Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 7, Number 45, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 5 May 1877 — Page 6
saw.
if
'isiisiii
6
•%iLr
1
nr«
,=-v.
ftv
MAID
hJkfi Vbt *fHL
THE LAST HYMN.
PC
i#.*
VABIANKS RftpEKOIi
'The Sabbath day was ending, in a^RTaffe by
The uttered benediction torched TKe^eop!e tenderly, And ihey rcwe to face the sunset ih ibe glowing, lighted west, then hastened to,their dweUlngs for (jod's bleaied'boon of rest. J? pp
Bat they looked across the waters, and a storm was raging there: LA. fierce spirit moved them—the wild spirit of the air— ud lashed, and shook, and tore them, till tbey thundered, groaned and boomed, t&ikd, Slas! for any vessel la their yawning gulfa entombed. v'ery anxious were the people on that rocky coast of Wa'e», Lest the dawn of coming morrows should be telling awiul tales, "When the sea had spent its passion,and should cast upon the shor« Bits of wreck, and rwo len bodle*, as it# ad do^e heretofore. With the rough winds blowing round her, a brave woman strained her eyes, And she saw along the bUlowj a large ives sel fall and r,se. Oh! It did not need a proplie to tell what the end must be, fFor no ship could de In jafety iieaiUi gp shore on sach a sea.
Then the pitying people hurried from their homes and torongtd the bcach Oh! for power to cfoss the v.atersand the pfrishlDgio reach! Helplms lianas were wrung for sorrow, tender hearts grew cold with dread And the sh'r» urgMi I the tempest, to th? fatal rock shore sped. f' She has parted in the middle4!'bn, t$iNf«ilf I of her goes down!
God liave mercy! Is His lieavea far to se for those who drown?" Lo! when next the white, shooked faces looked ith terror on the sea, Only one Just cling'ng figure on a spar was seen io be.
Nearer the trembling watchers came the wreck tossed by the wav«-, "And the man still clung and floated, hough no pow» on eurtli could save,
,lCoulJ
we send him a short message? Heres a tru pet! ah -u: away!" 'Twas the preacher's hand that lo^k it, and he wondered what to tay.
Any memory
E
Hidden^Crime.
TALE OF LOVE, ADVENTURE AND MYSTERY.
BY MRS. LOUISA CROW Is.
Author of Sybil Dcrwent," Katharine Qrcy," Hose Leigh" Etc.
[The Hidden Cilnie was commenced in The Saturday Kvening Mail, Vol. 7, No. 4!1. April 21.
Back
you the re^on
of his sermon? Firstly? Sec
ondly? Ah, no.
There was bat one thing to utter in the awful hour of woe: fio he shouted through the trumpet, "Look to Jesus! Can you hear?" And
"Aye,
aye, sir!1 rang the answer oer tho waters loud and clear ft! jThen they listened, 'He isslnglng! 'Jesus, lover of myst.ul,'" 'And the winds br uglit back the echo, "While the nearer waters roll *Htrange indeed it was to hear him, "till the siorm of life was pasi, Hinging brave from the waters, "0 receive my toul at last." He could have no other reftlge! "Hangs my helple'ssoul on Thee Leave, oh leave m«not"-Ti.oslDgerdropped at last into the sea. And the watchers looking homeward through their fyos by tears made dim, Hald, "He passed be with Jesus in the sh glng of that liymn.
numbers can be had of
newsdeale s, or at this office, or sent by mail for five cents each.
CHAPTER VII. KEW CHARACTERS.
Ten minutes—nuuut.es that seemed baurs to the trembling watcher—had barely elapsed, when a well known footstep approached.
Springing forward with a fervent thanksgiving. Bessie Ashley Bank upon the boaom of her husband. "Silly girl!" he said, drawing her back into the cottage "how easily you are alarmed! There la not a bit of the heroin* about you!" 8he laughed faintly. "Oh, I oan be brave enough now that I see you safe! Ab! what is this?"—and with distended eyes, she suddenly lifted and gazed at the band which.phe liad laid on his shoulder.
It was covered with blood. "Nothing so very alarming, if you will only be tranquil, and hear what I have to tell you. My sister Julia has come." "Julia here! But where—-where?" "Stay a moment. Sho has met with an accident: only a slight one—a very slight one, and oaused entirely by her own heedlessness." "Where Is she?'' repeated Mrs. Ashley impatiently. 'rSbe is coining on Mr. Clyde's arm. I have run on before, to prevent your being shooked by her white face and bandaged bead. "I am ajrald it is worse than you t*ll me," sighed Bfssie, apprehensively. "Oh Charley are you fcure she is uot seriously hurt?" "You shall see, and satisfy yourself!" Mr. Ashley replied, going to the door, where steps were now audible. "Com*, madcap, ahnw yourself, before this foolish little wife mine f*v»r* u* with a lit of hysteric*!" "I'm sure she'll "1 un **T!
'I'm sure she'll not do anything ac
pardonable!"
cried a girlish voice,
bat would be a sorry welcome^after
all I have gone through to get And Julia Ashley came forward and affectionately kisaed the pale cheek of her sister.
Tto ber own face the flush of health and youth waa already returning aud only I tear still glittering on her long lashes, and the black scarf not ungracefully bound around her golden hair, remained to tell bow narrowly abe had escaped with life. "You have not yet told me what has happened," said Mrs. Ashley.
Julia waa too much engaged in taking .off her shawls, to which apparently dim -**cttlt business Mr. Clyde let his aid tosattafv ber and ahe turned to her husband. **Madame Julia," he explained, "has been running one of those desperate risks which we are continually warning toeople against. She could not wait until the train stopped, but must needs
^U"$ememter, sir. I only fallowed the example of my fellow traveler." "You're old enough to know better than to follow any one's bad example. "Yea, out
she
jumped, caught her foot in
aemething, and, if bad not keen for the promptitude of the gentleman who fc«d joat done the same anpardonable thing, she must have been crushed under the carriages." "What a merciful escape !M And Mrs. Ashler became, If possible, paler than J"*™- ti ii .'•on.'.
that
TBRKE HA.OTB
«Am) Chtrrlewiias made a bear of himself pouted the young lady. 'Hei*rdthxffked :mi gillsnt 1peliverer. I hdntd she I'Owed and »uileLoii Mr. Cly^e whtf ed,"tO wj wan mrranging the en*biona of an easy chair, to afford soA6 support to her wounded bead. tj Jr* *'J said all tbatj considered peoe**rv qndef the circoSn^pc^. It Was nil mfa+M&our own^owlngl which led you into danger and a hearty Thank you for the assistance rendered, was surely all thatconld be expected from me!" "But you fccvefTByw to .sea what became of the poor voting man—never inVited hifh-to confeln and rest and, for all you know to the contrary, he may become stranger, who merely got out of the carriage irbm a polite desire to assist me, for he knew that I was alone."
Mr. Clvde smiled. "I think I can relieve your mind as to the fate of the object of your interest. Mr. Biutoftrd Dal by is well acquainted with the road to Conrton, and, by this time, I dare say, be i3 nearly there." 'And pray, Julia/-what brought you here so unexpectedly?!* queried her brother. "BeHsie's letter, of course." "I don't understand you. Bessie's lettei?" ••Yes, you 'oolish boy! Did she not write and frighten us all about your darling pet's narrow escape? Mother could not rest, and I was equally miserable, until I coaxed her into letting me come and see how you all were alter such a I'ritfht!11 "But to come alone!" remonstrated Mr Ashlev. "Where was Frei Wynne? I think" Ac might have seen you safely here!" "Ob* tbank you-1-thank you! said Julia to Mr. Clyde, as she nestled among the cushions, and gratefully raised her blue eyes up to his. "How comfortable this is. Really, every one is kiod to me, wherever I go!"—and she looked lulled of iunocent surprise at the pleasant scovery. "Of course,''retorted her brother. "Everybody pets babies and children and you'll he one as Ion?as you live! What's
come with yon?" '•.Perhaps, iifee other children," said Julia, saucily, "I was willful and
didD't
tell Iiiin I was coming. Besides, who is Fred Wynne, pray, that I should always put myself under his guardianship? Really, Charles, you arc too exacting, when you expect me to keep all your old friendships!"
The brother uttered a dissatisfied "Humph!" Bessio looked disposed to laugh lor the first time and Mr. Clyde, feeling that he was now an intruder, said bis adieus. "I absolve you from your promise to walk with me," he observed, in low tones, to Mr. Ashley. "Indeed, I think that all further discu «sion of Miss Cecil's affairs had better be avoided. There is integrity and purity in'her every look and word. I, lor one, .cotild trust her ully. Time, perhaps, will remove her unwillingness or inability to confide in you. Take a Scotchman's advice, Ashley, and 'wait a wee.'"
With this they shook bands, and parted the station master returning to the side of his sister, while B3ssie went to acquaint Helena with the arrival of a victor, who must share her chamber. "What
A
magnificent man that is Char
lie—Mr. Clyde, did you call him? Who is he?" What the deuce is that to you?" growled-Ashley. "Magnificent man, indeed! If a fellow does Dut stand six feet in his shoes, girls are in ecstacies, and never trouble themselves to inquire if he has any brains." "Oh, we take that for granted," Julia carelessly replied. "There's something invidioup, isn't there, in criticising people too closely? Besides, I am not overstocked with Drains, cm I?" "It lmb seemed like it to-night. Go to bed, do, you heedlefs thing. I can see that your head is aching, and no wonder"
He kissed her very tenderly, and she returned the embrace with equal affec-
l'"Charlie,
dear, that kind gentleman
whe came down In the train with me, and saved ay life, was excessively polite. I wished you bad not been so rude to him."
I don't think I was rude, Julia." Oh, Charlie, ou ought to have asked him to come in,'instead of handing me over so cavalierly to your friend. Why didn't you?" "If I wore tolell you, you would only laugh." "Neyor mind that tell me." "I will. In the first plape, Mr. Richard Dal by is connected with a wealthy family, and occupies a station solar above mine that we can not meet on equal terms, consequently I do not tske the liberty of asking him to be my guest. I keep my place, and he bis. Secondly, Mr. Daltiv bestowed on my little sister such bold stares ot admiration that I felt much more inclined to teach him better manners than to treat him civilly, Thirdly, you know I never did encourage your very foolish and unlady-li»e love of flirting, and" "There—I don't want to hear any more! Ob, my poor bead! Goodnight, 3barlie. dear!" How well you will rest to night, to be sure!" "i realty -on't know why. Your narrow escape bns almost annihilated
"But then you have hud the proud satisfaction of having done your best to reform me. Do you ever lecture poor Bessie so dreadlully?"
She has always had too much good sense ever to require It, I- thank good
Julia's
ready
concurrence in this, and
declaration that Bessie was the best and dearest girl in the world, brought back the biuiiu to the lips of ber brother, and they parted for the night on the beat of terms.
Julia did not attempt to close her eyes until she had heard all that Bessie could tell about Helena Cecil, and her thorough I aroused curiosity might bavo led he'r te transgress the rules of courtesy, when left with her companion fop the night, but there was something in the sweet and gentle manner of Helena which so awed or influenced the bolder Julia that she had not the oourage eveu to insinuate an inquisitive ques tion.
With little Harry to admire and caas he lay between them, looking in the sound and calm slumbers cy, and her own narrow escape to dilate upon, tike young glri found sufficient topics for conversation without trenching upon any awkward suntoots: and she arose in the morning enthusiastic in her praises of her brother's guest, me, I hope. Miss soon as Helena
"You will forgive
appeartkT^'you will, for anything I have said whieh appeared harsh or unkind."
She tried to smile, but the teara would have their way. ... ,, "Oh, try to think well of me, Mr.Aahley for indeed—Indeed I am gull ties* a wrong action or thought, and I am so very, very friendless!" ifwr-^
1
afiecUd b* her ap^al, »'yow wiUmake me thlnMlhat I must raf of all feeling." J' .. to Conrton Helena continti* rsA Mr. Clyde of an Impending danger. I bope-^yea, I believ»-^at ihis daniter has disappeared forever. Shouia itXa^tin, nowmsiderattona,either for myself or "r ,IXS
BhftpHMiiflri butngilnfloiitlnpw1^ tber for myself, or one very doartome. shall keep me sileiit. Does that
^°Mr Ashlev looked perplaxfld, but replied,
"I
mYst Weo&ted to believe
that, to the best of your judgment, you are acting rightly. Should further conslderation induce you to decide that the advice of those most anxious to assist and befriend yon is worth having, do not forgot that mine is always at your service
A grateful look was the sole response, and AShley went away to his duties. But Helena's words rang in bis ears* A darner bad
hung
over the unconscious
Clyde?—a danger that might recur. What was it?
,*!#» CHAPTER VHI.
FORTUNB-TEIXIKO.
We 3ks passed away. Helena finally recovered the use of her arm, and, by her skill in the manufacture of the most delicate specimens of Honiton laoe, was able to make an adequate return for the hospitality of her kind entertainers, who now regarded her as one of the family.
Julia Ashley was still at Cou*ton. She had hitherto declared it be such a dull spot that a couple of days wearied her of her monotony. But now she seemed, quite contented to remain
tbFred
Fred Wynne did not
Wynne, the clever young school
master, who had a well founded hope that his assiduities had secured him the largest place in her heart, had twice traversed the 100 miles lying between Courton and the native village of the Ashleys, to escort her home. But she refused to go. ..
Why this was, and what attractions the versatile girl had found in this quiet spot, no one could divine. But they were all pleased at a determination which certainly made the long winter days pass rapidly bv, for Julia enlivened everyone.
Shy young farmers, who bad hitherto but merely passed the time of day to the station master, now quite frequently dropped in at the cottage with presents of game, or farm produce, or invitations to "come and spend an hour or two to home."
Mr. Clyde, too, grew quite indifferent to bad weather and miry roads, coming twice and sometimes thrice every week to make one' in the pleasant circle around the lamp in Mrs. Ashley's cozy sitting room.
Whether his visits had anything to do with Julia's sudden predilection for Courton, it was not easy to determine. Bessie thought so, and her husband was half inclined to hope she was right for his old liking for Walter Clyde, atfd fsith in him, had revived. And he would have been more rejoiced to see his little sister united to him than to Fred Wynne, over whom her sway threatened to be too powerful to be good for either of them.
But how far the quiet, serious manager of the mills was atfected by the fascinations of the coquettish maiden, even Julia herself could not guess. He did her bidding, submitted to her whims, and was always the first to try and coax her into good humor when she pouted at her brother's lectures. But then it was to Helena he brought the newest volumes, and he read to her aloud while she bent over her work with quite as much willingness as he wrote verses in Julia's album, or taught her to sing the Scotch ballads be had learned at the knee of his Highland mother.
Anyhow, the hours passed swiftly and pleasantly with Julia Ashley. Frequently she took long walks in the plantations' returning with the rosy hue upon her oheeks deepened by exercise, and her spirits exhilarated almost to folly.
Sometimes, but ra: ely, Helena shared these delightful excursions, for Julia generally preferred to take them alone. But, one afternoon, she so earnestly begged the former to lay aside her work and accompany her, that her consent was at last obtained, and tbey set off together. "Which way are you going to take me?" Helena asked. "I scarcely know. But I heard last evening, when we were in Courton, that there is a famous fortune teller living somewhere in the woods, and I am dying to consult her." "What, Dame Raseley?" "Then you know her. I thought I had beard her name mentioned at the cottage. You shall be my guide, dear Nelly."
A
"I would much rather not. You are not in earnest, are you? •'t far in earnest that I have set my heart and, will'go alone." "But it is so very ridiculous, dear Julia and I am sure you will be disappointed. Dame Raseley is only a silly, ignorant old woman."
lar in earnest u»*o wv irt upon finding the Courton witch, 1, if you will not accompany me, I
"Of
course, all fortune tellers are but I like the ftin and the secrecy of such an expedition, and I mean to go. Will you come?" "No, thank you." "Then farewell, you cross creature. I must make the peep into futurity alooe "And run the risk," cried Helena, "of losing yourself?" "Not I!" retorted Julia, gayly. know every dell and dingle within miles of the cottage." '•Then you ought to be familiar wltn ibe Dame's but, for it stands in the most secluded of them."
«f
two
But she was fain to confess that her knowledge of the maay paths winding between the tree* was not so great as she bad boasted and now Julia used all her powers «f peisussion to induce Helena to ahow her the way.
Against her better judgment the latter finally yielded, wnd. ere long, they tapped at the door of the old woman hovel. .. "We may come in, good mother, mayn't we?", aaked Julia, peeping |n. "What a dear old cat!" Anain an instant die was crouching down by the hearth. Ingratiating herself with the crabbed oldTom, and his equally surly mistrsss.
The errand was soon told, and her tor palm ungloved and extended for the inspection of the crone, to whose gibberishshe listened, blushing, but eagerly. Helena, however, kept aloof, and steadfastly refased to go through the same
^*Jullawas in high spirits at the conclusion of the fcrragoof noMsnee floured int her ears, and laughed merrily at what abe sailed the prudery or her companion. "A rich husband, and in leas than twelve months! Thank yo®. Dame it la the best fortune that has txwn predicted to me for a long tima. There is another shilling for you, and, Man additional proof of my gratitude. I will go and gather up a lapftil of wood for your
-•J
Away bounded the light hearted glrl, and the vexed Helena gravely spoke to the Dupe.
MHow
could you tell "this young crea illful falaehoeds?
than $o! "She 111 ported, wt
is worse
—it is realtawjlpk 1 tohearlvf|he woman re-
I, so neaf the
lure til deoeit and Irat
Dame, when you and I read the I together, we foun£ very different anna |q i|g IHKrPd
Bible les
sons In its pages." Dame Raseley had recourse to her pipe, which ahe deliberately filled and lit before replying. "I mun liye, mun't I?" "But not by such practice* as these. Besides, they are unlawful. Are you not afraid of being fouiid out, and punished?"
To this she ohose to turn a deaf ear, and asked, "Who is she?" "She is the sister of Mr. Ashley, the station master, who has been so kind to me." i, "Happen you're a bit fond of ber." t.
The remark struck Helena as a rather strange one, and she looked surprised, as she replied, "Yes, I like her very much she is always gay and good natured."
A she's a skittish one, she is," ejaculated the Dame, shaking her head. "I see ber and her sweetheart often when tbey think there's no one nigh." "Her sweetheart!" the am axed girl repeated. "Who do you mean?"
The Dame peered curiously into her face, and answered evasively. "Oh, sometimes on, sometimes t'other."
Any further questioning—if Helena's sense of honor had permitted it—r?a9 now prevented by the return of Julia, who came in breathless with the weight of the dry branches she had collected. "There, old lady, you may make yourself a roaring fire now! Fling on plenty! Some day I'll come and get you twice as much but we must go now, .or we shall be benighted."
They had not got far on their way when Julia interrupted herself in the middle of a repetition of the Dame's prognostications. '•Did you r.otice what I did with my purse, Nolly? I can't remember what became of it after I paid my clever old fortune teller. I hope I have not been sillv enough to leave it on her table, and she"hastily tuned out her pocket, putting several articles into tha hands of her companion.
Among these was anew and handsome locket, of such elegant design that Helena uttered a cry of admiration, which made Julia look up. "Yes, it is here, quite safe., What is it you are admiring? Oh, my pretty little present! Is not cbarmiug?'r "It is, indeed and I must certainly congratulate you on Mr. Wynne's excellent taste." "Fred Wynne, indeed!" cried the young lady, disdainfully. "He isn't capable of such refinement. It was not Fred Wynne who gave me that, Nelly, dear, so "you may guess sgaln."
Thus urged, Helena faintly breathed
and
unMr.
tho^ name of
willingly Clyde. "You must go higher still," she whis-
Fowe
Bred. "It was the gift of one to whom my life." "Mr. Richard Dalby!" Helena ex claimed. "When did he give you this?" "A week—no, more than a week "But you will return it. love," and Helena spoke very earnestly and excitedly "you caunot keep it with propriety. "Pray give it back to this most inconsiderate, if not wicked, young man."
Julia .turned upon her angrily. "What do you mean by using such ^expressions with regard to Mr. Dalby? Do you know him?" "No, I do not and—I should be very Borry to vex you, dear Julia, butsurely if Mr. Dalby's intentions were honorable, he would not attempt to meet you secretly." "Who says that I have met him injsecret? Have you been paying into my actions, Miss Cecil?"
The flashing eye sank before the steady, sorrowful gaze of Helena's, and she impulsively threw her arm around her. "Forgive me, my own sweet friend I am a barf, 2 uuitiess creature to speak so rudely to you. I will not wear the locket and pray think no more of my folly and —and do not say anything to Bessie about it."
It was difficult to refuse the coaxing words and looks of the pretty pleader, but Helena would not promise, and Julia half sullenly walked on. "After all, Nelly, dear," she said, as tbey reached the stile from whence the twinkling lights at the cottage were vis ible—"after all, you must own that you area little too precise. If, in my strolls, I casually meet any oue, as I do occa sionally—Mr. Dalby, for instance—what would you have me do? Can I refuse to permit" him to walk beside me? And when he asked me, in a gentlemanly and friendly manner, to accept a souvenir of our railway adventure, could I have a proper and a kind refusal at my tongue's end?"
Helena was silent. "Besides"—and now the coquette lowered her tones to a whisper—"richer men than Mr. Dalby have married poorer women than I. Our fapoily is respectable, and I shall not permit him to trifle with me." "This is all wrong, Julia, radically wrong, and you know it." "No, I do not,"peraisted the annoyed damsel and she burst into a passionate flood of weeping.
While Helena waa trying tosoothe-tbe. troubled gir), withotlt yielding her own convictious of what was correct, the voice of Mr. Ashley was heard as be loudly vociferated their names.
Julia sprang over the stile, and, wiping her eyes, replied cheerfully. Guided by ber tones, his form was soon dimly seen in the gathering twilight.
He spoke as if somewhat annoyed. "I must beg of you, young ladies, not to make your walks so long. I do not like you to be out sfter dark."
Julia ridiculed his fears. "Are there imps in the hollows and spirits in the decayed trees?" "I shouldn't mind your encountering thoee but I have an objection to your meeting with any of the fast young men who come over here shooting." "We have,not met any one," she as-
"Possibly not and you might wander about for hours without doing so but It is always best to be on the safe side—is not, Miss Cecil?" •*Oh, yes of oourse, we know all about that!" interpoeed his sister, pettishly. ••Yen are au models of prudence and discretion here except poor me!"
Mr. Ashley laughed at her little ebullition of temper, and said: "You have not told mo how for you have been." "Only to sso a poor old woman named Raseley," Julia hastily replied. "Now are you satisfied?"
But her ill temper had vaniabed when
tbey reached the cottage and, bringing low stool to the feet of Helena, ahe sat there all the evening, jesting gayly with ber brother and Mr. Clyde.
CHAPTER EX.
OA9CK RASHL^Y'S WAR9IKO. A few days ensued of anoeaalngly bad
weather. The little boy was fretful for want of exercise. Mrs. Ashley had a severe and «ven Jnlis hegan to yawn Mid wonder whether Fred Wynne would 'etch her home how. If she wrote .and asked hHtopriftflyr
But the hail and srow gave way to sharp frosts toe ground became hard enough for walking the sun shone brilliantly the youEg lady's spirits arose to their usual height, and she resumed her daily ramblea.
Helena saw this with but little ooncern, for Mr. Clyde had casually mentioned the departure of Richard Dalby, and site no longer feared that Julia would enoounterhim.
From ber guarded inquiries, she learned that this young man was occasionally dispatched to Courton by the beads of the firm, to render some assistance to Mr. Clyde: but that, despite the remonstrances of the latter, he rarely entered the counting house.
His time was spent in lounging about the village, getting up flirtations with any pretty maiden foolish enough to listen to his wily tongue or, with bis dog and gunL sauntering through the preserves, accompanied by almost any one—rich or poor, gentleman or blackguard—who felt disposed to associate with him.
Helena shuddered as she heard. How could Julia Ashley, in hourly companionship with men of such rectitude and
S
od principle as her brother and Mr. •lyde, stoop to smile at .the coarse flatteries of sucrt a profligate?
She was busily engaged with such thoughts as these, when Dame Raseley cauae hobbling up to the cottage. She was no favorite with Mrs. Ashley but, in consideration of her age and the distance which she had walked, Bessie gave her a seat by the fire, and a basin of soup.
Happening to look up, Helena saw the eyes of the old woman fixed upon her with unusual significance Imt no opportunity oflfered of asking what this might mean, until Mrs. Ashley went up stairs to search for the bit of .flannel which was the ostensible object of her Visit.-'K? *S "Is anybody near?" ,un "No, dame why do you ask?" "Didn't ye want to keep that young girl out of harm?"
Helena rose and approached the crene with rising alarm. "Yes, certainly. But what do you mean?" "She's in the wood to-day. I see her as I come along." "But alone, was she not?" Helena asilced "Ay, she wer' alone then." With another glance around the room, she went on to say: He'a here agen!"
Her auditor started, and immediately turned pale. "He! Who?"
Dame Rasely clutched her own throat with her long, skinny fingers, and pointed signifio-anuy to Helena's. "He that tried"Hush, hush! for heaven'a sake, hush!"
The agitated girl flew to shut the door at the foot of the stairs. "Why is he here? Can you tell? Is he seeking for me? Does he know where I afo?"
The dame shook her head. "I knows nothing 'cept tnat that girl's wl' him!" Helena recoiled. "With him! For what purpose? Can ^e ba questioning her about we?"
The hag chuckled. "Little enough o' that yesterday, when I crouched in the dry fern to watch 'em. 'Twas nothing but sweet words and kisses."
For a moment her hearer seemed par alyzed but when Mrs. Ashley was heard returning she snatched up her hat and shawl. "I must save her from him. Ob, cruel! cruel!" she moaned "how can he do this? Whore is their place of meeting?"' "You know the haunted oak, don't ye?"
With a nod Helena glided from the roGm and, heedless of everything but the danger into which she believed that Julia was unwittingly running, took the way to the spot indicated by Dame Raseley.
Sho had scarcely* entered the wood when a sudden flash and the loud report of a gun close by made her start and shrink.
At her cry, a manly voice uttered an exclamation of alarm, and the next moment Mr. Clyde had forced his way through the bushes.
Helena's disordered looks Increased his fears. "Merciful heaven! Miss Cecil, are jou hurt? No! You are certain? How oan I express my regret for terrifying you so
For a brief Interval she was f.lad to accept the BUpport of his arm, while he continued to express self reproach at his carelessness. "It is nothing!" she murmured, striving to regain her composure. "Pray do not detain me I must go on." "Go home, you mean, do you not?"
She broke from him impatiently, and ran along a narrow path which led Into one of the loneliest and loveliest parts of the woodland.
The strangeness of her manner had aurprised Clyde, but the direction she took was still more peiplexlng. "Whither could she be going, and for what purpose?" he repeatedly asked himself.
But now her light figure bad wholly disappeared, and he stood uncertain what to do—proceed homeward, or to slowiy saunter on toward the piint where Helena bad vanished in the distance.
He determined upon the latter. Meanwhile the trembling, eager girl hurried on until she reached the haunted There was no oue there, and she leaned against the tree, disappointed yet relieved. Dame Raseley might have been mistaken. Heaven grant that It was so!
Hark! the clear, sweet voloe of Julia Ashley rises on the air. Within a few paces of theunseen Helena she is laughingly shaking the snow from the bending sprays of a young larch, and is caroling an old ditty— "Helgho! I am afraid
Too many lovers will puzzle a maid. Masculine tones at some little distance take up the air, and ulia, knowing how well the attitude becomes her, remains as if entranced. Poised on tiptoe, her face turned toward the new comer, ber well rounded figure displayed by the displacement of her cloak, which she his carelessly flung back, abe looked charming and, unfortunely, abe knew it.
Now be came in eight. A tall, broad chested young man ed in a sporting costume. His long, light hair, his mustache and extensive whiskers, more careftilly arranged than is usual with gentlemen engaged in the exciting amusement of killing partridges and pheasants. there waa a general air of foppery in Us appearance, which waa carried to a moat disagreeable ex-
ilnion.
to
forfeited all claU
mew
Do ho* be tbd seitor#u|bn^e,%weet, charming Miss Ashley be answered, with an affected draf^l ^'pon honor, I wouldn't helpilF* -$•. "I'll not listen to, any excueea.\ "Bfit/ 'pori hotfetf^^oo must, this onv and I'll sue for forgiveness on my
He dropped tijxftvthem with ludicrous {iretenee of remorse, which, made her augh despite heTSelf.
1
At this, ne sprang UP-" "Bravo! I knew yoti could not be quite so implacable now let me seal my pardon on that fair hand."
As his extended arms sought to clasp the half reluctant, half willing maiden, a figure suddenly glided in between them, and gently pushed the startled Julia away.
Words will but feebly paint the dismay with which the stranger beheld the unexpected apparition. His aruis sank nervously by uis sides, and hastily stepping back, he shrieked, "You
Without replying save by a look of unutterable sorrow-, Helena imperatively waved him off. His brow darkened, bis eyes—those cold, remorseless eyesglared at her beneath their shaggy brows and his fingers played with the lock of the gun which had been slung over his shoulders. .1
Heaven only knows how far, in the first moment of his vindictive wrath, prudence still held hint in its fetters but that a fierce longing to rid himself of the presence of Helena possessed bim was so vividly apparent in his features that, inspired with horror and dread, Julia veiled her face, and flinging herself at the feet of the calm, pale giri who resolutely confronted liim, shrieked loudly.
With an execration, too blasphemous to be repeated, he dashed away and, in another minute, the sound of his fast retreating footsteps ceased to be heard. "Is he gone—on, is he gone?" she gasped, at last, raising her bead from the fold of Helena's ress. "Are you sure? Oh, how terrible he lcoked?" •fOome homi," was the low reply "come home." It was ail. her excited nerves enabled her to say.
But the selfishness of the fair coquetts would uot permit of this quiet conclusion to such au interview, and she now burst into an hysterical' flood of tears.
The deeper emotions of Helena rendered this outburst intolerable and, disengaging herself from the grasp of the weeper, she began to walk away^
Julia flew.after her. "Oh, you unkind Nelly! would you leave me here alone? I should die with fear! Speak to me, dear! You oauuot know how dreadfully I tremble."
Helena made no answer, but suffered Julia to cling closely to her side. "I wish I had uot come!" was that young lady's next exclamation "but how could I know? Indeed, I do not now understand what brought you hers or why you have interfered! and a sense of annoyance arose in her mind. "Reaily, Miss Cecil, you watch mo, a«id spy over me, and intrude upon my privacy, as if I were a child! I will not submit!"
Helena nefw paused and looked fixedly in that flushed face. "Say and think what you will, Julia Ashley, I care not. But you must solemnly promise me never to see him again!'' "Why should I?" "Because he is unworthy. Because you can never, never be hia wife!"
Julia disliked and rebelled »gainst the spirit in which this was spoken. "And why not, pray? If I choose to overlook theso lollies which, like most young men, he has committed, who ahallj)revent it?" •. ft!
The tone of the eingle monosyllable was mournful but decided. Julia uttered an aggravating and incredulous laugh. '"You, Miss Cecil! Pray, who, then, and what are that our lutes arp in your keeping?"
Altera few moments of painful incertitude, Helena bent closer, and whis-t pered a word in her ear.
It elicited a cry of amazement. "Can this, indeed, be true? Ab, yes I see by your looks, dear Nelly, that it is so! But why "You must not question mo. Foryour sake, I entrust you with my secret for mine, I entreat you to keep it! Think, Julia, what I sun'or in living this life of concealment—my surname hidden, my hours embittered by a continual dread of some deeper anguish and degradation than that which bad made me the friendless outcast I am!" I "But we love you, Nelly, dear Charlie would do anything in reason to assist you! If you told him why "I cannot! You know not what my revelations might do, or what the e^nsequences would inevitably be to him, should I proclaim bis unworthiness even to you, if it bad not passed the limits of endurance?"—she looked fearfully around and her companion crept •loser to her aide. "But think no more of my anxieties, and only promise what I have asked. For the love you bear your widowed mother, and for the safety of your own honor and happiness,
give me your word that you will never meet him again!" The required pledge was instantly Srenounced. "Believe me, my dMr
a»?"
have been dsome, but
His countenance might pronounced decidedly nantwviuw, «»«. for the sinister expression of a pair of pale blue eyee, and an ugly fairness ef the lips, now parted in a smiling greeting.
Julia menaced bim with her finger, "Not a atep nearer, sir! You have quite
Tears of shame had now began to oourse down the cheeks of the tbought-
"I? was wrong—yes, I acknowledge that it was very wrong—but
4
if
V* Vt
iV
tJ
Telly, when I assure you that this Isthe first time I have met him by appoint mentl"
She blushed beneath the reproving eye of her friend. "How could you, Julia—you, who are the betrothed of another—meet him at
I meant nor
harm. Is it a crime to desire to be loved narm. js it a crime uwi® and admired—to see one's society courted, and to have one's opinions solicited, and wishes zealously obeyed? Can I help my nature, Nelly? Would any amount of scolding and lecturing make me as steady and prudent aayour dear, wise little self?
Before Helena could reply, a heavy footfall was heard, and Julia clung to r, her friend, shuddering aud trembiingtwsr [TO wtooirrrmTKD.] •. v.
Dr. K^i New Discovery.
f.
For the speedy cure of Consumption and all diseases that lead to It, such as stubborn Coughs, neglected Colds. Broncbitls, Asthma, pain in the side and chest, dry hacking oougb, tickling in the throat, Hoarseness. Sore Throat and all ||4 chronic or lingering diseases of the throat and lungs, Dr. King's New D£ covery has no equal and has established for itself a world wide reputation. A great many of our leading physicians recommend and use it in their practice.. The formula from which it is prepared is highly recommended by all medical journals. The clergy and the press have complimented it in the most glowing ,4 terms. Go to your druggist and get a trial bottle free of cost or a regular size for $1.00. For sale by Groves & Lowryand GuUckA Berry. '-#IJtf3