Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-12-31

"Did YOU ever see the holly fuller OF
berries p laughed Helen. gayly, to the
minister; "That's the clear, beautiful
weather we have had. 1t makes every
thing more beautiful !"
Everything that is capable OF being
rendered more So" he retorted, with an
a:dent glance.
Don't be absurd, Robert" she
answered, gayly. II do not like COM
pliments, you know"
"Then, Helen, it is your fault, for you
are the only woman I have ever comph'
mented."
"And you are eight-and-twenty," she
laughed. Yet, with scarlet curiosity
not IN common to her sex, who are
loved. 'Do you really, actually mean,
Robert, that you never cared for any
one Just even tiny little bit-before
Won met meP Now"-stopping him,
Isstingly, with appraised fnger-"be
,areful how you answer. Remember,
YOU are on your oath r.
"Oh, in that case," he rejoined, smll-
ny, "I must confess that, some fifteen
yelrs or so ago, had strong fancy for
certain young lady in frocks, with pink
cheeks and golden hair also for another
golden haired inamora'a who was old
enoug to be my mother. Railways loved
golden hair, Helen. Are you jealous 7
"Not of those two, and ! am too
busy to catechise you more closely a.
present. Pray hold this branch, l want
to tie these flowers in it. Dear, ;"
slowly we get on. There's the front to
be done yet and'-looking up toward
the misunderstanding is already upon
u.s."
They were busily oooupied-Rose at
the edge, Helen at the foot, whon their
attention was attracted by an exclama-
ton OF surprise uttered by Robert DY-
son. Advancing with some branches of
laurel, he had stopped abruptly, and
was gazing fi1edly toward the entrance.
The girls naturally looked in the same
direction, and became equally Interested
by what they bsheld.
The large ruby-red curtain valling
The church entrance was being held
back, apparently by small child be-
tween three and four years old. The
pure snow without, made dazzling by
moonlight, formed a background to the
tiny, graceful little figure. One small
hand rested on the curtain, tho other
held a poor, furred hood and oape
about her shoulders, while from a
shower of golden hair, pretty, baby
face, with large blue eyes peeped
forth.
"Graciousl what little winter fairy Is
| this, the little dsrlipg?" cried Helen
D'Almaine.
At the sound of her voice the child
turned then, extending her small arms,
ran few steps toward Robert Dyson,
exclaiming, papa, papa, Meenie is so
cold, and 80 is mammal Then, timidlY
she stopped, meeting no response.
Helen d Almaine locked at her lover,
who was gazing at the child, and ad-
vancing, said, "My darling, who are
you-who do you want ?"
"Tm Meenie and mamma sent me
in for him-for papa" =,
Child, I am not your father" said
Robert Dyson.
Surely, Robert, you have rot the
larlness OF heart to disown your own
.ff,pring?' broke in female voice
nd glancing up they saw, standing In
the doorway, a.woman.
She was neatly clad, but quite insuf-
iciently for the inclement season.
Once pretty, her features were now
meagre and pinched, while tfesses OF
sunny golden hair fell about her shoul'
ders.
"My offspringp calculated Robert
Dyson, Indignantly. "Never have l
seen YOU or this child before. What
do YOU mean, woman2 Who are you"
"Who am II" repeated tho woman,
sadly, entering aud drawing the child
to her. "You ask that? All! What
matters it to you if we starve and die,
while you live in comfort ?" Pr'aps 7
ought not to have come like this, but 1
was driven to despair. / thought tho
sight of her might move you. Don't
don't cast MS off !" And bending over
the child, the woman sobbed bitterly.
Robert Dyson was white to the lips
which were sternly set. The church
decorators had gathered near, surprised,
scandallzed, curious.
Helen D'Almaine moved forward. 9.
"Womsn," said she, "who are you p
"The lawful wife OF this child's
father. Ask Robert Dyson if he dare
deny it.
"All that this woman says is utterly
falsel' exclaimed Robert Dyson, rous.
ing himself and stepping forward, calm
but stern. 81 swear it by the sacred
edifice in which we stand ! This is
plot to bring disgrace and trouble npon
me; but know well who has formed
it, and on him the punishment shall
fall. Gregson,"-turning to the verger
run to the village-tell the con-
stable I need him. This woman must
be arrested"
81 will prove all that have said,
Robert DYSON" said the woman,
quietly. "You are courageous man,
and meet it bravely. Well, I can save
the officer the trouble OF coming. L am
going to the Blue Bell;' you can send
him there. Come, my poor pet" And
nesting tho golden head OF the chill J
m her shoulder, the woman passed out,
carrying the sympathy of all with her.
r bert Dysons brain whirled, and
was dazei by the enormity and sudden
aess OF the a,c sation.
Recovering himself, conquering his
iyitation, he said, quietly.
81 feel that my simple denial, fave
to those who know and can trust me u
and he glanced toward Helen DIAL
maine, who stood, her head averted,
leaning against a pew-"will be but
waste of words. But the confession
shall be made as publicly as the charge
has been. shall not rest till l have