The Republican journal., 1871-02-09

casionally met Miss Romer on her way to the
store, and once or twice walked with her,
had anything to do with the matter or not
can't say, but after such occasions, l do
know that the spirits:of Mr.. Douglas I.ennox
improved considerably.
One Sunday afternoon near sunset Douglas
left lively circle in his sisters parlor, and
went out for \ quiet walk by himself. He
entered one of the parks. and was stolling
through the green paths, when his heart gave
a quick bound at the sight OF a trim little fig
IRE in blue. resting upon one OF the shady
seats. For a memsnt he hesitated. then he
crossed over and spoke.
Good evening, Miss Romer."
Miss Romer rose with the lady-like grace
which had long ago told Douglas that she
was used TO cultivated society, and returned
his salutation. And they sat down together,
and yielding to the calm Sabbath evening
influences. they fell into q quiet talk. nat
urally, as if they had been old acquainl-
ances.
They talked of themselves, and Miss Rom
er told Douglas that her home had been in
New Haven, and her father was gentlemen
of means. who-A~d 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 sim
gle week. and how her fathers estate proved
involved. and left her penniless and alone.
She told him how she had sought for some
means by which to support herself, and how
she had finally obtained her situation in Mr..
Sheldons 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 should give her pain.
While they talked, Miss Romer dropped
her fan, and Douglas, picking it up, saw
written upon the plain, ivory handle the
name, ''Helen Romer."
''IIelen was my mothers name,' he said
reverently.
WAS it? 1t is mine, too," said Miss
Romer, in pleased surprise.
II am glad it is yours said Douglas.
And he fell to thinking how often he had
written his mothers name. "Helen l-ennox. .
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 lateness of
the hour, until the CLEAN Of the street. lamps
close by startled Miss Romer.
She hastily rose, saying, Il did not know
it was so late. must 60 home at once"
Douglas rose too, saying, ''May accom-
pany yony'
She hesitated moment, her color came
and went, and then she said, looking up with
a pleading glance. IL had rather you did
not, Mr. Lennox."
Douglas flushed then. hnt he asked gently,
''Wil you tell me whyY'
Helen was silent, the crimson deepening
in her fair face, and presently Douglas re-
peated his demand, in a tirmer tone, ''Please
tell me WHY Miss ROmer''
because, Mr.. Lennox, young girl in my
position can not have the friendship OF gen
tleman in yours, Withont-Without-- she
hesitated and could not 60 on.
Without making herself a mark for idle
and thoughtless tongues, | suppose you
mean ~ asked Douglas, with a dash of bit
terness in his tone.
She bowed her head in assent.
Douglas quickly asked another question,
"Miss Romer, have sought your society a
good many times lately. Have | been the
cause of any such pain TO yon2" 2"
Helen seemed deeply agitated, and did
not reply until the young man said enreat-
ingly, "Tell me, Miss Romer.''
"A lttle.'' she answered family, then once
more looking up at him with q pleading
''Rnt / know you did not intend it, and
courage to tell you that when we part here,
it had better be for good.
The Young mans resolution was Instantly
taken.
''1ou shall not tell me any such thing, fol-
| do not mean to part with you at all. un-
derstand what you mean, and l would give
my right hand-yes, my liie-rather than in
jure you. But l suppose even shop girl
may have an honest lover, a husband, and Il
home. Miss Romer-Helen-if | offer you
these, will you accept them?'
Helen Romer trembled SO that she was
obliged to sit down again. "You canno;
mean it," she faltered ''Oh, Mr. I.ennox,
don't trihe with me! y
Douglas sat down beside her. and took in
his own one of the little hands he had longed
so to hold and caress. 'Nod knows would
not trihe with you; dear GIRL" he said sol
emnly; ''and He knows do mean it, as
never meant anything in my life before.
have loved you, Helell-let me call you So
ever since the first time noticed You in the
store. and have longed TO take you away
from your toll, and surround you with luxu.
ry am able to do this Helen, for an
wealthy, though / would not tell you so be-
fore"
"And am only poor girl, with nothing
to offer in return" said Helen, softly.
Nothing! you have the most precious
possession that ever comes to a man in the
world-yon have woman's heart, my dar'
ling! VIII you give me that ?"
And Helen, blushing deeply, but brave
her clear eyes to his, and answered.
eff you will take it Mr.. Lennox."
And Lennox, too deeply moved to speak,
drew haI close fO hia haart fhav cat in
the thick shadow, and pressed his first kiss
upon her lips.
Helen's days of wearyng toll were over
but she never forgot, while reigning queer
of her husbands princely home, how his
love sought her out when she was ''only E:
shop girl
And many q young girl who stood in hei
former position found Il true friend and
ready helper in the beautiful and petted
wife Of Douglas Lennox.
MANAGING A HCsBAND. GLOW do vol
manage your husband, Mrs. Croaker? Sucl
a job as have of it with Smith,
easiest thing in the world, my dear
give him twitch backward when You wan
him to 90 forward. For instance, you see
to-day l had loaf of cake TO make. Well
do you suppose because my body is in thu
pastry room that my soul need be there, too
Not a bit of it. l am thinking of all sorts Of
celes tial things the while.
Now, Croaker has way of tagging rount
at my heels. and bringing me plump down
in the midst OF my aerial flights, by asking
me the price of the sugar Pm using.
when l woke up this morning, and saw tn,
furious storm, l knew | had him on my
hon for f1,aI dow 7 ~ l<