The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-10-20

duced him, nevertheless nay, even in
vited him in, and the stranger, no way
abashed by the GOODNESS of Helen's
manner, accepted gaily, and took his
seat with them presently at the tea
table.
Poor Helen! What different meal
from the one she had anticipated! She
had made special preparations in honor
of the day. Delicate slices of ham,
carnished with parsley, graced one end
of the board-a dish of preserves and a
Jar of orange marmalade, given her by
her mistress, the other, while in the
center of the table stood large frosted
cake, profusely decorated with flowers.
There was abundance of sweet home
made bread and butter, while the tea
sent forth its gentle fragrance from
Helen's end of the board.
Baby, secured in her high chair,
amused herself with a rattle, while
Helen poured out the tea, returning the
briefest possible replies to the remarks
the stranger addressed to her Robin
exerted himself to talk, though it was
evidently painful effort.
But Brockleworth, in no wise discon-
certed, kept up an asyfow of CONVERSE
ton. Helen, keenly suspicious of all
he said and'did, fancied hidden mean
ing in many remarks he made to Rob
in, for at such times the latter would
vince as if some noxious insect had
stung him.
The unwelcome guest and DAVE en-
ioyed their supper, but the appetites at
the two other members of the party
seemed to have deserted them Helen
breathed an inward sigh of relief when
the meal was ended.
robin, my boy, come out for a
stroll, " said the stranger, Lighting CT
gar, I've some matters to talk over
with you"
Vera weel, I'll gang wi you," said
Robin, rising with some eagerness, and
looking around for his hat
eye wonna surely gaze out, this night
of all ithers, Robinn' broke forth
Helen.
He stopped and looked at her mo-
ment, then said in his gentlest tones,
''I'll be back in half an hour, Hinny;
by the time you've put the BARNS to
bed. Guide night, Davie, my man"
Kissing the children, he went out be-
fore Helen could say another word
She watched them from the window a
moment, then hiding he' face in her
apron, she burst into tears.
il 4
Helen was as courageous and deter
mined as she was good. A resolution
once formed, she had the nerve to
carry it out to the utmost. And her
courage was put to the proof that very
night.
They We're sitting together by the
kitchen table, Helen with her knitting,
Robin apparently intent on paper he
had brought in. He glanced up as the
clock struck nine and rose from his
chair. Putting on his cap, he took a
stout oaken cudgel from corner and
said, turning to Helen:
'.Hinny, I'm gaun to take the air for
a few minutes. Yes, | ken it's late, -
as her eye glanced at the clock, ''but l
Wilma be lang ava. Dinna sit up for
me, though"
"Ah, my puir lad, we Gamma throw
dust in my cen that gate!' thought
Helen, as she threw on her shawl over
her head THAT Satan of man thinks
he's got you. body and soul, but wen
see if, by the help of God, the wife
Gamma outwit him yet!'
The children were slumbering peace
fully in the next room. With one fond,
look, as if loath to leave them,
Helen stole softly out. 1t was clear,
starlight night. Helen was very swift
footed, and she sped on, nimbly and
softly as q hare, soon coming in sight
OF her husband, who, as she guessed,
was walking toward the grove. Their
little cottage was situated near the en-
trance gate OF. Mr.. Frazer's grounds,
and the grove was just across the street.
But instead of crossing directly over,
Robin was taking a more roundabout
way. Soon he entered lonely, wind
ing path, leading to a more sequestered
part of the grove. As he walked he
swung the cudgel restlessly about him,
muttering to himself under his breath.
Helen followed him at a little dis
lance Her heart was beating so VIC
lently now, she could hardly breathe
Robin paused in the midst of the grove,
not far from a stately oak tree, around
whose massive trunk ran a low, circular
seat. Here Brockleworth was awaiting
him. In the shadow of the oak-tree vol
could scarcely see his dark figure al
first, but as Robin paused. he said in 9
low but distinct voice:
''Who's that?"
''Oyou ken weel eneuch.' said Robin
sullenly.
Helen had sunk down behind a clumr
of bushes little distance from them
She was trembling now from head tc
foot-a sickening dread of what she
might hear next almost took her strength
away
I've stude this lang eneuch!' broke
forth Robin. you've got the wicked
pess of the dell, Brockleworth, but not
his cunning, or you'd ken better thar
to drive man to bayl I'm dune wi
your
There was low, hooking laugh from
Brockleworth.
"Bravely said, my man, but remem
Der there's two parties to this business
and Toe not done with gou! Now listen
to me for moment propose to
ask one more favor of you and then teal
myself away from you forever'
What do you want noo?" asked
Robin, mixture of dread and hope il
his ynioa