Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-07-27

joints and PINK shell Ike naiis, and i.enoXi VINO
was 4 passionate admirer Of pretty hands,
louged to clasp them in his own and press
them to bis lips. But be was ehivalTous
gentleman and would no more have taken any
liberty with the humble shop girl than with
the highest lady in the land. ~,f.
About this fine Douglas took an early moTG-
ing walk. which generally led down to Chest
nut street. Whether the fact that he occa-
sioually met Miss RomeF on her way to tho
store, and once or twice walked with her, had
anything to do with the matter or not cam
not say. But after such occasions, DO know
that the spirits Of Mr. Douglas Lenox impyoy-
ed considerably
On Sunday afternoon near sunset, Douglas
left a lively circle in his sisters parlor, and
went out for a quiet walk by himself. Hoou-
tsred one Of the parks aud was strolling
through the sunny, green paths, when his
heart gave quick bound at the sight Of
trim little figure in blue resting on one Of tho
shady seats. For moment he hesitated, then
he crossed over aud spoke.
"Good evening, Miss Romer.'
Miss Romer rose with the lady like grace
which had long told Douglas that she was
use to cultivated society, and returned saluta-
ton. Aud then they sat down together, and
yielding to the calm Sabbath evening inAu-
ences, they fell into a quiet talk as naturally
as if they had been old acquantances. They
talked Of themselves, and Miss Romer told
Douglas that her home had been in New Ha-
ven, and her father was gentleman Of means,
who had lavished upon her, his only child, ey-
, cry advantage which money and taste could
procure. She told him of tho death Of her
father and mother in 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 sup
port herself, and she bad finally obtained her
, situation in Mr.. Shelden's store, and kept her
self in comfort.
And Douglas told her that he, too, wGs en-
orphan, only himself and Bell left but ho
touched very lightly on tho wealth that was
MS icsb ~ SA'N hSA I"'"'
While they talked Miss Romer dropped Der
fan, and Douglas picking it up saw written
upon the plain ivory handle tho name Helen
Romor."
D." Helen was my mothers name said he,
revstently.
"was it? It is mine" said Miss ROmer,
in pleased surprise.
81 am glad it is yours" said Douglas, and
he fell to thinking how often he had written
his mothers name Helen Lcnox," and how
much he would like % write it again with an
Il between the names. $500,
They sat very still q lii.le while, hardly
talking at all, and forgetting lateness Of the
bour, until the CLEAN Of street lamps close by
startled Miss Romer She hastily arose, say
ing did not know it was 50 late. must
gohome at once"
Douglas rose, too saying; May accom-
pany yOu?"
She besitsted moment, her color came and
went, and then she, looking up with plead
ing glance, said {" had rather you would
not, Mr.. Lenox."
Douglas flushed then, but he asked gently
"Will you tell me why 2"
Helen was silent, the crimson deepening in
her far face, and r1sently Douglas repeated
bis demand in frmer tone "Please tell me
why, Miss Romer."
Because, Nj. Lenoz, young girl in my
position cannot have the friendship Of gen
tleman in yours without" she hesi,a,ed, and
could not 60 on
Without making herself mark for idle
and thoughtless tongues suppose you mean ~
asked Douglas with dash Of bitterness in
! his tone
She bowed her head in assent
Douglas quickly asked another question:
" Miss Romer ] have sought yoir society
good many times lately. Have / been the
G means Of any such pain 20 your
{ Helen seemed deeply agitated, and did not
reply until the young man said, entreatingly:
Tell me, Miss Romor."
"A little" she answered faintly, then once
J more looking Up at him, with a pleading glance
which touched his heart, she added: But
: know you did not intend IL, and have been
trying all the evening 70 get courage 70 tell you
that when We parted here ii had better be for
good"
The young mans resolution was instantly
taken.
You shalt not tell me any such thing, for
I don't intend TO part with you at all. IN
derstand what you mean, and would rather
! give my light hand-yes, ny life-rather than
injure you But suppose that oven a shop
girl may have an honest lover a husband and
B a home. Miss Romer-Helen-If offer you
these viii you accept them ?
Helen Romer trembled 50 that she was
obliged 70 sit down agaih. a. You cannot
mean it," she faltered. "Oh Mr. Lcnnox,
; doh't triae with me !"
Douglas sat down beside her, and took in
bis own one Of the little hands 10 had 80 long
ed 10 bold and caress. " God knows | would
not ;riAs with you dear cir" he said solemn
ly and lie knows do not mean IT, If ! ever
mean. anything 10 my lIfe before. haze
, lo7ed Jon. Helea-lei me tell you 50 ever since
the first time met you il the store, and
have lobv1d 70 take you away from toll and
: surround you with luxury. am able to 90
! this Helsn, fer AN wealthy, though did not
tell yoa this before" .
"Ani I am only c poos girl. with nsthiag
10 offer you in return" said Helen solIly.
II ~