The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-07-20

:. 4
aud condemnation in looks, and drove
her SO nearly mad that she us18 to
wish the race Of kindred an q tinct
species.
Lent was very carly that season, Ind
after its austerites frightened into the
Of Easter, Mrs Doshamer
gave the last ball Of the season. {
1t Was late when Helen entered tho
rooms she had detained her stepmo.h-
er by one pretext or another, and was
several times on the point of declaring
that she would not go; but destiny had
sill another blow to deal her undis.
c'plined soul, and some impulse strong.
or than she could resist forced her out.
The first sight which met her eyes
in the dancing: saloon was Falmore and
Mrs. Vincent whirliug down the room
to the music Of a waltz, which a few
months bofcro Helen and her lover had
decided they were always to dance TO-
gether. Io a moro seasonable frame
Of mind she might have, remembered
what was really the truth-that Fal-
more was not actually to blame but to
her morbid feelings appeared fresh To-
suit. Mrs. Vincent had said with her
easy audacity:
''This waltz is mine; la belle is not
here yet, so can claim the privilege
Of friendship and ask for il"
AS Falmore led her to seat he saw
Helen sitting at little distance. lie
hurried toward her and received only
pctulaut replies in. answer to his greet.
ings.
"Please remember I faye light
gloves op," she said rather rudely as
be t t>ok her hand
He had meant to explain how it
CHANGED that he had profaned their
waltz; but now he vas angry in his
turn, aud remained obstioately silent.
"May I Lave this galop?" he asked,
after making little effort to talk
pleasantly.
~ am sorry" she replied; 81 haze
just promised 1t to Charley Ames-
here he comes now"
She rose, took the young fellows arm
and swept away with careless noe
to Falmore, beginning at once lively
conversation with her companion that
Was gall and bitterness to Richard just
then.
"What! des ,rted and alone? Don't
look so gloomy children will be chill
dren! / have told you twenty time.
she means nothing by her attempts aC
hirtation."
Mrs.: Vincent slipped her hand
through his arm as che spoke.
"Yoa are quite mistaken" said he
stifly.
II m very glad Of it; but if you a.e-
cross don't scold poor, unofending. me.
Pam tired /; let's 60 over into the little
room across the hail."
He led her away in 81 -
halflightcd apartment va:oa - j
to be empty, aud they sd do :
more was wretched and iii -. .@c il
tate to comrl,in. She ws;~ II
soothed him !; made excuses Tor HeleES
and added to his irritation. he toll
her truly he had loved this child, aud
how plainly she showed that she was
not even capable Of appreciating the
gift offered to her.
"When she grows older she may
le'rn better what it is WORTH" Mrz,
Vincent said.
q RI have ceased to hope it," he re-
piled wearily." 81 have done all ]
can" ,..
.-"You must be patient
t Il have been," he interrupted, aud
his mans arrogance made him believe
he was speaking the truth. "She
cares nothing for NY wishes or. opin.-
ions yet I thi1k 1t is something when
a man Of my age says to a girl of hers,
[ love you."
"My poor friend" murmured Mrs.
Vincent, and tears of real sympathy
gathered in her eyes. :
Half to hide his emotion, half in idle
galiantry, he raised her hand to his
lips. A sound at the door mado' them
! both look up. Helen Brevoort was
Standing there gazing full in theis
faces, With an expression Falmore was
never likely to forget.
I (coxcruncn Nrxr wrrKN