The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-11-09
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tables some one approached him. He
glanced up. and to his great surprise
met the quiet eyes of Helen French.
He would have risen, but she mo-
toned to him to remain seated.
Good evening, DIR. Judson," she
said calmly. ..Will you take tea or
chocolate?h
He never knew just what response he
made, as he dropped back into his
chair, and stared at Helen's retreating
figure.
When she returned, the faintest trace
of emotion, whether pleasurable or
otherwise he could not tell, tinted her
face and shook her hand when she set
down his cup.
How is your mother?" he asked
''Better, thank you." she replied
briefly, suddenly discovering that her
services were required in another part
of the room.
DR.. Judson's appetite seemed to have
deserted him. and after barely tasting
the good things before him, he left the
table and went out upon the cool piazza
in very confused frame of mind.
Why was Sho here and in such po-
sition? Either Mrs. French had de-
ceiyed him or was herself deceived. The
more he tried to solve the matter, the
more vexatious and puzzling it grew.
All the evening he haunted the piazza
and lawn and parlors, but the object of
his waiting was invisible. The next
morning, at breakfast, he found Helen
again in the dining-room. She waited
upon him coolly, but gave him no oppor-
tunity for anything more than a brief
"Good-morning."
So it continued for several DAYS until
DR.. Judson's anxiety and suspense
seemed almost unbearable Helen cer-
tainly avoided him. The only oppor-
tunity he had of seeing her was in the
dining-room, moving swiftly but quietly
about her duties. 1t seemed that she
had never possessed such a charm for
him as at present, dressed in pretty
cambrics, with dainty white apron,
and her abundant dark hair coiled low
at her neck. The third evening, just
after sunset, Harry found himself COM
ing slowly homeward from a long ram
bic. 4 narrow woodland path lay be-
fore him, the dense foliage making al
most twilight. His mind was abstract
ed, filed with the one subject which
perplexed him so, until strolling on, the
sudden CLEAN of light dress ahead ar
rested his attention and closer glance
sent him striding on at faster gait
MAY | walk back with you, Miss
Freneh?''
She turned, rather surprised, but
smiling.
If you care to keep pace with my
laoscra "a cta,Nc - cb roYIiaI
You are tired, l know he said.
'It is a long walk to the post-office,"
noticing the letters in her hand
Yes, but good news always repavs
one for little fatigue. L know you
will be pleased to hear that my mothers
health is improving rapidly"
4 am indeed heartily glad. l saw
her last when on the eve OF her depart
ure. She told me that you had started
on visit to fashionable friends
Helen returned his half-iras suiring look
steadily.
Il suppose l ought to give you an ex-
PLANTATION of that error" she said, cor
you will imagine that either mamma or
| have deceived you. | am the deceit
full one, DR.. Judson, and yet i don't like
to tell you how" she continued, flush
ing. But please consider it profess
sional secret. That day you told me
how necessary to mammals recovery
few weeks at the seashore would be, L
decided that she should have it, al
though | did not know just then how,
but | suddenly thought of this place
where our family used to pass so many
happy summers, and wrote to Mrs.
Mills, frankly explaining our circum-
stances, and asking if she could give
me employment which would pay the
expenses of my mothers trip. In reply
she kindly offered me my present posi-
ton, which [ gladly accepted. l knew
mamma would never consent to the
plan, SO have kept her in ignorance of
it. She believes / am spending a hap
py summer with friends, and-soI am,"
she added, smiling bravely through the
tears which stood in her eyes.
She met answering drops in the other
eyes looking down into her own.
''Miss French-Helen, YOU are one of
Gods noble womenr' Harry exclaimed
warmly. 81 cannot express my rever-
ence and admiration for you,''
Il do not deserve such praise" she
answered simply. ..This is only the be-
ginning of the struggle-''
1T shall be the end, Helen," he in
terrupted, ''if you will trust yourself
and your mother to my care. l love
you so dearly-how dearly it shall be
fine aim of my life to show you. Won't
you let me try, Helen''
And for ali answer she went straight
into the strong arms held out SO appeal
ingiy to her.