The Press., 1883-05-24

and she dld not care how quickly, flor, !" said she, "Mr. Howard Sheldon, nor Miss Malcolm, nor any of our friends will even think of looking for us in such place as | this.
 "No, darling" said Helen, ssI do not 1 expect they will ever call here Still. if they are true friends, we are not hidden past finding.
 1 "But why need we be hidden, Helen :? I'm sure did not want to leave my own precious home, and don't see what made papa lose all his money, and then leave us alone just when we needed him the most, D walled the selfish girl
 "Hush, May" said Helen, with white lips. "You must not speak so of papa, whose last conscious thought was that you should be spared all sorrow from which I could shield you. Tell me, May darling how can make you happier ?" and Helen kneeled down by the sofa on which May was reclining
 "Well," answered May, eff you really wish me to be happy, Helen, you may tell those horrid men to send my beautiful Steinway here to-day, for of course you know it is utterly impossible for me to ex- ist without my piano. And, yes Helen, & pair of those elegant vases from the re- ception room which always admired so | J stop and order box of bonbons sent up, and I'll promise to be just as happy as I eau be in band-box."
 'Dear girl, how wish your piano could have been saved 7; but it was sold with our home, and strangers are there to-day l" said Helen, tearfully. "I know how you must miss your music, May, and if you are willing to do so will see the organ ist of the church near here, and perhaps we can make some arrangement with him for the use of an instrument. It will help to pass the time for you, when you are here alone"
 "Alone Helen, what do you mean I can never stay here alone I should die of fright and loneliness. Why do you say alone ?' almost screamed May, springing up excitedly.
 "Hush, darling, don't excite yourself, [" said Helen, gently. "You remember MT. Delevan, papa's friend and lawyer, prom ised to interest himself in providing some kind of employment for us. He has done so to such good effect that I am promised a position as saleslady in the elegant es- tablishment of Mobiles, West & Go. It will be very hard to leave you alone, May, but work of some kind must be had. for. darling, we have no money"
 1 "But, Helen, you know cannot spare you. How can you be so cruel as to leave me here alone. I believe you wish to drive me mad, with all this talk of sales women and work, and every other dis agreeable thing you can think of shall send for Fidele at once-the ungrateful creature to leave me when she know how much should need her," said May, un- reasonably throwing herself face down. ward on the sofa, crying bitterly. | Helen turned away almost discouraged. She had not told her sister that their kind hearted friend had also secured place in the same establishment for herself For she knew how impossible it would beto persuade Mabel to take such position, even were she competent, which was more than doubtful. But Mabel was not wholly incompetent. She had genuine love for music, in which she was really proficient. And Helen hoped that when time had in a measure 1econciled her sister to the inc vitable, she would herself see the necessity of contributing to their common veal Meantime she must work. And the next Monday morning found Helen Chan ming installed behind counter in the lace department of Nobles, West & Co.,, where she soon mastered the inhicacies of the business, and by her uniform courtesy and kindness, became general favorite as well as 8 successful saleswoman.
 There were one or two exceptions, how ever. The opposite counter was attended by Miss Belle Simpson, bold, black eyed damsel, with large hands and loud voice, and who boasted that she was the most successful sales lady in the establish ment, and had never been out-sold pre- vious to Miss Channing's advent. Conse- quently, Helen's success was looked upon with anything but friendly eye by Miss Belle, whose animosity increased when, as time went on, and it became apparent that Helen was not only more successful in making sales, but had actually received commendation from the office; and that MT. Lionel West, the junior member. of the firm, and on whom she-Miss Simpson had wasted her most killing glances and sweetest smiles, was in the habit of finger ing near Helen's counter, ostensibly to ex- anime the laces, but really to listen to the low, calm voice, which was beginning to hold so much of music for him. CHAPTER TIL
 Among the cash boys connected with the establishment was one Paul Risley, slen- der youth of twelve or thirteen years of age, whom Helen had especially noticed for his cheerful alacrity and ready obedi-
 
 and for whom, as acquaintance progressed, she conceived a strong liking. And when, one afternoon, she saw him coming up the long aisle, looking here and there intently, as though in search of something, she did not resist the impression, as he neared her vicinity, to ascertain the cause of his un- usual behavior.
 "Paul, said she, pleasantly, ''is any, thing lost ?''
 "Yes, Miss Charming" answered Paul. with quick glance in the opposite direc- tion, where Miss Simpson was busily en- gagged folding goods ''there is twenty-five cents missing from the amount sent from Miss Simpsons counter. She says must have lost it, for it was all right when she gave it to me. And. unless can find it, I shall not only have it deducted from my salary, but be discharged for carelessness. But, Miss Charming, I cannot find it."
 "Are you sure you dropped it, Paul ?" asked Helen, interestedly, for she pitied the little lad, who seemed in such real trouble.
 "No, Miss Charming, don't think I dropped it. held it tight in my hand all the way to the desk. think Miss Simp- son made mistake but she says she did not, so I am blamed" {" said Paul, bitterly.
 Involuntarily Helen glanced in Miss Simpsons direction, encountering a look