The Press., 1883-05-31
Issued Every Thursday Evening.

ssYes. It is unfashionably early, SUD- pose. But my mother and sister were willing to come, and I,"-lowering his voice and looking intently at Mabel ,-"I have found no place like home. But, par don me-" said lie, rising, ''I have taken no note of time, it has flown so quickly" ssYou will call again, said Helen
 ssIhank you. shall certainly do so. Good evening""
 "Mrs Gray" said Helen, after their visitors departure, 'I am very selfish, I fear, but did understand you had thoughts of leaving us ?' ........ .. .... .:.. l ssNot at present, dear perhaps not at all. Still the home is there, and as the years go by I have 8 longing to go back, l that I may end my days where they were begun. Yet it may never be- said the old lady, musingly. If ever, the event is so remote that it is hardly worth anticipat- ing. Some time I will give you little history which will show you the basis of my hopes but not tonight You are weary, and May is almost asleep on the sofa Good night, dear.''
 But May was not asleep. She was too happy to sleep; and, with eyes closed, she was listening again to the voice, and treas uring in her heart the words and glances which, though so commonplace to others, had conveyed to her a subtle meaning which her heart understood.
 l After this it became 8 frequent occrr- renee for Howard Sheldon to spend the evening at No. ', Mrs. Gray always in at tendance And before Christmas, with MT. Delevans approval and Helen's con- sent, Howard and Mabel were affianced. Howard pleading for an early marriage, which Mays selfishness prompted her to grant, while Helen, though realizing how much of advantage it might be for May, still shrank from the lonely life, which would probably be hers after she had given her only sister to Howard Sheldon.
 CHAPTER V.
 | MT. James Lorrimer was @ private de- tective employed by the firm of Nobles, West & Co.,, for protection against shop lifting, and other dishonest practices, which without such protection might seem an easy matter of accomplishment He was of medium height, with light gray eyes, sandy side-whiskers, and forid complexion, and though not without capa- bilities, rated them at their highest figure, and was imbued with an OCT weening de- sire that every one should judge them by his own standard. He possessed @ bull dog pertinacity of purpose, which often succeeded in apursuit where even higher grade of skill failed of success. He had conceived violent admiration for Helen, offering her numberless attentions, and civilities which were at first rather amus- ing, but which of late had become really annoying.
 And since it had become evident that MT. Lionel West was interested in that di- rection, his attentions had become more public, assuming an air of proprietorship, which was, to say the least, very unpleas ant. "By jove," he muttered, "I wonder if that sprig thinks there's a chance fol him there. I'll put spoke in his wheel and capture the lovely Charming forth with.''
 And watching his opportunity, as soon as he saw Helen at liberty, he made her g formal offer of his hand in marriage. The time and place, and the mans apparent self-possession and vanity reused Helen's keen sense of the ridiculous, and she al- most laughed in his face but controlling herself with an effort, she rep lied:
 ''I appreciate the honor, but it is impos- sible for me to comply with your request. J
 "But, said he, perhaps you have not considered the matter You cannot mean to refuse me ?''
 l | said Helen, firmly.
 ''But I cannot accept a refusal. You cannot think Vests intentions are serious He is only amusing himself.
 'I do not recognize your right to speak of the matter, MT. Lorrimer."
 "But have the right Don't anger me, girl! swear you shall yet give willing consent to become my wife, And warn you that I am not one to forego my pur. pose to suit the fancy of pulling girl, or a moonstruck popinjay like West. shall ask you every day until you consent. Re. member p said he, angrily, as he left hel side.
 And he was as good as his word, for he haunted Helen continually Going to o1 from the store he was almost sure to join her, sometimes trying to engage her il conversation, but usually in silence, fol Helen refused to encourage his attentions in the least. And it was with feeling o1 relief that she accepted little Paul's escort @ protection which she determined to avai herself in the future by claiming as often as possible.
 CHAPTER VI. =. Howard Sheldon was the soul of honor and immediately after his betrothal to Ma bel Charming he had confided his inten tion to his mother and sister, He received a grave rebuke from his lady mother, who was much too dignifed to enter into any controversy of words. And storm of re breaches ftom petulant Sarah, who de l clared she believed he wanted to disgrace them, and that she had been expecting something of the kind ever since his ridic ulous behavior, when he spent half an hou talking to shop-girl. -' -r
 .sAs though there were no ladies in ou own set," said she, angrily, "that you mus force that beggar into the family" Il ''Be careful, Sarah, replied her brother Remember you are speaking of Miss Ma bel Charming, my affianced wife, 's
 "As if was likely to forget it, said she tartly. eBut when does this quixoti wedding take place?'
 ''it is not decided, but as soon as Cal gain the lady's consent. Will you not b reasonable, Sarah, and call with me?'' 'If did you would wish I had stayet away. For I should be more than likel. to read the bride chapter on naesalti , once. No, Howard, must decline tn honor. It is enough for this family tha you are tinctured with such love of plebi anism, without inoculating me with the same species of madness. Marry you ! beggar, if you must, but don't expect me tt ,, recognize her"
 ''I shall never again ask you to do so