Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-11-20

died in the second year of their welded
life.
That was two years ago, since then
she had lived for the little fairhaired
child that was all she had left in the
world. The little one had been ailing
all winter, and it was through him that
Helen came to know the grave eyed,
oldish physician who won hergratitude
for saving the life of her child.
What wonder that she did not know
her own heart! There is love that
.Steals upon us unswares, and like the flowers and
sun,
He turns our hearts, our lives that way, and never
asks, 'ob, will it stay:'
Until-the day is done!"
When Maurice left her that night he
told her that he should leave the city
for a few weeks now. "But do not
fear" he added, seeing how quickly the
smiling eyes grew clouded, ~ shall not
go till the little one is better"
In few days he was gone, to attend
medical convention and to make a
flying visit to his old home. He took a
problem with him, and when he return
ed it was still unsolved. "Could he so
forget the love of his youth as to ask
Helen Fortescue to be his wife?"
l think he knew she loved him. He
could read it in her truthful eyes, in
the unconscious flush that came and
went on her sweet face. Men are so
quick to see some things. He might
have married her; they might have been
as we'll content as most married pairs in
this mis-matched world, but it was not
to be so.
Three days after his return there oc-
Cured an accident on the IN. & O."
and in the list of injured taken to the
hospital he saw the name of Leslie
Graham. And there he found her.
mot seriously hurt" the physician in
charge assured him, "a broken arm was
all the injury she had sustained beyond
the shock to her nervous system. This
was the most terrible and she might
not recover from it for some time. If
she had any friends in the ,"-and
he looked inquiringly at Maurice, "it
would be well for her to be taken where
she could have different care from what
they could give her."
He did not trust himself to see her,
but went straight to Helen Fortescue.
He met her as though they had parted
the day before, gave no word of greet
ing beyond brief good morning." but
taking her offered hand he held it in a
firm, close clasp. "You are my friend"
he said simply, gravely, not needing
the wonder in her eyes.
"Yes," she answered quietly, though
her heart throbbed painfully.
"May I tell you long story?"
eyes" Words did not come readily,
she felt suddenly faint and trembling,
and leaned against chair for support.
He noticed then how pale she looked,
and seating her gently in an easy chair
smiled down upon her reassuring-
ly. ''Do not be alarmed, he said, "it is
only story of my past life. Shall I
tell you now?"
And so he told her of his eally life, of
Leslie, and all she has been to him,
of their long estrangement and even this
strange meeting.
And Helen listened with halfaverted
face and dropping eyes, one white hand
holding fast the other.
She gave 10 sign of the struggle with
in, as she sat there so quietly, her black
dress falling in soft folds about her feet;
the white lace rising and falling Oh her
snowy throat.
Her eyes were bent upon the floor but
she saw nothing, heard nothing, but
the voice of the man she loved killing
the hope within her.
When he had finished there was a
moments silence in the room, then she
lifted her true, pure eyes to his without
a shadow in them. "And noww she
asked in her sweet tones, "that is fol
you to say" he answered, "you know
but what shall I do?"
Bring her here to me-" she said
earnestly. That is the one thing to dc
now"
"How can thank you," he began,
but she stopped him with pretty all
of authority, "go at once, there are nc
such things as favors, between friends
And he went, manlike, thinking only Of
the woman he loved.
After he had gone, white-faced
woman knelt and prayed with stream
ing eyes and moist mouth drawn with
pain. "God help me-" she cried anG
He did.
- s. e
1t is month later, the buds are
swelling on the trees, the tender grass
shows fresh and green, and the birds
make glad with song the warm soft air
For spring has come at last, and Leslie
Graham sitting in an easy chair by the
open window breathes in the warmth
and fragrance of the air. She has
changed in the last ten years. Hel
slender form has rounded out; the will
full mouth has deeper, firmer Ii 1es, the
brilliant eyes more grave and earnest