The Press., 1883-05-24
Issued Every Thursday Evening.
Contributed MARBLES MISFORTUNE.
BY DELLA ADELAIDE.
CHAPTER ]

CHAPTER I.
 It was near the close of cold, buster ing March afternoon, when an elderly gen Heman, wrapped in overcoat and muffier emerged from downtown office, en route for home. He had hardly reached tho street when his attention was arrested by the cry of: .-.. "Evenin' paper extra edition suspen sion of the Metropolitan bank 1! All abou the failure of Carson, Clark & Go. Ave Herald, sir ?" -zr Almost snatching the paper from the hand of the little news-boy, Hugh Chan ming turned and re-entered the deserted office. "Great Heavens P he murmured "Carson, Clark & Go. failed God gran its mistake.' Their failure means my ruin, for I hold their paper for more thai sixty thousand dollars. 'sBut, no," he continued, as the bold headlines met his eye, Git is probably true, and am beg gar"
 With outward calmness he read the ac count, which was given in such detail that to doubt was impossible. Then, folding his arms upon the table he laid his head upon them, in an agony of mind which rendered him oblivious of the fact, that night and darkness was fast closing around hum.
 It was terrible blow to Hugh Chan ming. His life had been spent in one long endeavor to become rich !; to be able tc surround his motherless daughters, Helen and Mabel, with the elegancies and lux uries which wealth alone can procure And just when he felt himself sure of sue cess when the goal for which he had SC steadily striven these many years was al most reached to be hurled back to the starting point without moments warn ing was almost more than he could bear And for 8 time the tempter was busy whispering of suicide, and the peaceful rest beneath the dark waters of the river seemed to his tortured mind almost to be desired. But soon reaction came, and thoughts of the two whom he loved best on earth-one so brave and strengthful the other so frail and dependent-nerved him to commence the struggle anew.
 Poor Mabel" he murmured, as he again passed into the street, "this will be terrible news for her. Helen will bear ii better, but May is such child"
 It was with a feeling of relief that on reaching his home MT. Charming found his daughters engaged with company and glad of any excuse for postponing the hour when he must face his children and tell them the hateful story-which even now was ringing through his brain in tones SC loud that it seemed impossible to concea, it from others-he ascended at once to his own room, where he passed an almost sleepless night, and from which he did not emerge until summoned by the breakfast bell on the following morning.
 On entering the room where the family hIoI ha La lx by Helen while Mabel ran to meet him exclalming
 Good morning Papa. Did you bring me that charming new book sent for yes terday ?'
 "What book ?" asked her father with 6 dazed, preoccupied air. Then suddenly recollecting himself he said, "Ah !! I re- member 'Sidonie's Trials, was it not Strange I should forget, wasn't it Pet I'll surely remember it to-day.
 "But want it now, papa," said the lit. tie beauty, pettishly "and I waited fol you to bring it last evening"
 ''I'm sorry you were disappointed May. But don't fret dear, I'll send it up on my way to the office. Will that do ?'' said he, kissing her to restore her good humor, and drawing her hand through his arm, he led her tremendously to the table. Seating himself, he made pretence of eating, but his distrait manner soon at tracted the notice of Helen, who asked
 "Are you not feeling as well as usual, papa? You look strangely ill, and do not eat. What is the matter, dear ?''
 Nothing, nothing" answered her fath- CT, quickly, with warning glance toward Mabel" "That is, am not ill, though rather disinclined for food. Don't alarm yourself. shall be all right presently" " And, rising, MT. Charming left the break fast room, from which Helen almost i'm mediately followed him.
 "Papa, said she, laying her hand upon his arm as he stood in the hall, 'sare you sure there is nothing the matter I am troubled about you, dear, you look so strangely"
 Her father gazed at her a moment with out replying. Then with sigh that was almost groan, he said, ''Come with me, '' leading the way into small room oppo- site the breakfast room, and which was used as library. Closing the door, and grasping the back of a chair as if for SUD- port, he said, hurriedly, 'sI had hoped not to tell you so soon, Helen. I would have spared you as long as possible, but it's of no use to try longer My child, to-day I stand before the world ruined man. Un- less a miracle intervenes we are beggars, forced to toll for the bread we eat. could bear it, but poor Mabel Keep it from her as long as possible" he continu- ed, his lips writhing, as he sank into a chair, his face assuming purpIsh hue.
 Helen sprang to his side. Half stunned by the words she had heard, she hardly realized their import as she noted her fathers condition. Winding her arm about his neck, she smoothed the hair from his heated brow, telling him how lit tie she cared for riches, and as long as they were spared to each other, how will ingly she would work for him and May. But it was not to be. Lower and lower dropped the head upon her arm. and al- most before she had ceased speaking he was unconscious. The long continued strain of mind and body had loosed the silver cord, and the rest which only few hours before had seemed so desirable was his own. All efforts at resuscitation were unavaiing, and before sunset Helen and Mabel Charming were orphans.
 CHAPTER II.
 It is needless to dwell upon the distress and grief of Helen, borne so bravely for the sake of the sister she loved so we'll. nor the weak and babyish repining of May, who could not or would not under stand the necessity which compelled them toleave their hOme-alas ! theirs no longer flor the humble one they were obliged tO Salact ss.