The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-12-03
HELEN'S FORTUNE.
by CHARLOTTE NJ. STANLEY.

BV CHARLOTTE NJ. STANLEY.
The artist laid down his palette and
brush, and Miss Lascelles-rising lang
uidly and proud, from her chair-drew
the folds of her rich lace shawl around
her, and placed cobwtb Of lace and
flowers, called by courtesy u bonnet, on
her glossy crown Of magnificent auburn
hair;a close observ,r chad such been by
would have noticed that her white and
jeweled fingers huttered nerveously es
she tied the strings, ard that she careful
ly kept her eyes averted from her COM
panion's face.
"This is the last sittirg. then" she
said, with regret Of which she was
scarcely conscious, in her low tones.
CATER to-day you will do. without
me-"
The man to whom she spoke started
nerveously ut her words. She knew it,
though she kept her eyes cast down.
She knew, tho, bya strange snbtils shrill
through all her nerves, When his ful
glance was turned upon her.
1t took her in-eagerly, rassionately
and scornfully-from head to feet. A
lovely, haughty,sgraceful lady, standing
at.ired in costly re bes aud precious jew
els, strangely disturbed and i'll at ease.
One full moment he looked at her
with an intense gazs that almost seemed
rs If it must needs compel her eyes t.
answer it; then he turned away, with {
low suppressed cry OF love and anguisl
that made her start and shiver with nj
answering pain.
Yes, shall do without you" )" he said
repeating her own words. From thi
hour, and Il rongh all my life to come,
shall do without you"
She was trembling so that she coulc
hardly stand; one soft white hand cam
down firmly and resoluttly on the tabl
near her, before she replied--briefy anC
almost eddy
II do what I believe to be my duty
You have no right to rerroach ME fc
that. am not alone. 1 lave no righ
to condemn my mother to poverty, eve
if chose it for myself When 1 say t
you that, if could. would so choose
I say more than is becoming in my cou'
in Walters promised bride, and NOR
than should acknowledge but for on
long friendship aud esteem. I hope
such friendship might continue, in spit
of my marriage. shall be rich to-mol
row-to-day only seem so-if yo
would have let me help you, as sist'
might"
Her voice had begun to tremtle, mn
had taken on AN exquisite tenderness I
tone. Bat lie interrupted brnsquely-
"When were you over as a sister to NJ
When my heart is hungry for your lov
can it be satisfied with the dry husks
esteem and friendship? Your mother
to whom you have sacrificed me!-w
used to poverty before this accursed fc
tune came"
1t was her turn to interrupt-"And W
dying of il! Dying for want of those In
uries which in her delicate state are nt
cssaries, ami which only wealth can G
tain. I could not let my own dear mot
er die, and walk on to love and hap
ness over her gravel Ii you are sacrit
ed so am I, but 1 do my duty. Sol
day you will st that this is so. Good'b.
dear old friend"--she held out to hin
trembling hapd-"God knows am 81
ry to have caused you paiu-forgive n
apd"-she turned her head away" a
Paul forget me !!
He uttered an impatient cry Of jealc
pain.
Never, neverl 1 cannot handy ]
heart about from one to another, as y
can. shall neither forgive nor forg
go to your husbands arms to-morro
and take the thought that you have spC
ed my life along with you'll" Then g
ing on her with anguish, suddenly h
out his arms: "Oh, my love, my low
he cried, ''you are not yet his wife, CO..
to me! Kiss me goodbye; at least forI
my cruel words!' Then, as his farew
kisses fell upon her lips and tear-v
eyes-"I do forgive you, but We will M
no more, Go, now,-farewell, my 10
foreyer!'