Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1856-02-13
Tell him l have preparations to make

as we leave in the--n
Yes, but you have time to CALL"
4 Then have an engagement; you
know told Harry to come round in the
morning." said Herbert, hastily.
Well, we'll, Herbert, | am sorry YOU
will not go, but we will say no more about
| it, and the kind-hearted old man entered
his room, bidding Herbert good night.
Herbert entered his room, and after
Hooking the door, lie went to a table on
which lamp was burning, and drawing
the fan and handkerchief from his bosom,
ne laid them on the table, and seating
himself by it, remained long in painful
revery The hours fed by, and still he
sat there, his pale brow contracted. and
a look of such deep, deep woe in his
large, dark eyes. His lips were pressed
together yet now and then convulsive
sigh would part them.
Oh what sad hours did Herbert spend
that night At length he opened the fan.
and glancing over its brilliant surface, his
eye was attracted by some words carved
on one side. Starting up he held it close
ly to the lamp, and plainly traced the
words Helen Lorraine, from w. Fl. NJ. )"
and the date placed beneath it was very
recent. What can it mean?" burst
from his lips unconsciously, as wild hope
sprang up in his heart. !" Can it be that
she is not his wife? Oh. no, no, it can
not be, and these are my uncle's initials
and her maiden name. What can it
mean? Dated but two months back !"
Catching up the handkerchief, he eager
ly searched for her name upon it. but he
was about laying it down in disappoint-
ment, when he discovered among the rich
embroidery, worked in with the same
stitch, and not showing unless carefully
scanned. the name Helen Lorraine, follow
ed by the same date that the fan bore.
The excited Herbert paced the floor
H thought ffs Il Pf Peposg g aey
was his mind. Now hoping, now striving
to quench that hope as useless and decep-
tive, he was summoned to breakfast ere
he became aware that the night had pass
ed.
Were you sick last night, Herbert ?"
asked Mr.. Stewart, anxiously, as Herbert
entered the room. "I thought that
heard you walking about in your room,
and was afraid you were sick"
oh no, | was not at all sick" replied
| Herbert, in an absent manner, as he seat
ed himself at the table.
| Why, Herbert, you are breaking your
eggs into your coffee instead of your egg
cup"
! Herbert pushed back his chair impa-
tiently, and rising from the table, walked
! to the window. Mr.. Stewart looked at
him in surprise, but without speaking,
proceeded quietly with his breakfast
Herbert walked across the room several
times, when suddenly pausing~Aaside his
companion, he abruptly asked, did my
uncle marry Helen Lorraine or her sister
Louise 2"
Mr.. Stewart looked up in establishment
at the agitated countenance of Herbert,
who repeated his question in 6rmer tones,
for his voice had trembled when he pro-
nounced the name of Helen, and with an
air of great Impotence, ere his surprised
companion could reply. " Why, Louise,
the younger one"
My God !" CALCULATED Herbert, as he
sank into seat.
Ibid you think it was Helen 2" asked
Mr. Stewart.
Herbert could only bow.
"And it was Helen Lorraine you loved 2"
Mr.. Stewart had advanced to Herbert's
side and laid his hand upon hisarm, as he
asked this earnestly.
g. 1t was,s answered Herbert.
at may be, then, you may yet gain her
hand. She is still unmarried, perhaps un-
engaged. Cheer up, such love as yours
should surely be rewarded. We do not
know. But we will hope that happiness
may yet be in store for you" Encourag.
ed by the kind words of his friend, Her.
bert told over the history of his early love
and disappointment. Taking the fan and
handkerchief from his bosom. he showed
him what had first caused him to think he
might be mistaken as to his nncle's choice.
As my uncle said, what important
events are sometimes brought about by
trihes."
"True very true," said Mr.. Stewart,
adding. e will take these along as am
now going to call"
81 will accompany youp exclaimed
Herbet, springing from his chair.
But my son, you have preparations to
make, as we leave"
Not till I know my fate will / leave
Paris r
:" But you have an engagement, you
know you told Harvey"
Spare me, my dear Sir, for heavens
sake come on"
A month had passed way, and happy
group are seated on the piazza of the cha
teau, consisting of Mr.. Stewart, Dr. Mo-
leen, his fair wife, and little Willie. But
where is Helen and Herbert, you ask
| Come with me to the library at the far
end of the piazza. With flushed cheeks,
and eyes that fairly sparkle with the in
tensity Of his feelings, Herbert is pouring
into Helen's ear toe story of bis loyG but