Daily Republican., 1884-07-31

sign, and to casual observer she was
as light-hearted and careless a. of old ;
but those who knew her best could detect
the efforts at merry nonchalsnce, the
forced ring OF her gay laughter, and
knew that among the roses OF life she had
found the thorns.
" Helen, can you guess who 1 saw in
the city to day ?"
Helen Warren looked at her brother
across the tca-table.
-" Some one you we're delighted to see,
| know by the way your eyes shine" she
said merrily. "Tell me-was 1t Eleanor
Cousin Mabury ?"
" 1t was" said Arthur. He had just
returned from his trip to England day be-
fore yesterday, believe he said. He
seems changed ; ten years older at least.
But you will see him and Judge for your
self. induced him to promise to visit
us and he is coming Tomorrow"
Helen sat with quiet, thoughtful face,
If such sparkling dimpled face could
ever be acknowledged quiet.
am glad Laura was not here to-
night" she said slowly. Don't tell her
about 1t, Arthur, and when he comes
will receive him alone"
Arthur looked mystified, but promised
to maintain silence and the morn when
Mabury Chester arrived q: Warren Villa,
Helen was thu re to greet him.
" Arthur Is sleighing," abe said sweet
ly. He is playing the agreeable to q
pretty young friend of mine, an old sc-
quaintance Of yours, by the way"
Eleanor Wayne rasked Mabury.
Helen laughed merrily.
" Do you think Eleanor is the only one
Arthur can ue agreeable to p? No, she is
Mrs Burnett Of"
-" Laura Burnett ?" he sail
" Yes you sec"
She paused and leaned forward in a lis
teDing attitude.
From the snowy avenue without CAME
the sound of silvery bells and ripping
laughter.
Mabury started.
They have returned" he said.
" Helen, does she-Miss Burnett-know
am here 2"
/" No, did not tell her /; thought it
would bea pleasant surprise"
He sprang from his chair with a
strange look of agitation on his handsome
face.
" cannot meet her now" he said In
trepidation you do not understand
welt is best she should know of my ar
rival here before we meet"
Helen's eyes were sparkling beneath
their long brown lashes.
=" You have no time to retreat,W she
she answered lightly. There. conceal,
yourself, IT, you like"
She pointed to tall, plush screen at
one end of the pretty apartment, and
Mabury, scarcely knowing in his confus
ion what he was doing, made haste to
obey.
He had just settled himself In the depth
of an easy chair when tine door was flung
open, and low, sweet voice broke the
silence, thrilling his heart with q strange
mingllng Of Joy and pain.
have had delightful ride"
You must be cold, dear, said Helen
Draw a chair to the fire while tell you
some startling news"
Startling 2" asked Laura. Does
II concern me 1t is not bad newe
Helen ?"
"Oh, no yet scarcely know wheth
or you will call 1t good or Ill. You re
member when met you, Laura, last sum
mer, we were attracted to each other
at once. Then in time we be-
came confidential, and you told me o.
of your broken engagement"
Yes" said Laura with sigh.
And that, just before we met, thu
| man who was the cause OF your quar-
rel, Off rtl himself TO you and was re
jected"
or course. cared nothing for him
Helen, he WAS the subject not the caus
of the quarrel. That was my own foolisl
PRIDE"
Then you said you had repented ant
II you ever met Mabury Chester again ,yot
would beg his forgiveness"
Yes, but the news Helen you have
not told me that yet"
Well, Laura, did not tell you then
but he is my cousin, and he is coming
here %
Here to Warren Villa ?" Laura said
Oh, Helen 70
az have long desired that you two
should meet, and perhaps a reconcile
ton"
No, no; 1t cannot be. 1t is too late
now. In penitent mood told vol
that would acknowledge myself In errol
to him, but could not now l know
could not II we ehould meet 1t would b,
as strangers. But, Helen, l must ~
away"
"But you are not happy, Laura. What ii
he still loves you, and has long since for
given you ?"
Laura shook her head sadly.
That is impossible" she answered.
Then, forgetful of another's presence
she leaned forward, and covering hel
face with her hands, she fell In q deeI
reverie.
Helen rose quietly and stole away, but
her departure WAS unnoticed by the silent
dreamer.
Then hand fill on Laura's shoulder
and she tnrned with start.
Mabury-You here %
The color had fled from her face leav
ing it ashen pale, her eyes dilatet
wildly, but he took her trembling hands
between his own aud knelt down beside
her.
Forgive me, Laura" he said, "
was concealed behind the screen wheI
you entered the room, and have heart
ALL"
Her lips curled and her eyes shone with
flash of her old spirit, but Mabury went
on hastily.
az did not intend to play the spy
Laura / came here to-day unaware o.
your presence here. Helen told me JUS
as we heard you return from your ride
and to prevent a scene l hid there.
knew the sudden meeting would not b.
pleasant for either of US. It has all beer
yuse of Helen's. Believe me, have had
no part in 1t. Let us forget the past; will
you, Laura 2"