Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-07-09


Douglas left 8 lively circle Ia bis sister s
parlor, and went out for quiet walk by
himself. He entered one of the parks,
and was strollirlg through the sunny,
green paths when bis heart gave quick
bound at the sight of trim little figure
in blue, resting On one Of the shady seats.
For moment he hesitated, then he
crossed over and spoke.
"Good evening, Miss Romer.n
Miss Romer arose with the lady like
grace, which had long told Douglas that
she was used to cultivated society, and
returned his salutstion. And then thew
sat down together, and yielding to the
calm Sabbath evening influences they fell
into quiet talk, as naturally as if they
had been old acquaiuiances. They talked
of themselves, and Miss ROmer told Doug
las that her home had been 10 New Ha-
ven, and her father was a gentleman of
means, who had lavished upon her, his
only child, every advantage which money
snd TASTE could procure. She told him
of the death of her father and mother in
a single week, aud how her fathers es-
tate proved involved, and left her penni-
less and alone. She told him she had
sought for some means by which to sup
port 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 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."
'Helen was my mothers nameo' said
he reverently.
''Was it, 1t is mine" said Miss Ro-
mer, in pleased surprise.
Il am glad il ia yours" said Dou, Lac,
and he fell to thinking how often he had
written his mothers name, s'Helen Len
! nox, and how much be would like to
write it again with an ''Rn 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 arose, saying, 81 did not know it
was so late. ! must go home at once. -
Douglas rose, too, saying, ''May / &C
company yOu?"
She hesitated NOM mt, her color came
and went, and then she, looking up with
pleading glance, said: 'I had rather
you would not, L3nnox."
Douglas flushed then, but he asked
gently, "WIl you tell me why?"
Helen was silent, and crimson deepen
ing IN her fair face, and presently Doug
las repeated his demand in a firmer tone,
''Please tell me why, Miss ROmer."
because, Mr.. LennOx, young girl
in my position cannot have the friendship
of gentleman in yours without" she
hesitated and could not go en-.
"Without making herself msrk for
idle and thoughtless tongues, l suppose
you meant" asked Douglas, with q dash
of bitterness in his tone.
She bowed her head in assent.
Douglas quickly asked another ques-
ton Miss RomeT, l have sought your
society good many times lately. Have
l been the cause of any such pain to
you2"
Helen seemed deeply agitased, and did
not reply uutil the youDg man said en-
treatingly, TEL me Miss Romer."
ga little, " she answered faintly then
cnce moore looking up at him with a
pleading glance which touched his heart,
she added, ''But know you did not in
tend it, and l have been trying all the
evening to get courage 10 tell you that
when We part here, it had better be for
good"
The young mans resolution was in
stantly taken.
'I0u shall not tell me any such thing,
for l don't mean to part with you at all
| understand what you mean, and would
give my right hand-yes, my ile--rather
than injure you. But suppose that even
a shop girl may have an honest lover, q
husband, and home. Miss Romer-
Helen-if l offer you these, will you
accept them
Helen ROmer trembled SO that she was
obliged to sit down again. ffYou cannot
mean il, she faltered. 'Oh, Mr.. Len
nOx, don't trife with me,o
Douglas sat down beside her, and took
in his own one of the little hands he had
so lOnge1 10 hold ard cares. ''God
knows [ would not trifle with you, dear
girl, " he said solemnly, 'tand He knows
| do mean it, as l ever meant anything in
my life before. | have loved you, Helen
let me call You sO-ever since the first
time l met you in The store, and have
longed to take you away from toll, and
surround you with luxury. | am able to
do this, Helen, for am wealthy, though
l did not tell you this before"
''And l am only poor girl, with
nothing to offer you in return" said He
len softly.
''N Thing! you have he most precious
possessions that ever come to man in
the world-yOu have a wOman's heart,
my carlingl VIII you give me thst2"
eff You viii take it, Mr. LennOx.'
And LennOx, too deeply moved TO
speak, drew her close to his heart, as
they sat in the thick shadow, and pressed
his first kiss upon her lips.
HeleD's days of wesrying toll were
over, but she never forgot, while reigning
queen Of her husbands princely home,
how his love sought her out when 'iouly
shop girl"
Aud many young girl who stood in
her former position found true friend
and ready helper in the beautiful and
r