Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-05-15
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had been taken from the door: night was
gathering around the honse of mourning,
but still Helen Ashley sat in her heavy
Grape robes. gazing idly into the fire and
thinking Of the troubled spirit that bad
passed away.
A disappointed and embittered woman
had old Miss Darrell been, from the day
her wild nephew-the only creature for
whom she showed any affection-had run
away to sea. In all the years that had
passed since then, every communication
from him had been laid aside unopened
and never had bis name passed her lips
till the night she lay dying. Then the
hard heart softened.
my boy, Hugh" she murmured. twice,
'.after all. you shall have your fathers
home.''
Had she been able she would certainly
have altered the will. Helen Ashley
thought.
"who to q stranger DargeraeIt gives,
Give him a grdv.-if a Darrell lives"
The threatening old couplet haunted
her. She had heard the servants repeat
IL, and whisper tales Of the disinherited
nephew's fierce temper. All seemed TO
think that her position on bis return
would be by no means an enviable one.
What was that, Surels she heard a step
on the gravel. The next minute the long
French window opened. and man
stepped in out Of the darkness.
..Can I see Miss Darrell ?" he said. adj
vancing into the room.
After moments hesitation, Helen re-
piled:
IL represent Miss Darrell"
But not to me- he rejoined. quickly.
II am Hugh Darrell. I heard of my
aunt's illness on landing, and ] have
travelled day and night to see her once
more. Surely am not too late'" he
added, as Helen made no answer.
I'VE buried her to-day" said the young
girl.
The intruder covered his face and turn
ed aside.
This, then. was the last of the 'dOur
Darrels,' as they were called" thought
Helen, studying him covertly from be-
meath her long lashes. An enemy to fear
or a friend to the death, she decided. not
ing the easy strength of his figure, the
square determined jaw and firm set mouth.
Then she became aware that the stran-
gers deep, stormy eyes were fixed on
her.
You must be Miss Ashley. OF whom
heard-a great DEAL" he said suddenly
and his tone told her that be had beard
nothing In her favor. 1.-The young lady
who supplantcd me in my aunt's affec-
tons.
Helen flushed guiltily.
mo one could do that, | think. She
never really cared for me, although she
left me everything"
s.She left you everything" he echoed
"well. no doubt you worked for it,"
scarcely troubling himself to conceal the
low esteem in which he held her. - and |
do not grudge it to you. All care for is
Dangerfield, and that she was bound to
leave me-"
How bound. Mr.. Darrell?"
He frowned ut what seemed to him triv-
ial curiosity. but answered:
Bound first by promise made at my
fathers death-bed that. come what might.
his son should have Dangerfield-bound
also by family custom, which my aunt
would be the last woman to forsake for
twelve generations the estate. though not
entailed, has been in the family. Miss
Ashley"
How could she tell him.
He took up his hat.
"You will excuse my unceremonious
entrance" he said. in tone rather
naughty than apologize. Good night"
Better-fa far better that he should learn
the truth from her than from some strag-
gler at the village inn.
"Stay n moment; I-I-must tell you
something" then. desperately. Miss
Darrell left Dangerfeld to me-"
There was apause. A terrible change
swept over Darrell's face as he realized
the meaning of her words.
you dare to tell me that stranger
owns Dangerfied while a Darrell lives :"
he mutiered between his c.inched teeth
His heavy hand rested on her shoulder,
his eyes flashed into hers. What wonder
if Helen trembled before this ungoverna-
BILE rage, and laid her hand upon the bell.
The movement brought HIM to his senses.
mo need of summoning help. | may
he - they say. the worst of the 'dour Oar
rells,' but do not hurt woman Oh,
that man were in your place ~ he added
savagely.
Perhaps Miss Ashley did not hear that
last mutiered wish. Had she done so she
would scarcely have hoped TO conciliate
him.
Indeed, il is't my fault. do not want
the place. Can we not be friends?"
''She robs me OF my aunt's affections.
of her fortune. of my fathers home. and
offers me her friendship
Helen colored at the bitter emphasis.
but ventured one more:
II am the most unwilling instrument of
injustice to you. Canyon not forgive me?"
ut Is too late now to repent of your
work. Am II saint, that should forgive
youp Never. while you rule at Danger
field in my placer
He flung open the window. and van
ished into the darkness out of which he
had come.
mir. Darrellr' Such a pretty voice,
thought Hugh Darrell. Clear. full toned.
melodious and not too loud and although
not absolutely familiar. he fancied he had
heard it before.
He turned. Helen Ashley came toward
him through the woods. her hair ruified,
her sweet face flushed with the haste she
had made All his old bitterness revived
al the sight of this prosperous beauty.
framed in oy the noble oaks. which, he
now recollected. were her own.
.'Mr. Darrell, wish to speak to you."
she began timidly.
'.Prebably to remind me that am tres
passing. had forgotten that these woods