Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-01-14
A Jail Bird.
BY LOLA aLENwooD.


Nardner l, for one, think he is very
handsome. All the girls are half crazy
bout him, and no wonder; such mag
1ificent eyes, and such q lovely mus
ache! I must admit that he is the
landsomest gentleman I ever saw. But
yeu do not seem to show any interest
yhatever in this splendid Adonis."
"My dear Fannie, think it is the
Asauty Of the mind, and not of the per-
IA, which should prove most attractive
nd We are quite unacquainted. I have
Mt even had the honor of an introduc.
3sn to the lion.' quietly answered lit
- Helen Arden. "~'
"But beauty and mind are combined
i this case. Henry Wardner is hand.
Dme, and possesses fine intellect. BE
D . thorough gentleman, and I. for
ne. shall set my cap at him. Don't
~ to be at the picnic tomorrow,
Dlen. And now, by-by, little Quaker.
Mss I must be going"
Melen Arden watched her laxative
1aend, as she tripped lightly down the
sn.h, and then sat down to put the
Aishing touches to the dainty white
dress which she was to wear upon tho
1nrow.
1he morning of the picnic dawned
dear and bright as heart could desire,
md merry group set out for the grove
dstermined upon having q good time.
Annie Herbert, leaning upon the ar m
a the " great catch" Henry Wardner,
Rssed Helen with triumphant smile.
Miss Herbert, who is that young
Aay We just passed p
Oh that was Helen Arden, little
q1akeress, We call her, she is SO very
sdd and quiet"
win i; you favor me with an intro
Certainly, she answered sweetly,
Ut mentally raging because of the ad
niEation speaking SO plainly in his
ygss.
They retraced their steps to the spo,
aSsre Helen Arden was still standing
After the Introduction the gentleman
fingered by Helen's side, as much cap.
3Sated by her quiet, sensible conver-
Ation ss he had been by her modestly
afetty face. and seemed in no hurry at
M to resume his walk with Fannie;
md few moments later beyy OF
laughing girls carried her away their
prisoner, a. they declared, leaving the
axo alene.
Fannie had not even dreamed OF
1elen as rival, and her friendship for
Aer was turned into hatred; but she
aarefully concealed her chagrin under
ne mask of gayety, and was outwardly
pleasant toward every one.
Henry Wsrdner remained by Helen's
AIDE all the afternoon. and when he left
Aer in the deepening twilight at her
Ather's gate, she had granted his
Urgent request that he might call on
Der the next day.
He did call again and again, and
each time they met Helen admired him
tie more, as she saw he was noble and
good; and Henry, at first attracted by
Der beauty and quiet ways, had learned
TO love her with q pure, true love.
One day as they eat beneath the
rustic, vine-covered summer house, hi
told her of his love.
do not ask you to be nine now
Nelen," he said, for I have somethinf
10 tell you which will perhaps change
Jour feelings toward me, although vol
1ow admit that my love is returned.
cannot resist the temptation of putting
Of the evil day of my confession Will,
longer. One week from tonight, if 70,
will meet me here, l will tell you ali !"
Helen readily promised, and few
moments later the lovers :parted
Henry's strange words remained but
short time in the mind of Helen; the
were forgotten in the blissful knowledg
that he loved her.
One week later, as she sat by tn
window, weaving bright plans for tn
nature. she saw Fannie Herbert comm,
up the pathway. Their eyes met, ant
they nodded pleasantly to each other
Fannie thought that she had never seel
Helen looking SO happy, and she sal,
TO herself, with grim smile of salts
faction,--
Helen Arden, you are happy now
but your happiness will not last long.
The gi.ls greeted each other affection
ately, for Helen had never even sus