and in sisted on its being announced tonight.
 That's all right-don't mind me" faltered poor Jack. and he strolled over to William, who was Belindas father. Keep up courage, old boy!' wh1s- pered MT. Howe. Brace up--it can't happen but once, you know!'
 q won't give any one chance to let it happen again" growled Jack fercely, but William Howe was hap oily hard of hearing, and at this mo- nent dashed away, for dinner was an- nounced.
 Mighty kine of em to be so careful of my felings'' thought Jack as he tried to quiet nurderous thrill at sight of Harry Bronpton's carefully parted curly hair.
 Belinda cam ein then-a wonderfully radiant Belinda, in pale blue satin yelled with white lace and with pearls 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 still. It did not throb even when he found that he was to take Belinda in to dinner. His face was like a 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 ask you to drink to the health and happiness of one who is very dear to me-my daughter Belinda. and her future husband, Jack Owen
 Tt is a 1oke!" gasped poor Jack. as the company merrily drank to their a limit to-
 Nobody heard his voice save Belin- da, whose hand sought his and press ed 1t significantly.
 I'll explain afterwards, Jack!" she said hurriedly. You must respond to the toast
 Its true, then ?'' he asked dazedly.
 ''Of course-stupid!'
 Afterward they commented on the brilliant speech of Jack Owen.
 Didn't know it was in him to be so flnuyf" commented one,
 Enough ito make any one hilarious to win a girl like Belinda Howe" re- torted another.
 Who is this young Brompton ?''
 Oh I don't knoW-Some friend from the west who inflicted himself upon them this morning and had to be in- vited down."
 After dinner Jack Owen found him self mysteriously spirited away to the alcove in the library. Belinda was be- side him, very pale, very quiet. Sounds from the company in the distant draw ing room came faintly to item.
 ''Oh, Jack do you mind 2" asked Be- linda, after a long sidence.
 "Mind?" he asked, still daZed at the strangeness of the whole thing, and suspecting trick of some sort.
 Mind being engaged to you ?' he the thing I've been trying to accom- plish ever since I met you.' His arms were around her now. and his lips were pressed against her wonderful hair T didn't understand. you see"
 T know 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 Leap year r."-Philadelphia Telegraph.