The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-30

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him in his infancy. Soon, however, you
came to console us in our loss. When in
your babyhood, we promised you and Will
to each other, and though Will was SO
told long ago, did not mention it to you
because of your youth. 1t was your
mothers dearest wish, as it is mine. L
have not seen my namesake for years, but
Jerome, who moved to Chester, South Car
olina, has written regularly, and he de-
scribes him as a good looking youth, and
quite intelligent This letter was written
to tell me that Will has returned from
school, and to suggest that you meet while
both are heart-whole. l will invite him to
pay us a visit Immediately. He is anxious
to meet his little betrothed, and, my dear,
1 trust you will do nothing to thwart your
mothers wishes and mine. You need not
think too seriously of it for while, at
least. I would not have told you this
year, only that 1 fear Nat Claire has done
mischief with his good looks, and want
to warn you, which you can also do to
him, if necessary. Kiss me, and run
away. See already the clouds are break
ing. Now, go, darling"
During the interview, Helen was very
attentive listener. She scarcely knew how
to construe the intelligence of the-she-
trothal, but when she heard of his hand
some appearance, she came to the conclu-
sion that it was quite romantic-indeed,
almost like novel. Helen was highly
pleased, until her father spoke Of her
warning Nat-dear old Nat, whom she
liked Just as she would have liked jerome,
had he lived. kissing her papa lovingly,
she hastened to Mrs. Winters, the good old
housekeeper, to see if she had all things
in readiness for the evening. Finding
matters quite satisfactory, she was at lber
ty to amuse herself.
How often had the lonely girl longed for
a sister or brother, but more than all had
she bewailed the loss of her gentle mother,
whom she scarcely remembered, but often
thought of her as lovely spirit lowering
near.
After study and recitation hours, and
when left to her own resources, Helen
generally visited the library. The books
had become as real friends, and many she
loved dearly Shakespeare she had often
read and delighted in; Milton, Byron,
Goldsmith had secured a place in her
affections, not to mention many other
authors of note. After leaving Mrs.
Winters, Helen hastened to her best loved
room, and taking from its place Mrs.
Hentz's "Linda, was soon deeply absorbed
in its contents.
The rain had ceased, and already the
King of Day was struggling behind the
clouds, At length a triumphant beam
burst forth gloriously and full upon the
face of our heroine. Let us look at her
pen picture, If Nat loves her, is it any
matter for wonder? With eyes of darkest
brown or black; her jetty hair coiled in
knot at the nape of her pretty white neck;
her lips of bright scarlet; delicately curv-
ed eyebrows; tiny, well shaped hand, and
arched foot; her slight figure robed in a
bright garnet cashmere she presented an
pretty enough for any one to
love, or, at least, admire,
Let us leave Helen reading by the
window, and take good view of a couple
of her expected guests.
The same ray of sunlight that fell
across "Linda' into the lap of Helen, fell
also upon the bowed head of Iva Claire, as
she bent over her well worn dress, neatly
darning the elbow. As the light filled the
little room, she, too, exclaimed
81 am delighted to see your smiles old
Sol. Please keep cheerful the rest of the
day. 1 am truly glad it has cleared, for |
would have been SO much disappointed.
My dress doesn't look so bad, after all. l
don't want to wear my best, for 1 might
spoil it; but, dear me my best scarcely
surpasses Helen's worst"
FWhat is that about best and worst, lit
tie sister," said young man entering the
room at this time.
"Oh, Nat, how you startled me, /
thought you would not be home to dinner"
she cried, as he greeted her with kiss.
'SYou mentioned Helen's name, did you
not?"
eyes, but 1 was only complaining again.
Don't look so troubled, dear Nat, l am
getting much more cheerful See how
nice it will look tonight when I insert that
crepe lisse you purchased for me" she
said, holding aloft the blue merino.
"Never mind, my darling, you will not
always have to dress poorly, | trust. Iva,
l must communicate something that will,
no doubt, surprise you, and it may dis
please you; but if so, l hope to win your
forgiveness. Don't look SO mystifed; 1
am not going to relate anything wonderful.
You know, Iva, how tired / am of my
present mode of living; how I detest work.
ing upon this little farm, on which 1 can
barely realize enough to live upon-not
enough to procure respectable wearing ap-
parel for yourself and mother. Without
saying aught to you, wrote last week to
cousin Geoffrey Holland, asking him for
position in his Office, with permission to
study law with him. The firm of Holland
& Griggs is one of the most prominent in
the large city of P. Having sent
the letter, [ awaited reply; to-day it
came. He expresses himself as delighted
at having ascertained mothers where
abouts, of whom he said he was always
fond, aud proffers me a place in his Office,
with every advantage he can confer. He
says we had better move there, that we
may be near him. The answer was more
than 1 had dared expect. Now, what do
you think of my venture ?"
"Nat, my dear, dear brother, l am SO
glad for your sake. Does mamma know
Only one unpleasant thought in connection
with the removal, Native will miss Nellie
for awhile. Well, at any rate, she viii be
a fine lady next year, and would not re-
ceive the attentions of farmer boy. Nat,
know you will achieve distinction some
day, and then, perhaps, Squire Graham
will not object if you sue for Nellie's hand.
All! dear boy. your sister has penetrated
your secret.
Mats handsome, manly face flushed
but he only said, as he kissed
Iva's fair brow. aThen guard it well,
darling. My love for sweet Nellie will
serve as an incentive to my ambition, but
until | can offer her a comfortable home, l
will say naught to her. Should 1 prove to
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