The Russellville Democrat., 1889-10-17

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| found nothing unbearable, and. with
the knowledge that through all his
worries and troubles some one under
stood and was ever sympathetic. he
went his way unhesitatingly and thank
| fully, though, like the rest OF the
world, he had his fits of depression
and relapses. And Helen, she thought
very much the same; 1t seemed to her
then privilege, which she scarcely
deserved, that one little gentleman,
however poor, however Insignificant.
should love her more than life itself.
''And we are the best of friends. " she
used TO say, land, though we may
never be able TO marry, yet no poverty
can come between us here" Nor did
| IT,
| Paul was not in any way brilliant,
and industry and perseverance,
though they eventually come forward
! TO greater or less extent, have TO put
up with a long apprenticeship; so the
years passed by with his financial posi-
tion scarcely changing, while mutual
/ ltAdbiObonlHo Etiudluttt uuaAtGtth.
AT tho end OF four years Paul al
lowed himself aholiday He was tired
and overworked. Again and again he
had been on the point Of breaking
down, so when this great temptation
came--a trip across the channel with
Helen and Tom Forsyth-he cast all
hesitation TO the winds. and went
Then for brief space he was per-
fectly happy. Never before in his life
had he known such happiness, and,
until all too soon, like dream, it was
dissipated, he enjoyed himself to the
utmost
That was the year when the Dublin
| City was run down. and it was on that
| ill-starred vessel disabled and rapidly
sinking, that Paul aud Helen found
| themselves one summers night. Tom
had Decentralization killed in
the first collision or drowned after
ward was never known-and in the
excitement and shouting which en-
sued Paul, like many others, was too
distraC ted to notice accurately what
had occurred. All that he could re-
call afterward was seeing the dark
outline OF another vessel as it backed
off slowly into the darkness, apparent
ly sinking too, and then even that was
lost sight of in tho horrors around
him.
For brief space there were confu-
sion aud awful uncertainty, terror
stricken men and women impeding
those who alone could save them-a
fearful scene; and, for Paul, a CHASTITY
descent from the heaven in which he
had been living.
1t was almost relief when the first
strain was over and all knew the worst,
for with that news the panic subsidized,
and in the presence of death came a
temporary hush.
Having found his way to Helen. he
took her hand quietly and waited; with
her he would face death as coolly as
he would life.
Helen was the first to break the
silence. Is there nothing can be done,
PaulP"
He shook his head. mo. Not till
they begin to lower the boats. Then
you must be ready; they will put the
women in first"
"And you, Paul. you will come. too?"
"0nce you are safe, can save my
self-easily.n
But | meant for all these others"
and she shivered little, while her
eyes filled with tears.
He followed her eyes and felt some
thing of her fear, though he tried not
to show it. 1--WE can only wait-and
hope.
They had not TO wait long; before
many minutes there was n quick muir
muir Of excitement, and a change came
over that crowd. Those who had stood
ready to die would have met death
bravely, but with a chance of safety
before them a panic set in.
Before boat was ready to be
lowered there was rush OF ten
for every vacant place; the hope of
life, newly awakened, carried every
thing before it. and there was strug-
Cling OF men and women for foremost
places-a sickening awful sight
while boat after boat rowed out into
the gathering darkness, and, in spite
of all his efforts, Paul was unable to
secure place in one for Helen.
II will not go, Paul" she said once
vehemently, "let these others go first"
but he dragged her forward fiercely.
you must, Helen, for my sake.
Then, whom the last boat rowed out
into the night, he came out OF the
crowd 10 stagger, almost carrying her
to the side. God help us now" he
said, with white lips, 'Ior lie alone
cam"
She looked up at him with swim
ming eyes. II am glad did not go,
Paul Think, if I'had gone. / should
have taken some ones place-some
one would have been left to save me-"
Don't. Helen, he said, agonizedly,
'you don't know what you are saying.
Is this to be the end of all our wait
ingP"
What would you have done. PaulP"
she said. unheedingly, 'if had gone
in that boatP"
ii should have tried to save myself,
for your sake-if it came TO the worst
to keep ahoat on the chance OF being
picked up"
Then that is what you will do now"
she said with lightened face.
II don't think | uude stand you,
Helen
II mean you have duties-not here
Your mother and sisters-what will
they say. what will they doP You
must think OF them before you think
OF me-"
He only kissed her upturned face.
L IL