The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-06-07
CHAPTER xxx.
FIXING THE DAY.

received Lady Ennismore's splendid gift.
And during the next few days, after Fran
els Roches return to town, she grew almost
like the bright Helen Drummond of old,
whom he had met and loved at Bracken-
ford. In her sweet. sympathetic way Mrs.
Southwell noticed the change, and spoke of
IL to her old friend, Col. Walter Roche.
what a strange gladdener OF the heart
love is to be sure!' she said, smiling.
''Helen is different girl since it was all
settled with Mr.. Roche"
Eyes. 1 suppose So" said the colonel, a
little grimly.
Perhaps he WIS envying his young
nephew, and REF ing that his day for all
such gladness va zone.
what 70 t.4Atlc story, tool And you
kept Lady Eanisnore's secret all these
years~
Il was bound in honor to keep it. OF
course I am glad that Frank has come into
such a good thing; but all the same feel
great pity for Lady Ennismore, and think
that scamp of a brother of mine has be-
haved very badly. He had no business to
return to England"
at was great temptation"
THAT might be; but still consider the
position be has placed the poor lady In. II
Lord Ennismore had lived what on earth
could they have donem
'At least Lady Ennismore must be
pleased with her eldest son. All, my friend,
you are not one of those who talk of their
actions, but your conduct to this young
man-you, soldier, to trouble yourself
with the care of helpless babe is beyond
all praise"
Praise from your lips is very sweet to me,
you know" said Col. Roche, smiling; "but
1 believe some good people were kind enough
to get up O scandal about Master Frank;
but what did it matterm
what, indeedi Well, you have your re.
ward now, for he is charming young
man.
You will make me quite jealous of
Frank"
No" And again she smiled. and gently
waved her feather fan! and Col Roche sat
looking at her, thinking of his old folly, and
wondering if she had quite forgotten it.
He went very often TO see Mrs. Southwell
now, and these two had always plenty to
say to each other In truth, Col. Roche
never ADMIRED any woman as he had ad-
ruired this lady, and if the general were by
any chance to leave her free he would still
most certainly ask her to be his wife.
And as they sat and talked by the fire in
the pretty drawing room, the younger low
ers in quiet corner were whispering sweet
folly in each others ears
Francis Roche was urging Helen to fix an
early date for their marri ge, and Helen
was listening anything but ill-pleased.
''But there is one thing, Frank" she said
presently, before we settle anything, that
want to ask you-should we not consult
Lady Ennismorew
"Well, don't see any good in doing it.
darling; she especially said she could not be
present."
ST understand that-still you know |
must write few lines to thank her for that
lovely necklace, and ] thought l should
mention something about-our marriage"
81 don't think | would. Helen; and don't
make any illusions to the troubles Of the
past " hen you write; let US keep all that TO
ours Ives"
"Yes. of course; and, Frank, there is
something else"
'Well, my pet!'
''Do you remember" went on Helen,
'when you were in Scotland, one day in the
mist, asking gentleman to show you the
way to Ardleigh, whom you took for
gildeF
Francis Roche laughed.
ITO be sure do" he said; land the long
legged Scottish gentleman was turiously
indignant"
''He was, as l told you, said Helen, smil-
ing, "a certain Mr.. Johnny Campbell, the
son of dear Aunt Margaret's landlady, and
the future Laird of Ardieigh. Well, Frank.
after poor aunt died he was very kind to
me; and, in fact, may as well tell you, he
asked me to marry him."
Indeed, Miss Helenp
Yes, indeed he did; but | told him l
never meant 10 maryland l never did
then-as you know"
The past is a forbidden subject, Helen"
"Yes, know, but really poor Johnny
Campbell was very kind, and when l left
Ardleigh, intending never to be heard of
more, l left him my two poor doggies Ben
and Jack. to take care of. You remember
them, Frar kgn
Yes, quite we'll"
II have often thought of them," contin-
ued Helen. 30, so often, Frank, though
am quite sure Mr. Campbell is very kind
to them; but I've been thinking it would
seem ungrateful both to Mrs. Campbell and
Johnny, no: to tell hem"
40 tell them what, dearw
well. about us-about being married.
you know said Helen, blushing very
prettily.
But what will Johnny sayy asked
Francis Roche. Suppose he hangs himself
among bis native hillsln
20, nonsense, Frank; and besides, to tell
you the truth. want to have Ben ana Jack
back-if l mayg'
20, that's the real reason, is it. Miss
Helen? Well, give my consent; you may
invite your dogs, and Mr.. Johnny Cam -
bell too, to the wedding, so please be quick.
and name the day"
And Helen actually did write to Johnny
Campbell. She told him in a few simple
words that when she left Scotland she never
intended TO return. nor yet to see any one
she had known again.
Painful family circumstances induced
me to act thus. Mr.. Campbell wrote
Helen, Though l should never have for
gotten your kindness to my dear Aunt
Margaret and myself. But now these cir
cumstances have changed, and my whole
life has changed. | am going to be mar
ried soon to Mr.. Francis Roche and I have
told him all about your goodness. and Mrs.
Campbelrs goodness to me, and he babe me
tell you he shall always be very pleased to
see you when we are settled in our new
home, and hope you will come. How are
my poor dogs. Ben and Jack? Most kindly
cared for, l know, but yon must bring them
back to me now. And with kindest regards
to your mother and yourself,
II remain, yours very sincerely.
"dELEN DRUMMoND."
The rural postmen carried this letter to
Ardleigh lodge one morning just as Johnny
Campbell had finished breakfast, and was
looking lavishly after the creature COM
forts of Ben and Jack who were thoroughly
enjoying themselves.
Poor Johnny was little changed; he had