Middletown transcript., 1884-02-15

henceforth to be her home. Her Vaca-
tions, with the exception of the first,
had been spent with her dear friend
and roommate, Katie Somers. And
now poor Helen felt that for the second
time in her life she was leaving true
and trusted friends to go again among
strangers. Letters, kind but formal,
had come occasionally D Mr.. Hamp-
ton; very liberal had been the monthly
remittances sent, and there apparently
his interest ended. But as there was
no other alternative Helen soon found
herself whirling rapidly toward home.
Her heart sank as she mounted the
well-remembered steps, but the warm
kiss and hearty greeting of Aunt Glenn
greatly assured her dropping spirits.
"Why, child How you have grown
and changed ~ she exclaimed, casting
an admiring glance at Helen. What
Ellery thought as he came forward to
welcome his young ward can only be
surmised. That he was not wholly
Indifferent was quite evident. Instead
of withdrawing after the dinner hour,
as was his custom, he drew his chair
near Helen, and they were soon chat
ting with the ease and freedom of old
friends. He asked many questions
about her school life and companions,
inwardly reproaching himself for the
GOODNESS. and indifference he had so
thoughtlessly shown toward her. He
Joined heartily in her merry laugh as
she recounted schoolgirl escapades and
trials. He talked of the many pleasures
of social life that awaited her, of books
and current news. Pleasantly the hours
sped by, and he gave visible start as
the little clock on the mantel chimed
eleven. Dear Aunt Glen, between her
maps, looked wonderingly on. Had
Ellery for once forgotten his bright
fire, his easy chair, his after-dinner
smoke But this evening was but
prelude to the many pleasant evenings
and days that followed. Katie Somers
smiled as her friends letter told of
morning rides, of evening strolls, of
new books read, of new songs sung
with this Mr.. Hampton, who had
been such an object of dread in their
confidential communings. That Ellery
Hampton was no longer an object of
dread to Helen was but too apparent to
herself. In the seclusion of her own
room she was forced to admit that this
man, who had shown her only kind in
tentions, had become the idol of her
heart. Her cheeks burned with shame
over this unmaidenly confession
!" What shall 1 do ?' she sobbed. 81
cannot meet him day after day without
betraying this secret, which must be
mine and mine alone"
She buried her burning face in her
hands and for a long time sat motion
less. Suddenly she started up and drew
from her pocket Katie's letter of yester-
day. As she read, aresolute expression
gathered around her firm little mouth.
J" Yes, that will do,'' she said at last.
Katie's long, rambling letter closed like
this: And now, dear Helen, you
will not longer deprive us Of the plea
sure Of your own sweet self. We are
all wild to see you. 1 have so much to
tell you, so many questions TO ask. L
am all impatience for one of our good
long talks. Write Immediately and tell
me that you will come"
Helen sat thoughtfully holding the
letter in her hand. Yes, that will
dc" she repeated. "In school mathe-
matics was my favorite study and now
it shall serve my purpose. l can soon
fit myself for a practical bookkeeper
and Mr.. Somers' influence will secure
me a position. l have no right to live
here in idleness, accepting daily favors
from one on whom I have no claim,
save being the daughter Of his friend"
She faltered a moment as she con-
trasted her happy life of the six months
with the life that lay before her as an
obscure bookkeepeE in a great city.
But it was only for moment, and then
her proud spirit regained its ascend
ancy. "It is but just to myself and
him. she said.
Three weeks from that bright winter
morning square, delicately perfumed
envelope was placed in Ellery Hamp-
toms hand. The look of pleased sur
prise that lighted up his face as he
glanced at the address proved that he
well knew whose hand had penned it.
But the dark frown that gathered as
his eager eyes devoured its contents
bespoke small approval of Helen's
plans. Hastily donning cap and over
coat, he was soon plunging through the
binding snow toward home. Throw
ing few necessaries into hand
satchel, he appeared before Aunt Glen.
"What has happened, Ellery ?" she
gasped, as she looked into his agitated
face.
81 have only time to say goodbye,
a,ntie. Important business-no-well
in fact, I am going to bring Helen
home - and off rushed this dignifed
bachelor, leaving poor Aunt Glenn dumb
with astonishment.
AS Helen and Katie sat in their
pretty morning robes, discussing last
nights opera, a card was handed Helen.
She glanced at the name and her face
rivaled the red rose in color. Hastily
excusing herself, she went down to the
parlor.
Ellery Hampton sprang forward to
meet her, ard clasped the agitated girl
in his arms.
6 Oh HaIon ~ he said in an aQitated