Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1851-07-03
CHAPTER TX.

A month elapsed before Helen was able to quit
her chamber. In the interim, an event had hap
pened of great importance to the family in the
death of Mr. Belwood, senior. Charles Belwood.
however, still remained in London, and letter
was received stating that he would not return for
several weeks.
One morning Helen was seated in sunny
chamber, looking out on the flower garden, en-
deared by so many innocent and happy hours,
when the door opened and Mr. Thornhil entered.
1t was the first time they had met alone since her
illness; and burning flush spread over Helcn's
face, as the moment so often dreaded when she
could no longer shun explanation, now actually
arrived.
1t was some minutes before the doctor ap-
preached the delicate topic.
sYou are better to-day, Hecn," he said, at
length.
"You must be aware, my dear girl. that it is
out of love for you that interfere--from SIN
cere. earnest desire for your welfare resumed
the doctor. II have not come TO pry into your
affairs, and force myself into your confidence.
from mere curiosity nor is it my wish 10 precip-
itate unpleasant revelations. But time presses.
Helen. We may expect your cousin Charles to
return home every day; and the death of your
uncle, most probably without a will-at least
without making any provision for you--materi-
ally alters your position. If you are wife, it
will be necessary to seek another home. If you
are not
en-, startled into energy bv his abrupt interroga-
ton. ''Do not judge me harshly," she continued.
burying her face in her hands "You, dear Mr.
Thornhill who have watched over me so long,
fostered me as child, and counselled me as a
woman--vou must not desert me now, in my eX-
ueme necessity
at is because will moi desert you-beca,lse
| will see you righted and, if can. justified, that
l am here. Bat it is essential, Helen, that you
should be explicit with me, knowing what do
for know ALL
'.ALL!'' echoed Helen, recoing, her cheek
white as death.
"Not all, strictly speaking. perhaps pursued
Thornhll, resolving, both from desire to spare
her feelings. and from fear of alarming her. not
to reveal the incident of Millicent's arrest s'bnt
singular chain Of circumstances has come to my
knowledge, which no one but yourself can clear
| up. Do you ever remember having seen one of
the colery girls, named Millicent Rennel?"
''Yes" gasped Helen. ''She has told
'sNo.'' interrupted Thornhill ''not word
| she has not said syllable, either to me or any
! one else, of what passed between you; but still
| have been able, from something that casually
transpred, in spite of her caution and fidelity, to
! gain an inkling of it. Now do not be frightened.
mentioned the fact that you may conceal moth
ing from me-that you NAV tell me unreservedlv
how you stand, and SO enable me to befrend you."
| "What is this you say?" murmured Helen, re-
IL
| ed. s.Did You not speak of Millicent Kennel one
of the collery girls?'' ''Yes | say you have
! nothing to apprehend from her. have rewarded
her for the service she rendered you, whatever it
was, and, to prevent any further embarrassment,
removed her out of the neighborhood."
"Oh. thank YOU thank YOU ~ returned the
young lady, with an hysterical burst of tears,''
"Come, come, Helen, do not give way thus,''
resumed Thornhill much aftec ted. Compose
yourself, my dear girl, and face the danger bold
lv, if there is any. Tell me at once the whole of
this sad history.'
sWould that might-that dare,' sad'Helen
! shading her face with her handkerchief; '.but
am bound by solemn promise TO reveal nothing
| without nv husbands consent. Never till now
did see the dreadful, the fatal tendency of such
an engagement; but it was an unavoidable con-
| sequence of my marrlage.'
|Unavoidable?'
eyes You know the severe, inhexibIe char
acter of my uncle, and my marriage. eligible as it
| is for me would have been extremely dstastefu
to him. Indeed. had he discovered it. he would
have discarded me; and, unhappily my ruin would
! have involved another's.'
'EAnd that other" said the doctor, looking up.
as if sudden light had broken in upon him,
| "is-"
''Oh do not say-if YOU suspect, if YOU know,
do not mention him. Wait only few days NV
uncle's death has, hope, rendered further con-
Cedlilleut uliiltCtSSdi WITCH YOU near INV
tale. you will have no reason to reproach me-"
81 do not nor will l reproach you, my dear
child or even press you any more on a subject
so painful, since such is your wish. But remeln-
ber, Helen, whatever may be the end, you will
command the same sympathy, the same affection
from me; and remember, also, that l enjoyed the
friendship-the perfect con6dence-of your mo-
ther''
81 will will" said Helen, pressing his
hand. as if she We're indeed his child
Before Thornhill could say anything, fur
ther, they were interrupted by the entrance of
Charles Belwood, whose soiled and tumbled dress
showed that he had Just arrived.
s'Charles!" cried Helen, Fastening to meet him.
Belwood, to judge from his looks, was quite
astonished at this display of affection. swell p
he answered, coldly. cha! Thornhill is that
you?" And he glanced uneasily from one to the
| other.
eyes. | have called to Helen.'' replied