Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 36, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 6 March 1875 — Page 2

Page PDF (9.53 MB)

Back to issue view

THE MAIL

A Paper

for the

People.

LIGHTING THE COAL FIRE.

BY AUCK AHJ»OI-l CRAWFORB.

"The coal-flremust »x? lighted," Haiti mamma, looking dowa Where crisp, cool wind* bad blighted

Aiul turned the Rraasea brqwn 80 Ned shall brlug the shining coal, And Rob shall lay the pine, While Bessie strikes the tiny match, And bids the quiv'ring tinder catch The sparks that dnnco and tlamea tbat roll

Till all the embers shine." With clash, and click, and clatter, With rattle, rush and roar, With puff of dust, and scatter HX)f fragment* on the floor: The heavy ore went swinging down

To meet the leaping flaine It caught the breathing warmth below, \nd all its slumbrous mass, aglow, Did paint the faces peering down

With liuus that went and came. Mamma sat softly gazing— As mothers gaze, you know— With roving eyes upraising

Mute praises U* bestow, Till Ned, grown conscious of the look, Drew closer to her knee And bogg.nl to know the absorbing thought That o'er her face sueh quiet wrought For, better far ttian fairy-book

Could "mamma thinking" be.

My thought," she said, replying, Was in the lire-light, here, Wh-.sts kindling and whose dying

Ho mark the passing year. And thus while lookiug at you all, Within the ruddy blaze, I marked how tall my Ned had grown— Ilow darkly Itobblo's ringlets shone, And B-ssie's height against the wall

Hu/i changed these summer days.

And when I slowly pondered ®n changes yet to be, I touched your face, and wondered

How long your mother's knee Would be its welcome resting-place, My growing student, Ned liefore the tire shall die again, Will you have learned to teel that men Are nobler made by reckless ways,

And weak, if mother-led!

"Bhall Bob, my 'lion-hearted,' Grow gentler, watching you, Forget the wound tha. smarted—

Forgive without the blow? Will Bessie learn that kindness flows From hands us small as hers That she who dusts the parlor grate, Or cares for hat, and book, and slate, Does greater service thau .she knows,

And sweeter Joys confers?"

For answer, Ned drew nearer His boyhood's resting-place And Hobble's eyes shone clearer

From out his dewy face. He wasn't truldof any boy! But then—for mamma's sake But Bessie, from the ehimuey nook, The oit-disearded duster took While tnatnina felt the dawnlngjoy

One flre-light thought could wake. —(Christian UuloH.

A. Woman's Hand.

Do you mean what you have just said, Helen?"

Yos," was tho calm response. *44 That yon ilon't love me? Ilclen, you do—I am sure of it!"

I do not, Mr. Lennox." Then ilea von lorgive 3*011, lor if ever woman ruined a man vet, you've ruined vne!"

Helen Stuart said nothing—uota word —aild there ensued a great silence, a silence so intense that alio almost Hcemed to lioar it, like tho roar of a tnightv ocean wave sweeping between her and tho man who had just asked her to ho his wife.

It was only a narrow strip of balcony, carpeted and protected from tho ni^lit air, and provided with a couple of chairs, for tho benefit of weary waltzers—a quiet littlo 1100k, separatee! by a crimson curtain from tho crowded ball-room, the lights and iyise and music within. Up from the dark silent street came the monotonous tramp of the policeman on his beat, and tho occasional rattlo and roll of cab or carriage bearing homo its weary load of pleasure-seekers over the dry, *dustv pavement while from behind tho crimson draperies floated qut Kweet strains of languid, passion-laden music, morry voices and merry ripples of laughter, mingling with tho tread.of th'ss feet in tho mazy windings of the Danube River." And yet, outside on that little bit of balcony, ft small tragedy had just been cnactcd which, trilling as it may appear—a few words —n« moro—taking but little timo in the utterance—had gone far to wreck two lives.

Ten minutes earlier, and Helen Stuart, bright, beautiful, flushed with excitement,and dizzy with a strango bewildering happiness" which made her bosom throb and her fingers quiver and thrill, was whirling round the room in tho firm clasp of Percy Lennox as I10 bore her awiftly and steadily through the giddy circles of the dance, gazing into her beautiful face the while with a passionate intensity which revealed all too plainly the love and admiration which wore making that waltz a foretaste of Paradise, and those few minutes, during which his arm was round Heleu's waist and her hand on his shoulder, a pleasure almost terrible in its fervor.

Ten minutos earlier, and now Helen Stuart was

Bitting

PrtwnW he turned round and confronted her. Will Helen Stuart ever forget thht white, drawn face, from which evorv emotion but passionate misery and anger seemed to have been wiped out as with an iron hand? A terrible despair in one moment bad transformed a voting, handsome, happy face into a spectre which in the time to com® would rise with ghastly relentlessneaa before on© woman's eyes as often as ever alio saw tho argent" cr~"«nt of the early m»on or heard one from that "Danube Kiver" wait*.

She looked up at him,* but only for a moment. That glance showed her what her words had dono, and her head drooped lower than ever beneath the sight. He must sneak first, mast speak to renew his pleadingf, and then —then it would be time enough for softening or retraction, if it might be that either were possible from the Hps which had spoken so hanghtily a moment back, 'mat second pleading for which ilwaiied waa never to oome. Percy sp^ko, and the sound of his voice sent a quick Shudder thrmi 1 1 girl's round whit® shoulders—it w.is harsh and altered. »IK you know what you've done?" he wt'l, abruptly, as her rrea before "Xot much, you nrty ink-~ only jilted a man who loved 1 honored "vou and gave you his whale be*rt, whbp vou led him ou that yon migtu tranpie on him ti your vanity wa« sufficiently gratis. J. Ay, look away

and smile you've had your victory and sent me to destruction, and, by Heaven, I'll go there as speedily as I may to please you! If ever man believed in woman. I believed in you, Helen Stuart. I would have done any earthly thing for vou—given up the whole world to make myself worthy of the angol I fool that I was!—believed you to be and now vou have deceived mo. I'll put trust in living boing again. What! —for his name had oome trembling from ner iipo iu v»j

spoke more eloquently still from tue pale and agitated but ever lovely face—

you don't like to hear the truth You tlii 11k you may do all the wrong you will with your "cruel beauty, and more, a thousand times moro, cruel coquetry, and yot hear nothing but pretty speeches and tender words Well, other men may do as they will, but you will never hear another such lroin me!"

Grief and passion had half choked him, and he was compelled to pause for breath in his torrent of bitter words and in that pause Helen looked up again. Her eyes—deep, liquid violet eves, gleaming with that perilous lustre which liaa stolon more hearts, from Lancelot's days to tho present, than any other of woman's manifold charmswere brimming now with great crystal tears, and her tongue refused to fulfil its office, for twice she strovo to speak, and when at last she succeeded, it was only to falter out something which sounded like, "Percy, don't—I didn't mean—"

Didn't mean he repeated, catching at tho last words and repeating them with such a world of contemptuous emphasis in his tone that tho blood rushed in a scarlet flood to tho girl's white cheeks. "Didn't mean! Ay, those are the cant words of your sex. Didn't mean to win mo by your heartless beauty and honeyed sweetness didn't mean to encourage me by your false gentleness and falser smiles didn't know that I loved yon more than my own soul didn't imagine that you were leading me 011 dav by day to my own destruction. Oh," Helen, how can you—you whom I thought so proud—offer that hackneyod paltry plea for ruining a man?"

She was proud now. Tho word paltry" applied to her had wounded her self-esteem, and probably the heightened color and haughty turn of her little head revealed as niKch, and told that offence had superseded solter feelings, for ho added, with a short laugh—

What a fool you must think me, raving in this manner! Ah, well, you'll think me worse before you'vo heard the last of me. I'll take care of one thing. You may boast of your victory you shall have 110 cause to boast of your victim, or

A sudden blaze of bright light poured in upon the two young people, both so handsome and both so pale and agitated from their separate amotions and, looking up, they saw no crimson curtains drawn aside, am! a man—young, tall, broad-shouldered, with cropped head, low forehead, larye nose, heavy jaw, and clean, hairless face, just tho type of the mus nilar, brainless, self-opinionated young Briton of the nineteenth century —standing in the opening.

Our tlnnce, Miss Stunrt, I think," called the "Heavy," taking note meanwhile of the parti a deux before him. "Been looking for you everywhere. Mrs. —w hat-do-vou-cal 1-her your chaperon, said yoii* were in the other room."

Our dance!" repeated Helen, reluctantly. Percy Lennox had offended— offended grievously—but she had not tb9 heart to leave lnm thus. "I—I think not."

Not a doubt of It. There's' your name 011 mv card—'Lancers.' Set just forming now. Oome along."

Yet another effort Helen made for the sake of the man whose face was turned so resolutely from her.

Suppose I give you a waltz instead," she said, with the sweet, winning smile which most assuredly deserved Percy's cpithot "false" at that moment. "I am so tired, and I can't bear the

4Mrs.

4Lancers."'

Can't you. Glad I'm not one. Next waltz then. 'P011 my word, think you're right sueh a lot of old cats always in the square dances—makes them so beastly d'sagreeablo. Much nicer out here."

Ho had planted himself on the vacant seat, laving one broad reddish hand oii tho back of Helen's chair, and evidently meant to remain. Something like a shiver ran through tho frame of tho man whose eyes were gazing at the park trees. Half in temper, half in disappointment, Helen rose from her seat. "You can wait for mo here, then?" she said, coolly. "I shall go inside. I'm chillv."

Are vou? Let mo take you to Mrs. __Mrs.—what's her name?" (Why did not Percy offer? One whispered word might have set all to rights.) Saw her a moment ago in there."

Thp great fleshy arm in its broadcloth covering was thrust out, and Helen laid the tips of her white-gloved fingers upon it. One must conform to the proprieties even though all one's future had just crumbled to pieces under one's very

I wish you would remember names," she said, pettishly. They were leaving tho balconv and Percy had never looked round. '"I'm sure Mm. Duncan wouldn't bo pleased to hear herself called

What's her name."

on one of the two

obaire in (he little baicorfy, tho flush nettled into a brilliant searlet spot on either choek, tho proud head, with its coronal of glossy chestnut plaits, drooping forward, and the crisp, transparent folds of her white dress all crushed and crumbled in the nervous grasp of her .small gloved hands while Percy, half kneeling on the chair beside her, leant with folded arms on the stofte parapet, gating, with Hoaven knows what unheeding eyes, at the pale crescent moon, just risiug above the trees in the opposite park.

So beastly hard to recollect names. You don't mean to say Mrs. Donovan's touchvasall that, do you?"

D-u-n-c-a-n, Duncan," spelt Helen, with somewhat acrid distinctness. "\es, sho is, Mr. Stanhope, I think I'm too tirod to dance any more." And then she sat down under her chaperon wings, and struggled hard with a great, wild desire to burst out crying. Percy had left her and when, when should she see him again?

II.

It was Miss Stuart's first season in town. Though the only daughter of au ancient Scottish family, having attained her twenty-first year, and with a brother in the Life-guards, she had never yet passed more than a few dav* at a time in London, axid had led a life almost primitive in It* retirement and simplicity, jwissing her days now at Stuart's Keep, the old family home, and now at the dignified clerical residence of the Tf of Appleby, her mother's first cooiiii. That mother had long been dead and Mr. Stuar: disliked London,

Uov I his t^rmUful daughter too

i: :eh tier to brave a London season himself, or trust her away from him in tb* too seduces vortex of its pleasures* she was utiful—wondes-fuily and glorioii-". be .iul, with the quadruple charms ui pencc: iaatures, pepect grace, vigorous health, ami unbounded intellinence42N"or v.., hor father her chief adniirer. Fron, »i days of her infancy Helen's power of winning ail hearts nd \sills to own sweet atuvice I be d.Ti-.m* wherever she went,

It wa« not hat sho was selfish or imperi ish-a sweater deposition or a more son- nv temper j* ntaps never existed but every one seeme I to take an instinctive delight in vuig way to and making much of the lovely little girl whose H«be-like fij -o, vJvW ion, and lovely liquid eyes iaye turned the head of St. Kev»-n hitit- *U. In t? sui n.rr of the previous year \r* Duii- m, :, ilii 01 tier muier'a, had

spout six weeks at Stuart's Keep, and when she left succeeded in carrying off Helen for a trip on the Continent. They went to Paris, Brussels, and Homburg, steamed down the Rhine, and wandered through Switzerland, returning by the South of France and everywhere Helen's beauty and fascination created a sensation which at times almost embarrassed her companion—a good-temper-ed, good-hearted woman of the world, with ample means, plenty to say for herself, and for hor life-motto the comfortable axiom.

44Llvo

and let live." She

was in the habit ef going abroad every year, but never in her life had she experienced such unbounded courtesy and universal attention as this autumn.when Helen Stuart's name figured beside her own 011 the visitors' list at the different hotels wherein they rested. At Homburg, indeed,the crowd of admirers who beset Helen's path were annoying to that young lady herself and it was her pretty pouting entreaty—"Mrs. Duncan, do let us go away from this horrid plaee. All the men stare so. I'm in a chronicle state of fever"—which induced that lady to leave that fashionable resort for pleasure and gain.

It was at Lucerne that they first met Percy Lennox. An old aoquaintanoe of Mrs. Duncan's and a brother officer of Harry Stuart's, he seemed to have a sort of claim on Helen's favor and whether it was from the above reason or his own merits the claim was most certainly not disallowed. Helen from the first accorded him a more gracious welcome than that reserved for tho generality of mankind and Mrs. Duncan was only too glad to have a handsome young Guardsman of her own "set" at her Deck and call in a foreign land.

One word of caution she thought well to utter.

You must take care of Percy, Helen. I [e's a terrible flirt." And Helen had replied with a laugh. "Don't be afraid, Mra. Duncan. I've heard plenty about him from Harry—^'He's no end of a good fellow—rather inclined to be fast, but capital form, you know," mimicking her brother with a merry little laugh "and I'm net going to allow myself to tiirt with him or auy other man after all my promises to papa, and the Laird of Glenmaur"—this last allusion being an innocent little joke respective of a certain elderly Scotchman whose estate "marched" with that of Mr. Stuart's, and who was supposed to cast covetous eyes at his neighbor's favorite ewelamb.

After this little dialogue nothing more was said on the subject, and in course time Percy and Helen grew to be great friQpds—very great friends, even after the rapidity of Continental friendships and yet even Mrs. Duncan, keen-eyed and worldly-wise as she was, cowld see nothing approaching a "flirtation" in the intimacy between the young people. That Percy admired Miss Stuart was easy to see he hud been more than man had he not done so. But he expressed his admiration in the most open and unsentimental manner, and, while paying the young lady constant and scrupulous attention, did so avowedly as her brother's friend, and in a manner so free from sentiment or "nonsense" as to he, in Helen's eyes, almost brotherly himself. Whether, had she been ugly or uninteresting, Mr. Lennox would have had such lofty ideas of a friendlj duty may be doubted. That he "liked' Helen Stuart,liowever, he frankly avow d. Helen liked him, too, and treated him with such simple, unembarrassed cordiality that no man with any knowl ttdge of the world could have made a warmer sentiment of the friendship honestly expressed.

So stood matters while Percy climbed Swiss mountains and rowed across Swist lakes in company with Mrs. Duncan and her fair companion. So might matters have stood during their furthei route but Percy was bound lor Italy, to join the colonel of his regiment and having delaved to fulfil his engagement for somewhat over a week, he was stir prised one morning bv a letter from his superior oflicer, headed "Geneva," in forming Mr. Lennox that he had left Milan and come so far in search of his recreant, friend. Accordingly there was a leave-taking that day at the little inn in tho Tyrolese pass. Percy sayiugfare tit vuu 1/ well to both ladies with ppen regret, and id hopes as to a

with as openly expresse future meeting in London. ia if tl ever lots your father bring you there,' ho said, laughing, to Helen, as he held her hand when loave-taking and Helen answered as smilingly

That is, if the

T*he

dull just then—so prove indeed at odd moments that Mrs.Duncan once or twice doubted whether

44no

But did things ever go back quite to. the old state? For twontv-one years Helen Stuart had been perfectly satisfied with Stuart's Keep and the Cumbrian Deanery, varied by an occasional week at a quiet watering-place and this contentment had been Mr. Stuart's stoutest shield against the seduction of those Wends who were always striving to beguile him and his daughter from the retirement of their anoestral home. But now Helon had been bitten by leve of tho world, and when her hand wan raised against him what oould Mr. Stuart do

Before the beginning of the London season Mrs. "Duncan renewed her attacks on her cousin other friends Joined in, urging the necessity of lens presentation and debut and between the alternative of himself going through the horrors of a London season, or parting with his darling tor a while, he chose the latter, and again entrusted her to Mrs. Duncan's good-natured care, in company with sundry rolls of crisp bank-notes and a host of tender counsels, and reiterated'entreaties not to stay a day over the first of July—to all of which Helen assented with h«r usual loving readiness, and such aglow and sparkle in eyes and cheeks as almost made Mr. Stuart regret that he had ever anniented to let her go away.

Percy and Helen soon met again. The verv day after her arrival they encountered each other at the Royal Academy and all Mr. Lennox's friendly theories were put to flight at once by the radiantI rosy blusu wniclt mantied up in II ten's iii'a and ruse to the very root# of her wavy chestnut hair. From that tnotnent Percy Lennox, the all-conquer-ing and utt' "iiquemiiie pet 01 fashion, 1 hopelessly and irretrievably in love :utd a» for Helen—would sue have blushiuttl sii«' not about him? fhey wire l**y» uie tinj. Harry Stuari !i:t4 ui ou«-e the "run of Mrs. 1.in »u'h house, a «d with him =1? iV a and Oil-' his ira erna fri al, Mr. Percy Lennox. Nor waaj.

only there that he and Helea qame in contact. At ball and soiree, ill Mis. Duncan's opeia-box add the cushioned stalls al Draw Lane, at garden-parties at Kew and five e'clook teas at titled houses* it was always the same where Helen fetuart went there also tf as Percy Lennox to be Hound. She had been presented at Cburtj and was the acknowledged belle of the season.

Mr. Lennox's undisguised admiration' for some time escaped notice from the generally too far-seeing world aud, when it became' apparent that he too had been enrolled under the "Mr Stuart's" banners, the said world remained in doubt as to whether it was "only one of Percy's flirtations" or something serious, Hojdid appear awfully "spooney." cortainly, but then ho was always going in for "that sort of thing" and no one had ever seen Percy really "hard hit" yet. Truth to say, Percy never had been "hard hit" before, lie had been left an orphan at an early age, and, having no brothers or sisters, had never known the softening influences of home. His own patrimony was not large, but he was the next-of-kin to his uncle, Sir Thomas Mlldmav and that gentleman, albeit sour and disagreeable to the world in general, had purchased him his commission in tho Guards, and had signified his intention of making the young gentleman his heir in the evenfrof his marrying properly, and otherwise walking in the way he should go.

Is it any wonder, therefore, that London "mammas" smiled upon the handsome young Guardsman, that "swells" shook him cordially by the hand, and that the temptation toDe "rather fast" was thrown literally in his way? Fortunately for himself and others, he Was to use Captain Stuart's phrase, "good form"—i. e., he was a gentleman and had a fair share of principle, as the world goes wherefore he only spent a good deal of money in various foolish ways, and a good deal of time in various foolish flirtations, after the fashienof well-to-do young men with no object in lite, and was only dimly conscious now and then that there was stuff for better things in him, till fate threw Helen Stiart in his way. Her simple directness, quick intelligence, and child-like purity first opened his eves to a new world. There was something so unhackneyed about her—somethings© different from and yet so superior to the general run of London belles—and withal she was so uncommonly lovely and fascinating—what wonder that Percy's stoicism melted away, and that to win a smile from that fair face, to make himself worthy of one day possessing that noble nature, became the highest and purest object of his life

And Helen? Helen accepted his worship, and paid bim back with sweet words- and sweeter smiles, of the full worth of which she was hardly cognisant. Sho did'not know that he loved hor, but she did know that even his liking was unspeakably preeious to her— ttiat the days when slie did not meet nim were dull and blank—that his voice was like music in her ears—that she was glad when he was gay, and sorry when he was sad and yet, in her girlish innocence, she never dreamt of telling herself "This is love, or asking whether a like sentiment prompted Percy's attention to herself. An instinctive consciousness told her that sho was moro to nim than other women and that was sufficient for her In the present.

III.

If people would only let well alone! Mrs. Duncan, good, kind woman, as sho was, had not yet achieved that crowning gift and it was her hand which first startled the beautiful Helen from her happy and unconscious dream.

Helen, dear," said that worthy lady one morning, as she camo into the breakfast-room, where tho young relative was languidly skimming the morning's intelligence, "I am going to give you a scolding. Yes, indeed, sitting iiown, and looking the very impersonation of good-humor, "I am really angry with you—at least I shall be il you make yourself pale and miserable every time a certain person does not turn up when he is expected."

"Laird

441don't

of Glenmaur

I don't believe he will so Harry will have to birng you t® Scotland instead."

think any harm's done, or

they wouldn't have parted with a joke said Mrs. Duncan to herself. "Though, if they did care for each other, I shoHid not be sorry. Helen is the best off now, but they are equals in birth, and be will have money .ti time. Besides, he's a dear fellow, and, as for Helen, she always was a darling."

What do you mean, Mrs. Duncan?" cried Helen, growing very red.

Mv dear child, you TinoW who said he was going to Lady Langford's last night, and then never appeared and I dare say it was very provoking. But you need not have kept your eyes fixed on the door quite so sadly. And then the way in which y«u snubbed poor youTig Lord Langfora, just saying and 'No' at random. Colonel St. John remarked it, and, my pet. I felt quite concerned. It's very nitural you should like him to keep his appointment but you oughtn't to let other people see you care about it much, or blush quite so rosily when he comes into our operabox, as you did the other evening. You had been looking quite pale before, and

darling" was looking a little

harm" had been

done but on trying a mild rally the young ladjr threw off hor depression at once, and for the rest of the return trip appeared as cheerful and as light-heart-ed as of yore.

Oh, please—please, Mrs. Duncan, pleaded poor Helen, her face all aflame now with shame and distress, "don say any more. I—I—" end then something arose in her throat and her eyes filled. The awakening had come with a vengeance.

Why, Helen, my darling, how very silly of vou!" cried Mrs. Duncan, caressingly. "What have I said so very dreadful? It's very natural you should care about hftn—just as natural as that he should care for you and, though I don think him, or any other man, half worthy of you, still I know there are lots of their heads for who would gi. 1 like, love him—only

girls him and, if you don't show it to the world, and, above all, don'tshowit to him. You've been so shut up bv yonr dear fiat her that yon don't understand these little matters so let me give you a hint. Never let a uian guess that you like him till he has declared be loves you. There—you needn't lo6k so shocked, little goosey I You've no Idea what queer creatures men are. However much they may be in love—and I grant you he is terribly in love just now—they like to fancy their goddesses next to impossible to win. The feet of it is. my dear, that, like their fox-hunting, toe whole pleasure of the chase with them is the chase. If the fox were to stand still to bo caught do vou think they would care about it? Not they, my love! And yet see the state of triumph they get into about a bit of brush. And it just thesame with marriage. If the Venus de Medici were to come down from her pedestal and offer

herself

and, after one or two ineffectual efforts to remove the barrier between them, his vanity or hill affection was wounded in Ita turn, and ho kit earlyr bidding Helen aeverety formal a "goed-nigbt" that the poor girl, only partially conscious of the effect of her own manner, later on cried herself to sleep for the first time in her life.

A wakeful night bad an opposite effect on'Percy. In nls own mind he went over Helen's whole previous conduct to )dm, and eame at last to tho right conclusion, that some one had been "talking to her, nutting nonsense into her head—a pack of meddling women f"— and, much cheered by the idea he made the sensible resolved of speaking to Helen himself, and on the earliest opportunity asking her the plain and simple question wonld she be his wife. He did not think- she would say "No 011 the contrary, he appreciated too thoroughly tho frank guilelessness of the girl's nature to doubt her caring for. Keener-eyed, and more experienced in such matters than Helen, he read more correctly than she read herself, and exulted in the Knowledge with a proud,

Ead

assiouate happiness beyond any life ever given him. And yet, sure though he felt of Helen's heart, he shrank,with a man'sdisliko to "scenes," from hurrying tbe momentous question. She was to be at a grand ball given by a certain countess in Hyde park Place, in the course of the ensuing week. He should meet her there and have an opportunity of speaking to her and, if possible, he would avoid meeting her in the interim.

That week was a trying one to Helen. Sho had never been so long without seeing her lover, and, like a true woman, she took to imagining all sorts of impossible causes for his absence. She had offended him beyond reconciliation, or, worse, he did not care for her, after all or, worst of all, he had eared for her and she had spoiled all by her "forwardness." Some one might have talked to him as Mrs. Duncan nad to her, and of course I10 was disgusted—any man with gentlemanly feelings would be—and he would never like hsr again and—oh dear! oh dear!—she would go back to Scotland at'once. Poor Helen! Percy littlo thought how much suffering he was inflicting on her, how much greater suffering he was to inflict on both of them by that week's delay.

The night of the ball came at last, and none of Helen's well-matured xvsolu tions availed to check the tide of brilliant, tell tale color which betrayed her joy when she saw Percy crossing tho room to greet tiiem—and ne saw it. Sho might be as lofty and constrained as she liked afterwards, but that blush wame from her heart, and was not to bo misunderstood besides, he felt himself to be embarrassed as well. Ho had never seen Helen look more beautiful. He knew that he had never loved her so madlv. Ho discernod oven in the quiver of Iier drooping lashes and the rapid pulsation of the tiny hand, that he too was loved and, even while speaking short, embarrassed commonplaces, or going through tho confusing figures of the "Caledohians," he longed with eager impatience for the moment when ho should hear her avow as much In words. Once iring their waltz feeling got the better of prudence, and he whispered

Helen—MissStuart, why are you so cold to me? Have I offended you?"

You?, No," and Helen's face crimsoned agaiB, and the hand he held fluttered like a prisoned bird. Percy pressed it tightlv in his.

441am

so glad," )e said hoarsely, "for

I want—I—Here—come into tho balcony I'm sure you're tired." She had turned white enough—so white, indeed, that as they passed info the cool air, and Percy saw her face In the moonlight, ho thought sho was going to faint, and saying, "Wait for me here a moment, and I'll get you a glass of water from tho sHpper-room," he hurried away.

That "moment" was to wreck all bis ho^es: and he might havo known that it was only the unwonted agitation of his own manner, that in turn had agitated Helen. She sat still, as he bade her, and as her breath came back was conscious that three ladies had taken up their positions on the other side of the red curtains, not many inches from her, utterly unconscious of her presence for they wero talking freely, and her own name was the first which fell on her oar.

Helen Stuart? Oh, yes, I've noticed her but I've seen it for ever ao long." "What! The dead set she and Mrs. Duncan are making at that young Lennox I never saw anything so open."

Mrs. Duncan is the greatcet matchmaker in London, and Mr. Lennox has expectations. I suppose she thinks It her duty to get this tall Sootch protegee of hers off her hands."

Well, she might manage It a little less flagrantly I wonder he isn't disgusted?'

441dare

to them, they wouldn

care for her. The gist of which, my dear, that girls ought to perch themselves on the highest pedestals they can find, or double and twist like the veriest little foxes, and then their final subjugation will be properly appreciated."

After which finale to her long lesson on worldlv wisdom, Mrs. Duncan kieaed the girl's hot cheek, and hastened awsy alter her other affairs, leaving Helen in a terrible state of trouble and shame, wounded delicacy and happiness—a *hv. tremulous happiness, blossoming above all else. Mrs. Duncan had said what she had never dared to say to herself—Perry loved her 1

The same evening Percy and Helen

me:.

and i* •'•hurt and astonished at once bv her uange and altered utner. •\l!«*rn tt. lv v..Id ami ©nii» irni—"«l, she puseled aim as much as sh« paun-d him

Ah, well, wo mustn't be too hard on her, poor thing I supposeaho is very much in love."

And Mrs. Duncan is very much in earnest I shouldn't wonder If she succeeded. Sho seems pretty confident.

Well, he's no great catch after all. My Selina He's a very clever fellow. He may think it will pay I hear ahe has money."

Not a sixpence, my dear—not a sixpence, on the best authority bat Mrs. Duncan is clever i/ you like, end, if they persuade bim that the poor girl Is dying for him, his vanity maylead bim to make a fool of himself. They say, too, that bee brother never lets him out of hi8 8igbt.',

The gossips moved away out of hearing, and in another ininute Percy returned with the glase of water. Ho little knew what mischief had been wrought in his absence. What a tumult of anger and misery seethed In Helen's bosom as she sat there and looked up at him—keen, passionate indignation,cruel^ mortification, outraged modesty, and," above all, fierce, unreasoning woman pride, overmastering every other passion! Come what might now, Percy should never say she had "thrown herself at his head," never boast that he naa had her for asking. She might love him—she did love hlin, to her sorrow but he should never know least for a long, long time, and not tiu be bad pleadea and striven to consent which these insolent women opined was waiting onlytoo him. She would show the ^orld thatlt was he who sued and shp who denied, and only when that was plain would wounded pride fold her wings and alio herself or him to be happy.

As clear a case of jilting as ever

W"mv

have been very imprudent. Miss Stuart looked like a ghost when I saw her last. I wonder her brother didn't interfere. I always said the man Was a sad flirt."

441say,any

sav I10 would be If he wasn

tho greatest flirt in London. My dear, he's only amusing himself I know on the best authority that he Is only amusing himself, and has never dreamt of anything serious with Miss Stuart.'

H'm—m you never see them apart. My dear, what is a young man gwing to do when a girl throws herself at his head If mySelina

dear ho was only playing with

her from tho flrat any girl of sense Xlfto" discovered t&at. I'm sure

n\%

3X1 must say Mrs. Duncan must

of you fellahs heard what's

become of Lennox? They say that Stuart jilted him, and lie's sold out of the Guards and disappeared. Fancy a fellah doing that sort of a thing for a girl! Never heard of such folly in the whole oouree of my life. Always thought the Stuart an awful flirt, though—civil to a fellow ono day. and beastly disagreeable tbe next. Called there the other day to find out about it, and was told Mm. Dtcnean wasn't at home—saw her leave the house a moment afterwards. Horrid add cat I Always wondered Lennox liked her."

So ran the verdicts of the Mrs. GrunJys and Mr. Stanhopes of Belgravia and so they reached Helen in a thousand varying forms. Poor girl—she was, in very truth, the ghost of herself ami

{learing'

ret she would not retreat, and so escape comments which alternately stung and lacerated her. With stern justiee she told herself—'"I camo up till July, and I will stay till July. It wa» my own fault. I lied when I told hi in I did not love him and I deserve to bo punished for my falsehood. I shouldn't mind if I only know that ho was happy then I coald bear it all."

One thing was truo—Percy has sold out of tho Guards and disappeared. That was all she knew, and imagination drew dreary pictmres of the rest. Her shortlived pride had melted long ago. People might say he had been only playing with her, might accuse her of flirting, laugh at her eredulity, or worse still, pity her love-sick folly she would not undeceive them. He had said she might boast of her conquest. Ah, well, he did not know her and even Mrs.Duncan remained ignorant as to how h.er littlo romance had found its sudden termination, and added her share to poor Helen's weight of suffering by hor oft-re-peated questions and surmises, and tho too-marked pity and compassion with which she treated her companion.

Pray don't blamo him," was all Helen saia. "lie has done nothing but what was most gentlemanly and good and honorable. It was all my fault, not his—I offended him by my folly."

And, when Harry Stuart eame burning with indignation to inquire as to tho truth of the stories going about town, he only received the same answer.

IV.—and last.

441can

never cease thanking heaven,

my dear child, for the escape you havo had in Percy Lennox's fickleness. I havo heard about him at last, and havo done nothing but rejoice ever sinco that your littlo flirtation came to nothing serious. They say he is leading a shocking life—quite out of our set, thank goodness! Indeed, be lias become quite unpresentable, lives somewhere in tho East-end—Ball's Court, I think they call it!—fancy, what a place!—writes for a low penny paper, and drinks and doos all sorts of dreadful things. His poor old uncle is quite in despair. He said to me himself,

4Why

didn Miss Stuart

marry him?' How glad I am you die. not! They do say he lias had an attack of delirium tremens, and is ill with that or something or another now. Ho is completely lost you see and 1 must say I never was so decoived inay«»un^ man. 1 really was fond of Percy, but of conrso one must cut him now,"etc. So ran tho tenor ol* a certain letter held by Captain Stuart ono morning in the lirst ww'k of October, tho person to whom it was addressed hall'sitting half kneeling on the lloorat his feet, hor beautiful face hidden 011 his knees, and whole figure shaking with ill repressed sobs.

Coma, Helen, Helen, don't weep so," said ner brother, soothingly,

4What

is it you want mo to do, ami when did this reach you

Three days ago," answered poor Holen, through her tears, "and then I told papa all just as I've told you, and begged him to let me come np to town and see you. And at first he was angry with Percy, and wouldn't—and afterwards, wlien ho saw how unhappy I was, lie was very kind, and said bo would come himsoll—only you ki ow his rheumatism prevented him. And oh, Harry, Harry, it is all mv doing! He said I had ruined him, ami I havo!

A man must bo absurdly weak to let any girl ruin him. I thought Lennox bad better stuff in him," said her brother "though, indeed," with fraternal testlness, "f never should h.ivo dreamt you would be so absurdly foolish. I thought you had more sense, Helon, than to listen to the envious tongues of a pack of old women. There, den"t cry, there's a dear girl! It'sawfully sad but we'll bring him back— what am I to do? Go to nim! leant very well for you soe he has avoided mo so markedly. I was offended, and we had a few words—not on your account, but his own folly—and tbe fact is, wo don't spoak now. Shall I write7

No, Harry, let me. I want to send only one line, Just to ask him to com here and—and if he does, you will let me soe bim, won't you

Do you know how much ^ucli an act compromises you, Helen

Yes." And my father is willing?"

Yes, Harry, he knows that I—that 1 lovo Percy, and he loves me so much that ho no longer withholds his consent."

The girl's cheeks were crimson now but her eyes looked up simply and fearlessly enough: and to the plain honesty of those beaming eyes Harry Stuart answered aa plainly *n and'

Sit down and write your letter—only don't mako it ten yards long." It was an unlucky proviso, for it maao Helen eo nervous and timid that when, after at least a score of attempts, ber her letter was written, it contained only these words—— "Dear Mr. Lennox—Will you come and see me I am staying with Harry, and should like to see you very much. H.rry

Percy Lentioi little knew how many

tear-blotted

letters, ending more er less

affectionately, had been torn up beforo that bald, ourt little epistlo was dispatched,or what a loving,womanly heart Wasbeating for his presence. Had it been otherwise, his answer might have been different.

A a E

"MTy dear "Miss Stuart—Thank you for your kind aote and invitation, the latter of which, however, I do not feel a* liberty to accept for reasons which I have no doubt you and your brother fully understand—I am, yours faithfully,

PercyLennox.

Harry Stuart was a man, and got into a passion Helen was a woman, and understood. But her wisdom cest her two great blows under ber beautiful eyes. In the end she got her own way ly: even Harry was coaxed to feel «mo compassion for the ^eb,e?a8!|S writing, so unlike Percy^

u«"al

caligraphy, which contained those stern words.

t. a damp, cheerless day, Pe^nnox WM sitting alone in hte dismal little sitting room. The fire [CONCLUDED OS TJttlRD PAOF.]