South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1890-06-13

"Nyt p'osNcu Il uiu no. interfere
with his enjoyments. 81 L had to
one to consult in what was to do.
There was o domino aud a. mask
which bad never worn. and had pur.
chased before had fully decided To
remain at home these 1 hastily don,
ned after changing my house-d dress
for the only evening one pos essed
despatched our servant for 9 Carriage
from the livery stable in the next
block. and ensconcing myself iu one
corner OF the vehicle, began TO picture
TO my mind the surprise of Helen aud
Philip, when 1 disclosed myself 10
them. l could see Philips eyes ligh,
up with smazemeut and delight, and
l could hear Helen's cooling voice,
call me. "A dear old thing
In fact, was so immersed in my
thoughts that I reached my destina-
ton before 1 was aware of it.
attained the dressing. room. un.
observed and after handbag nv wraps
TO the attendant. descended to the
drawing room. The first person
saw unmasked, was an intimate friend
"a wealthy bachelor who had been
a suitor for my hand at the same time
with Philip.
So. going up 10 MIN, 1 made my.
self known. and explained my appear
ance minus my lover, aud / could
not complain Of the inatteDtion of my
escort.
sought eagerly smong the dan.
GERS. ] knew Helen's dress was to
be that of Folly, and although there
were costumes and costumes like hers
and Philips, / could not be IN istaken
in the two figures which were making
their way towards the conservatory.
pointed them out to my compan-
ion. and after an unavoidable deteu.
ton OF half hour, we followed In
their wake We passed quickly a.
long through the forest OF flowers and
vires until We reached q secluded
nook, and hearing the sound of
voice. which | knew to be Philips, /
stopped and looked in, my lips part-
ed in a smile, my heart beating rap
idly with pleasure, and saw tue OBJ
jects OF my search.
Their masks were lying unheed ed
at their feet. and Helen wss looking
in my lovers fee, those cai!d-like
eyes illumcd with unusual light.
And he--his face was flushed with
emotion his hands clasping those 1T
tie white ones, and his voice sounded
deep and impassioned 10 it's earnest
ness. Sudienly he leaned forward
and ki-e1 her.
Without cry staggerei back,
the lights reeled before my eyes, the
oder of the fl ,wers made me SICK; |
tore the mask from my p4lIid face,
and begged my friend to take me to
my carriage; he, white and stern,
complied with my request without re-
monstrancc.
He did not offer to accompany me
home, and stunned as l was from the
blow which had fallen upon me,
coull not but appreciate the delicacy
he displayed.
But on reaching my door, the gen.
tie hand Of this my friend indeed, as.
sisted me into the house. He had
mounted the box beside the driver
unknown TO mel
This man, whom ha often accus.
ed Of not having soul above The
money lie made
God bless you for your kindness
I said, faiptly. as he seated me 10 my
little library, that little room, with its
dimly burning light, and d -eless
hearth, so suggestive OF my feelings
4 canot thank you enough. anil
put my cold hand in his strong friend
ly grasp.
Il require no thanks, Miss Mabel
he said, gravely. If you need me,
do not hesitate TO call upon me- aud
saying good night he left.
Mechanically [ extjuguished the
light, and stumbled up the staircase
TO my rom II was twelve o'clock,
as the deep notes Of the neigbboring
church, clock, ringing out on the
fros'y sIr, told me.
sank on tue frst chair came me
aud pressed my a1gers to my heated
eyes.
Hour after hour passed unhee1ed.
When the clock again chimed out the
hour, mY stunned senses caught the
sound for the FIRST time since midnight
intel the strokes in a listless
manner, 'SiK--Was II possible p
took my bands from my face, and
looked upon the dim light 81 another
day.
] raised my eyes TO the dressing
GLASS; opposite me, and shrank from
The opparition which me. my esz1.
A white, drawn face. Eyes uunat.
urally large and brilliant, with dark
circles around their lids Could that
be Mabel Stuart, who. but a few short
hours since, had looked IN tha, self
same mirror With face rosy with the
light Of tower
threw myself upon TIC he and
tried 10 cry no tears would come.
hu' he th0uLhts crowded upon nv
hrtin, till I thought should 90 mad.
Presently beame obliv'ous 10 every.
thing, and fell Ito a heavy, dream-
lcss sleep.
vas aroused sul@enly by kiss /.
and starting up, hchcld Helen Eger-