The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-05-02
THE HAPPINESS
OF MISS NORA
By JANE GORDON

AsA knew her In the town OF Lynuen-
So, when Judge oliver died and left
to his daughter his fortune. the town,
as one person. rejoiced.
oliver, her only sisters boy, was
also left to her care. She intended
that Oliver should have all those adj
vantages which his parents might
have bestowed, had they survived. But.
when oliver should go away to school.
and later on to the furtherance Of
some chosen carer. Miss Jessie knew
that she would be alone. The big
house ought to be home to more than
Just one solitary woman, she decided.
Then Miss Jessie went over to the
Lynden orphanage to adopt a baby.
The matron welcomed her gratefully.
81 have decided TO adopt little girl. y
Jessie said, (which would you recon-
mend, Mrs. Grayr'
The matron was hesitant. "Our
home is so full of heart stories" she
said. "thst we do not allow our SYM
pathies to hold sway. But there are
two cases, two dear baby girls. whom
L would love to see happily placed.
Here is Milly Stephens baby girl fair
and dainty as Milly herself. She ran
away with a travelling violinist, you
remember. and brought herself, through
such an unfortunate marriage. the dis
approval of her family. Then, here
Is wee Nora-that name Is all we
know of her parentage. A sweet
young Irish girl came one night to
the town hospital; she had been
grievously disappointed in not find
ing her young husband, as she said,
at the pier to meet her when the
steamer arrived from abroad. Seeking
him, she came on here, and died with
wee Morals coming.
mora was worked on her handler
chiefs, SO we called the baby Nora
when 1t was brought to us. Black
hair, you see, Miss Jessie, and eyes as
dark blue as English violets-"
Miss Jessie next morning went to
the orphanage and adopted both Hilly
Stephens baby and the wee Nora.
i've always wanted namesake."
said Jessie. So the fair haired baby
giri was called Jessica. The children
grew and were Miss Jessie's Joy. When
she fancied an aptitude for music In
little Jessica, Miss Jessie fastened to
give the child an education in music.
Nora was just happy home body,
with no special talent perceptible.
Morals lifting song was heard In the
gloomy hall; Morals silvery laughter
echoed through the garden. Easily she
gave place to Jessica's own realized
superiority.
Oliver Cameron had made several
visits to his aunt's home, and had nat
uralIy, II seemed, selected Jessica as
his companion. With the gay little
Nora he laughed and Tested. With
Jessica he drove or played games at
the country club.
Nora might have had her admirers.
too-'1ike picking cherries Off tree
she laughed to Miss Jessie, but
when one does not care for cherries"
"Whom then, do you care for, little
one?" Miss Jessie asked whimsicaIly.
Morals rosy cheeks deepened their
color. "For you, dear one" she an
swered gravely.
When Oliver came again to the
great house Jessica was away at the
of music. Nora was,
therefore, honored with those invita-
lions which Jessica might have had.
And when again he came home
Oliver was practicing his profession
now In an adjoining city-it was Nora
who happened to be absent
IT sent the child away for a rest"
Miss Jessie said. 81 have been Ill,
and Nora has been too devoted
a nurse"
Jessica played her best music for
she was lovely Of face, pleas
Ing in manner.
The halls Of divers house were |
very lonesome, silent. No light. soft |
laughter, no dancing blue eyes Of Nora |
to twinkle out of the gloom like stars. |
IT am going away tomorrow" Jes-
Bica told him. "Such a wonderful |
Gwendolyn Vars is tax
ing a studio In New York"
But" Oliver said, puzzled, "Aunt
Jessie is in poor health; the doctor !
says her condition is really critical"
Jessica's glance was reproachful. |
'Oliveri" she exclaimed, you mean
you think I ought to stay here now.
md miss this great opportunity. while
Aunt Jessie Is cared for. competentlyT
The train which carried Jessica
way brought an Indignant young
Nora back. She met Oliver as he was
bidding Jessica good-by.
you should have wired me about
AUNT Jessie's condition" she accused.
I came on last night as soon as
Ieard that she was not so well.
hall not leave her again"
oliver could not claim a moment of
yora's society as she remained faith
I'll and cheering in the sick room. He
vas a very desolate and awakened
)liver. Strange, he told himself that
e had not realized this longing for
yora's quick smile, for the dear COM
ort of her, the state of his own heart.
He found Nora resting one evening
4 the moonlit garden. Her blue eyes
Tere filed with tears. "Tears of graf