Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-04-25

ready, l could love this girl to dis
traction"
He did not tell her so. when Clyde
said as they parted at the door that
night, "Walter. don't you think Helen
improves on acquaintance
Walter was bit stubborn, and did
not like to own that he was beaten
completely. He only answered:
"Well, yes, slightly. But there is
still ROOM"
IL knew you would say So" said
Clyde. IL am sure" she thought af-
ter Walter was gone, II can quite
overcome all his prejudice"
To further that object, Clyde began
to throw her friend into Walters COM
pany on all occasions. There was
young gentleman who visited at Mr..
Graham's Frequently, by the name of
Edward Lawson.
Clyde knew that he admired her.
Her engagement to Walter was not
known, as yet. to any of her friends
but Helen, and therefore when they
were all going out. Mr.. Lawson was
very often able to offer himself as
Clydie's escort.
Before Helen came, she seldom ac-
cepted it. But now she very often
did so. saying to Walter, "You take
Helen"
At first Walter demurred, but after
a few days he would only say, Very
well, if it pleases you, Clyde"
Clyde was pleased to see that the
two whom she wished to draw together
as friends, seemed growing to like
each other. And when Helen had
been there about three weeks, she said
to her, one evening, as they were Dress
ing to 60 down to the parlor, "Helen,
1 see one thing which makes me very
happy"
"What is that, child" asked Helen.
THAT you and Walter are getting
to be good friends. thought at first
you would never be-"
Helen's face was turned away from
Clyde as she stood at the glass;
Presently, in an even tone, she an
swered:
"Of course, would try to like him
for your sake, Clyde"
"I'm sure he likes you for your own
sake as well as mine, DEAR" said ely
die. "He told me last night that he
thought you homely at first, but now
he considered you beautiful"
Come, come, you will turn my
head if you repeat such nonsense"
said Helen. Let us 60 down now, if
you are ready" But her cheeks were
very bright as they went down to the
parlor. and she avoided looking at
Walter for long time.
There were few friends coming
that evening to spend while. Mr..
Lawson was generally included in
these little socials, but he was not
there tonight. Up in Clydie's room
lay letter he had sent her that day,
a straightforward, honest love letter,
asking her to be his wife. And he
had told her that he would not come
to the house again until he had his
answer. Poor fellow. Clyde was
genuinely sorry that she had to tell
him only of her engagement to Wal
ter.
HE is worthy Of a queen" she
said. "I'm very sorry this has come
about"
She meant to answer the letter in
the morning, and not to think of it
till then.
But after while Helen was asked
to sing, and began that plaintive lit
tie Irish melody. "Eilleen ALBANIA"
Clyde sat down near the end of the
piano; Walter stood leaning upon
the other end, in such position as to
get full view of Helen's face. ,
Several of the rest grouped them
selves near to listen to the touching
strains into which Helen seemed to-
night to throw her whole soul. As i
she sang the pathetic lines, Clyde
saw her look up, and catching the ex-
preston of her face, instinctively fol- /,
lowed the look, in time to see Walters a
eyes as they met Helen's.
And Clydie's heart stood still. A
second of time may decide the fate of 9
a nation. A look may make or mar :
a life. c
Clyde read history in that ago. /
nized gaze of passionate love. There t
was no mistake. She read that she !
was cursed with success. She had 9
tried to make these two friends-and J
had succeeded only too well. 6
She sat still in her place. Only =
her hands, clenched tightly in her b
silken lap, and her thoughtful look :
told of the intense strain going on in 4
her mind.
"They love each other thought
she. "And IL stand between them" 7
Like lightning her mind was working. 4
She recalled a thousand little Incl =
Joct, ,,L;oh o,.~Lt % Lo,n ,olJ bn, | >,