Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-08-31

OF mr- DouSllS LennoX improved cOuslY Y1H.
erably. ~
On Sunday afternoon, near sunset,
Douglas left a lively circle in his sisters
parlor, and went out for quiet walk by
himself. He entered one of the parks.
and was strolling through the sunny, green
paths when his heart gave a quick bound
at the sight of trim little figure in blue,
resting on one of the shady seats. For a
moment he hesitated, then he crossed over
and spoke.
Good evening, Miss Romer."
Miss Romer arose with the lady-like
grace, which had long told Douglas. that
She was used to cultivated society, and re-
turned his salutation. And then they sat
down together, and yielding to the calm
Sabbath evening influences they fell into
quiet talk, as naturally as if they had
been old acquaintanccs. They talked Of
themselves, and Miss Romer told Douglas
that her home had been in New Haven,
and her father was gentleman of means,
who had lavished upon her, his only
child, every advantage which money and
taste could procure. She told him of the
death of her father and mother iu single
| week, and how her fathers estate proved
involved, and left her penniless and alone.
She told him she had sought for some
| means by which to support herself. and
she had finally obtained her situation in
Mr.. Sheldon's store, and kept herself in
comfort.
| And Douglas told her that he, too, was
an orphan, only himself and Bell left;
but he touched very lightly on the wealth
that was his lest it give her pain.
While they talked Miss Romcr dropped
her fan, and Douglas, picking'it up, saw
written upon the plain ivory handle the
name, "Helen Romer."
"Helen was my mothers name" said
he reverently. Il.
"Was it? 1t is mine." said Miss Ro-
mcr in pleased surprised.
Il am glad it is yours" said Douglas,
and he fell to thinking how often he had
written his mothers name, ''llelen Lem
nox." and how much he would like to
write it again with '.R" between the
names.
They sat very still for little while,
hardly talking at all, and forgetting tho
latcness of the hour until the CLEAN of the
strect-lamps close by startled Miss Romer.
He hastily arose, saying: May accom-
pany your u,
She hcsitatcd a moment, her color camc
and went, and then she, looking up with
pleading glance, said Il bad rather
YOU would not, Mr.. Lennox."
Douglas flushed then, but he asked
gently, "Will you tell me why"
Helen was silent, the crimson deepen
ing in her fair face, and presently Doug
las repeated his demand in firmor tone,
s.Please tell mewhy, Mis- Romer."
because, Mr.. Lcnnox, young girl in
nv position cannot have the friendship Of
gentleman in yours without hesi-
tated and could not go on.
Without making herself mark for
, idle and thoughtless tongues, suppose
! YOU mean % asked Douglas, with u dash
of bitterness in his tone.
She bowed her head in assent.
Douglas quickly asked another ques-
, ton:
! s.Miss Romer, T have sought your soci-
ETY. a good many times lately. Have
been the cause of any such pain to you =
, Helen seemed deeply agitated, and did
: not reply until the young man said, en-
treatingly, Tell me, Miss Romer."
'.A little" she answered, family then,
? once more looking up at him with plead
> ing glance, which touched his heart. sho
e added but | know you did not intend
(! it, and have been trying all the even
g ing to get courage to tell you that when
r we part here it had better be for good"
e The young man'sresolution was instant
e ly taken. t,
b "You shall not tell me my such thing,
s for don't mean to part with You at all.
: L understand what you mean, and l would
: give my right hand-yes my life-rather
than injure you. But | suppose that
$ even a shop-girl may have an honest lov-
e er, a husband, and homo. Miss Romer,
: Helen-if offer you these, will you ac-
d cept them p o
" Helen Romer trembled so that she was
y Obliged to sit down again. "You cannot
0 mean it," she faltered. "Ob, Mr.. Len
: nox, don't trifc with me, don't trihe with
n me !"
l Douglas sat down beside her and took
in his own one Of tho httle hands
r he had SO longed to hold and caress.-
e "Go3 knows would not triao with you,
v dear girl" he said solemnly, land Ho
e knows / do mean it. il / ever meant any
G thing in my life before. | have loved
9 YOU. Helen-let me call you so--cycr
= Since the first time / met you in the store.
= and have longed to take you away from
toll, and surround you with luxury. 4
e am able to do this, Helen, for am weal-
e thy. though l did not tell you this be-
r fore"
"And / am only poor girl. with moth
n ing to offer you in return," said Helen
c softly.
!, Nothing. you have the most precious
d possessions that ever came to q mau Ia
the world--you have a woman's heart, my
. darling! Will you give that?''
Iii you will take it, Mr.. Lennox."
: And Mr.. Lennox, too deeply moved to
}, speak. drew her closely to his heart, as
t they sat in the thick shadow, and pressed
u his first kiss upon her lips.
Helen's days Of wearing toll were over,
but she never forgot, while reiguing queen
}, of her husbands princely home, how bis
0 love sought her out when 'only shop
e girl"
And many young girl. who stood in
u her former position, found true iriehc
r and ready helper in the beautiful and
petted wife of Douglas Lennox.
Up in Boston. where they have pro-
. bibitory liquor law ond 80 many good poo
pie are total abstinents, they are very
fond Of ''tea puuch." The ingredients