Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-10-20

through the sunny, green paths, when his
heart gave a quick bound at the sight of q
little figure in blue resting on one Of the
shady seats. For moment he hesitated
then he crossed over and spoke.
A." Good evening, Miss Romer."
Miss Romer rose with the lady-likc crace
which had long ago told Douglas that she
was used to cultivated society and returned
! his salutations And then they sat down
again together, and, yielding to the calm
/ sabbath evening influences, they fell into !
| quiet talk, naturally, as if they had been old
acquaintances.
They talked OF themselves, and Mics Ro-
mer told Douglas that her home had been IN
estmorelend and her father a 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 in single
week, and how her fathers estate proved in
volved and left her peuniless and alone.
She told him how she had sought for some
means by which to support herself, and she
bad finally obtained a situation in Mr. Shel-
don S establishment and kept herself in COM
fort
And Douglas told her that he, too. was an
orphan, only himselfand Bell left: but he
touched lightly on the wealth that was his.
lest it should give her pain.
While they talked Miss R0mer dropped her
fan and Douglas picking tup saw written
upon the plain ivory handle the name Of
Helen Bomer
"llelen was my mothers name" hc said
rcyerently.
WAS it? Il is mine too, said Miss Ro-
Wer in pleased surprise.
Il am glad it Is yours said Douglas.
And he fell to thinking how often be bad
written his mother name. Helen Icnuox, .
and how much he would like to write it
again with an r. between the names.
They sat very still little while, hardly
talking at all, and forgetting the lateuess Of
the hour until the gleam Of the lamps close
by startled Miss Romer. She hastily rose.
saying -
Il did not know i. was 50 late. / must 70
home at oncc -
Douglas rose too. saving
May | accompany you2''
She hesitated moment her color came
and went, and then she said, boxing 40 with
pleading glance
y had rather Won did not, Mr.. Lenuox."
Douglas flushed then, but he asked
gently
"Will you ten IL why?'
Helen was silent. the crimson deepening
her fair face; and presently Douglas re-
peatcd his demand in a iirmer tone.
please tell me why Miss Bomcr'
because Mr.. Lennox, young girl in my
position cannot have the friendship Of zen
;leman in yours without"
She hesitatcd, and could not 20 On.
Without making herself mark lor idle
and thoughtless tongues, | suppose you
mean?" asked Douglas. with dash Of Bit
terness in his tone.
She bowed her head in assent
Douglas quickly asked another question.
"Miss R0mcr, l lave sought your socie.y
good many times ately. iiaye been The
cause of any such ain 90 you
Helen seemed deeply agitated. and d.l uot
reply until Ihc young man said enrcatinc-
ly g
Tell me, Miss E0mcr.
"A little, " she answered, ialtcringly; thcu
once more looking up at him, with plead
ing look which touched his hear, she added
Bat know Won did not intend it,aud have
been trying all the evening to get courage 10
tell You that when We part here It had better
he for ,,ood ''
The voYnr mans resolution ,gts Instantly
taken.
You shall not tell nc any such thing. for
do no- moan 10 mart with Won at all uD-
dersts-d yrbar v,u rpeo, and will civ. ,..,
any RIGHT band.ves. NV l.e-ratber tban
iniure Won. But snr65se even a sbon oirl
NAV have an honest lover. p husband and n
home. Miss Romer-IIclen-if / ofer ven
these viii YOU accept them"
Helen Eome7 trembled So flat She VA.
obliged to sit down again.
"You cannot mean II, she altered. go.
Mr.. Ienuox. d,n't trig- with me-"
Douglas sat down beside her and tool. in
his own one Of the little hands he had long
o8 so IN hold and caress