Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-03-21


he holds your peace and happiness
A few evenings after, Mr.. Dalton called
upon Miss Wakefield.
He was so frequent visitor that he walk
ed into the parlor unannounced, as was his
usual habit, counting confidently on the
welcome that had hitherto always greeted
him.
To his surprise, he found that Helen was
not alone; a Incorporating, pleasant-look-
ing gentleman was there, with whom she
seemed to be on the best of terms. With
this surprise was mingled feeling of anger
at this unlOoked-for intrusion on his long
established rights.
But Helen did not seem to think that he
had any right to be displeased, or, indeed,
to take any cognizance of the fact. Her
manner, though pleasant and courteous, was
perfectly cool and unembarrassed.
Several times did Dalton try to engage
her in exclusive conversation, or to assume
something of the old freedom that custom
had made him consider as right; he was
quietly met and, baffled at every point.
There was an invisible barrier between them
against which he inwardly chafed, but could
not pass.
In spite of all his efforts, he began to con-
slider himself as the intruder, finding his
position to be so awkward as to be forced to
forego the resolution he had formed to out
stay his rival, as he began to fear this man
to be.
He felt, however, with as thoroughly an
uncomfortable feeling at his heart as he
ever experienced in his life.
Helen's conduct puzzled him. Did she
intend to throw him overheard? or was she
trying to arouse his jealousy so as to bring
him to the point?
The vanity which was a strong element in
his character made him incline to the latter
superstition.
The next evening he called again.
''Miss Helen is not at home to any one
this evening"" said the servant who answered
his ring.
''But, Susan, you know she is always at
home to me-" said Dalton, with his most
persuasive tone and smile.
$50 l thought, sir,' responded Susan,
rather obviously, not little puzzled at the
strange turn affairs were taking; "but the
orders is not to admit nobody"
AS Dalton passed the parlor windows,
which were lighted, he saw the shadow of a
man on the curtains. Near it was that of
the woman who he now knew was dearer to
him than all the world beside.
otis the same fellow that was here the
other evening -confound him!" he muttered
He determined to have an explanation with
Helen-to make frank avowal of his love
and intentions.
Though some fears mingled with his hopes
the latter preponderated. He recalled the
confession of her love for him, into which
he had entrapped her. True, he had taken
this assurance, giving her only husks in re-
turn, but it had been precious to him, never
theless, and was now doubly so-like every
other blessing, the possibility of its loss en-
HANGING its value.
AS he thought of all Helen's womanly
gifts and graces, a feeling almost akin to
horror came over him at the idea of losing
her forever.
Dalton lost no time in putting his resolu-
ton into practice.
Not the faintest tinge of color broke into
Helen's cheeks as she listened, nor did her
eyes waver as they met those that were fixed
50 earnestly upon her.
"Your avowal has come too late, Mr.. Dali
ton. 1 have pledged my heart and hand to
John Irving
"Oh, say not so, Helen! You surely must
have known that loved you-that it has
long been the first and dearest wish of my
heart to make you my wife?'
GLOW should 1 know that? You never
told me So"
''Not with my lips, perhaps but l have
told my love, and all that it sought, in looks
and ways far more expressive than the most
eloquent Words
Il had no right to take any such declara-
ton, and you no right to expect it of me"
"But, Helen, you once said that you loved
me-"
For the first time the face flushed. even to
the temples.
II did-to my shame I confess it, being
warranted by no such assurance from you.
But that is something that is past. To the
man whose love has been so openly and
freely profered I have given in return
my whole heart. Irepeat it-your avowal
has come too late!"
And often, during all the lonely, loveless
years that followed did Oscar Dalton hear
these words echoing through the desolate
chambers OF his heart-"N is too late!"