Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1883-07-27

w udG WdS tlllS. ISISu ASulCy 10y
on the floor insensible. Every one
thought her safe. How had the terri
bic mistake arisen:
A deep groan broke from DarrelPs
lips. The sound seemed to partially
awake her from her swoon. He swung
himself into the room and lifted her in
his arms. The great grey eyes opened
slowly-the color crept back to the
white cheek.
4 thought you would Gomez she
murmured family.
Her voice did not seem strange to
him then.
4 am only just in time. If there is
anything you want to save, throw it
from the window while | make fast
this rope
He placed her gently upon the
couch. His very presence seemed to
restore her strength and courage. A
brass bound writing-desk stood upon
the table. Helen lifted it with con-
siderable effort, and threw it from the
window.
Your aunt's desk. She charged me
to take care of it, she said.
The fire was gaming upon them fast;
but Darrell worked on steadily. cheer
ed by the crowd below, who doubted
not that his reckless ascent had been
occasioned by some cry or glimpse of
the young lady. He had fastened the
rope to the widow sill. He made
Helen sit outside Of the window on the
broad sill then he swung himself out
on the rope.
Now bend enough to take firm hold
of the rope with one hand, put the
other arm tight around my neck !; now
let yourself drop. Don't be afraid l
will catch you
He braced himself to receive her
weight.
Helen hesitated, but one glance
back showed her the room in flames
behind them.
4 implore you to lose no timen
She let herself fall into the strong
arms upheld to receive her.
Hugh's was not an easy task. 1t
took all his great strength and sailor
agility to accomplish it. One arm
held the girl, the other, with the aid
OF his feet, supported heir joint weight,
and slowly lowered them through
flame and smoke toward the ground.
Halfway down voice from the ex-
cited crowd shouted out that their
rope had caught fire. Darrell set his
/ teeth.
Cling fast to me with both handsH
Helen obeyed, and felt him with
draw the arm that-was her chief sup
port. He grasped the rope with both
hands and let it slide rapidly through
them, tearing the flesh cruelty. They
neareG the ground. Eager, outstretch-
ed arms relieved him Of his precious
burden and Hugh dropped like log.
The next day Darrell found himself
haunting the house to which Helen
had been carried. His feet seemed to
bear him thither against his will and
after all, why should he not inquire
after the girl, whose life he had saved,
although she was the mistress of Dan
gertield, whom he had sworn never to
forgive: As, reasoning thus, he ap-
p, reached the door, he heard Miss
Ashley's voice say, YEARLY:
No, Mr.. Green, l have no idea how
it originated
Then grutfer tones.
Then Heleu's again, very clear and
naughty.
1T is not possible that l understand
you Alright
The young squire were cabable Of
it, Miss. You don't know them 'dour
Darrells,' Us in the village was sure
he'd have his revenge
There was hush of sheer astonish-
ment. Then Helen's voice of concen-
trated scorn.
Leave my presence! l would not
insult Mr.. Darrell by defending him
from such charge. Do you know
that he saved my life?'
Like enough, like enough grumb
led her intercolutor, obstinately.
There's naugbt he fears, and I'm not
saying he wanted your death. When
he were out lad he vowed he'd soon
er burn Dangerfeld to the ground
than see it in strangers hands, and
Co. broke in Helen. stormily, los
ing all her self.command.
An imperious white hand flung
the house-door wide, and the discom-
fitted countryman shambled down the
steps. Darrell came forward and said,
gravely:
Thank you
Miss Ashley was leaning, painting
and flashing, against the door-post.
The color came into her white face as
she begged him to enter.
Darrell hesitated.
This is not Dangerield; this is
neutral ground she said, with tinge
of bitterness. 4 must speak to you,
and | am not able to stand
Indeed she was not. When Darrell
followed her into the house she sank
into a chair, unable to speak for few
minutes, and he noticed with pang
the fragile character of her loneliness.
How can | thank you tor saving
my liie?' she said, presently, lifting
the great gray eyes Hugh had always
found so eloquent.
That account was squared by your
defence of me just now,' he replied,
hastily.
There was no defence needed the
idea was too preposterous.'
lit would not have seemed altogeth-
er preposterous to me the night l first
returned. | have learned to do you
justice since then, even if we can new
er be frie nds.'
why not? Hugh, dear Hugh she
faltered, 4 don't believe you hate me
as much as you think. Will you not