The Press., 1883-06-07

found her on his arrival, 8 half hour later. Being entirely ignorant of what had occur red. he could not account fer the absence of Helen and May seemed incapable of speech or motion, only that her eyes were open, gazing at him with such an express sion of terror in their depths he would have believed her dead
 ssMay, May, my darling, what has hap pened? Why do find you thus Where is your sister?" and snatching glass of water from the table he raised her head, holding it to her lips. The motion reused her, and raising her hand feebly, she asked:
 Howard, am going to die ?' | 'No, no, May! Heaven forbid p said Howard, earnestly "But why are you here alone? Let me go for a physician" and in spite of Mays efforts to restrain him, he started for the street, meeting Mrs. Gray at the door. Grasping her hand, he exclaimed, "I am glad to meet you. May is very ill, fear, and alone. Will you come and see her?" leading the way to the couch on which May was lying. But May was already better, the nervous attack having partially subsided, and the presence of friends tending to quiet her fears. Being questioned as to the cause of her illness, she told them of her visit to the store, and its unhappy consequences resulting in the visit of the detective, and Helen's enforced absence. After hearing Mays version of the story, Mrs. Gray said, turning to Howard
 "Of course, MT. Sheldon, there is some terrible mistake here. We know that Helen is. innocent. Her nobleness of char acter is too we'll known to admit even a suspicion"
 "But, May" said Howard, "dd I un- derstand you to say that you brought the lace home ?'
 "Yes, Howard, but did not know it. You believe me when I tell you that I was entirely ignorant of it's presence in my basket" said May, earnestly.
 'I must believe you. Yes, yes, I do be- lieve you, May. But it is strange. How does Helen account for it? for of course the charge of theft is perfectly absurd" wincing at the thought of anything so un- pleasant and disagreeable in connection with his idol May.
 | ''She does not know, Howard she only said, T am responsible, and would not al- low me to contradict her, but cannot think what she meant and oh, Howard, that wicked man was so cruel and said such terrible things to herr' Howard started. "Did she admit that |? I must see her if possible. Are you sure you are quite recovered, May I dread to leave you, but Mrs. Gray will sit beside you, will you not, Mrs. Gray ?" asked Howard, in perplexity.
 s"Trust May with me, MT. Sheldon, and see what you can do for Helen. Poor girl, my heart bleeds for her. Obtain her release as soon as possible" said Mrs. Gray, sympathizingly.
 Howard left the house in some doubt as to what course he should pursue. His great desire for an interview with Helen was frustrated by the lateness of the hour, and his utter ignorance of where they had taken her. After walking few squares evan, and take that gentleman's advice on the subject. Acting immediately upon this resolution, ten minutes later found him in MT. Delevan's presence, to whom he quickly confded the object of his call.
 After hearing the story MT. Delevan said : "I do not believe Helen to be the guilty r party. Still it is quite too early. to form an opinion. I will see her in the morning, when hope this matter can be satisfactor- fly explained"
 With this Howard was obliged to be content, and after bidding MT. Delevan good night, he returned to his home in no enviable frame of mind. His knowledge tof Helens character made it impossible for him to believe her guilty, while his love for May rendered even suspicion in that direction disloyalty.
 As early next morning as it was possible to gain admittance MT. Delevan entered Helen's presence. She had passed 8 sleep less night, and looked pale and wan in the morning light, though she greeted her friend with @ sickly smile, which was more pitiful than tears.
 "My dear Helen," said MT. Delevan, ''ths is no place for you. Tell me why are you here?"
 "I hardly know myself, MT. Delevan. I'm sure did not wish to come, and beg ged to be allowed to remain at home, but they had no mercy" said Helen, her lip quivering, though she made an effort to remain firm.
 s'But tell me the particulars, Helen. I wish to know the truth, so that I can take steps to secure your release for you must not remain here" said MT. Delevan.
 'I can tell you nothing" said Helen, slowly.
 "What! exclaimed MT. Delevan, in surprise. "Do you mean that you know nothing about 1t? But of course its as much 8 mystery to you as to any one. But tell me, Helen, what is your story in re- gard to it. Being on the spot, you should be able to form some idea which will help us to 8 solution of the problem" 'sI cannot, MT. Delevan," said Helen, firmly.
 Mr. Delevan looked at her keenly for 8 moment, then said he, gravely: "Very well, Helen of course you will do as you think best But one of two things is very plain to my mind. Either you are whol- ly in ignorance of the manner in which the theft was accomplished, or you are = trying to shield some one by assuming another's guilt. If you are bent on any such quixotie scheme as that suppose : you must be humored; but warn you l that I shall not see your fathers child suf- fer unjustly. Don't fret, little one, con- tinued he, with quick change of manner, ) laying his hand upon her head with mo- tion that reminded her of her father, and which brought the tears to her eyes "don't fret, little one. I'll see you again shortly, and take you home." cHAPTERs6L. After leaving Helen, MT. Delevan called upon May, ques honing her closely, when he soon became convinced that how ever guilty May might be in appearance she was perfectly innocent of any intention of wrong doing. Proceeding thence to the store, where subdued excitement had