The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1889-01-31

heart had found safe resting place,
and that 1t was reciprocated by him,
, although as yet not proclaimed, for
some good and sufficient reason on his
part.
But it was all over now. Her eyes
were open to the mortifyIng truth. She
cried for pure shame at first, then for
disappointment. Her face was all
flame as she thought Of the possibility
OF the knowledge on the part Of others
Of her misplaced love. Then her cheeks
and brow became deadly cold as she
realized that her young hopes were all
withered and dead.
When Mr.. John Dune an saw that the
light had gone out from Helen's eyes
his anger toward his nephew knew no
bounds. lie knew that Frank had
goao from his presence with fixed de-
termination to win the girl, Elise Cour-
tois, if possible, in spite of all op-
position.
And he knew what he could not
speak of to Helen, that she had loved
his headstrong and misguided nephew.
The old maa was closeted with his
lawyer sooa after this occurrence for
several hours one day, and the result
of the con ference was new will.
Three years pass.
rTI,oco 49, -,oor. ~ 10
parture Of Frank Du can in disgrace
from his uncie's home had been to
Helen Morley joyless years of silent SUI
fering, unsharod by a sympathetic
heart, unspokon to plying car. She
had suffered in silence, and had tried
to walk her allotted path with outward
composure. And old John Duncan,
though he hal been more tender and
solicitous of her welfare than ever, saw
that he could do but little to Tighten
her burden Of sorrow.
But John Duncan had gone now.
There was no longer even his loving g
caro- to shield Helen from her own
misery.
1t had been hut a few weeks since
the old man had blessed Helen with
his dying breath and passed away. She
was sole pos3 essor Of his wealth.
Frank Duncan had been summoned,
but was somewhere abroad, pursuing G
his ignis fatuus in the shape Of fortune
and Elise Courtoi3.
lie had lost sight of the French girl
with whom he hal become infatuated
about the time his uncle had dismissed
him angriIy from his house. Follow
ing up a clcw he overlook her finally in
Paris.
1t was a chance meeting on one Of the
gay streets Of the French city. The
young man was wild with joy as he cs-
pied her coming toward him. He
rushed upon her with far moro Of en-
thusiasm than discretion. Else drew
back in surprise at his eGu,lvo greet
ing.
Have you forgotten all the past,
then, Elise" asked Frank, bitterly, as
he saw by her cool demeanor that she
had changed.
"Ol, no, never forget,' said Elise.
Did you not get my letter at the
time LETT my uncle's2" said Frank,
reproachfu,ly.
"Ob, yes; received your letter, and
one from your unc about the same
time, in which he informed me you were
no longer his heir, but a-a-boggar,
said the young woman, laughing aloud.
Good heavens, Elise! can it he that
you are mcrcenary, thenG 1 did not
Think
"No; Isupposo you thought I could
marry bcggar just as well as not, and
continue to work at millinery for my
living, and for yours, too, porhapsl
said the girl, lightly.
Ellie, hear mel 1t is not too late
My uncle, Lam sure, has not cut me cf
in his will. Will you not return witt
me, and, for the sake of the past, lei
me call you my own EIiso--my wife1'
'TIushr' said the girl, worringly, as
a man approached. II could do moth
ing of the kind. Let mo present yO1
to my hus band, NJ. Fennel"
And, to his intense disgust and morti
fcation, Frank found himself the mex
Instant in the embrace of vivaciou:
and voIuaLIe Frenchman. The new
view Of the lovely siren in her coarse
ness and mammon worship, together
with this presentation of heavy, vuI.
gar man, past middle age, as her hus-
band, was q combination Of circum.
staa ces that completely disenamorcd
Frank Duncan, and he flea precipitately
as soon as released from the mans
clutches, amid poals of laughter from the
gidIy French girl and nasal adleu1
from her male companion.
Old Mr.. Somers sat in his dincy little
law office, scratching his ear with hi:
pen, and glancing occasionally at {
letter he held in his hand.
The letter was from Frank Duncan,
and informed the lawyer that he, Frank
Duncan, would call upon him in day
or two or business relating to his de.