Page:Contending Forces by Pauline Hopkins.djvu/333

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THE BITTER ARROW.
323

CHAPTER XIX.

THE BITTER ARROW.

O, Breaking heart that will not break,
Oriana!
O, pale, pale face so sweet and meek,
Oriana!
Tennyson.

The next morning found the household early astir. It is a rule in hotels that a "late watch," as it is called, exempts the employee from an early appearance for duty the next morning. On these mornings Will breakfasted with his mother and sister. Since Sappho had boarded with them this humble meal had become a feast to him.

He arose very early on this eventful Monday morning and hurried down the stairs, bursting to impart his good news to the sympathetic ears of his loved ones. He entered the kitchen just as Dora was laying the cloth for breakfast.

"What in the world brings you down so early?" she asked in a surprised tone as he entered the room.

"Oh, I couldn't stay in bed this morning of all others," he said, as he kissed her lightly on the cheek; "I am too happy."