The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-06-07


to her, but perhaps she was hatf-stupefed
by the smoke. There is no doubt that dear
mother saved little Pats life-but at what a
fearful cost She is very. very i'll, aud the
doctors are very anxious about her. and L
| am so miserable.
Mr.. Roche, for she has asked for you sew
eral times and wishes to see you very much
and / remain, in great haste, "Yours
sincerely. JULIA BINGHAM"
As Helen read the sad news tears rushed
into her eyes, and a moment later she went
up to Francis Roche and took his hand.
80, Frank" she said, ''let me go with
youl Don't refuse-I must see her again."
But do you think it would agitate her,
dsarW
''She need not know l am there, but
could be some help, think, to Julia. o, let
me go. Frank. L cannot bear to think of
those two poor girls being alone with such
terrible trouble in the house as this"
"Of course, you would be great help to
the girls Yes, dear Helen, think you had
better go with me. How soon can you be
readyH And Francis Roche looked at his
watch.
80. d rectly; 1 will just run up and tell
Mrs. Southweil. and get on my hat and
jacket: Julia can lend me anything may
want, SO l need not take any luggage"
"Well, Pil come for you in a cab in half
an hour then, dear Helen. 1t is SO good OF
you to think of going"
And ne kissed her and went away.
| And in half an hour these two young peo-
pie were driving to Kings Cross station,
/ and started in the first train north. They
| sat together in the carriage with clasped
| hands and pale, anxious faces, saying very
little, for their hearts were full of fear. At
one Of the stations Francis Roche tele-
| graphed to Julia Bingham that he was on
his way to Brackenford, and he asked to
| have a carriage sent to the station at Nor
tonbury, TO meet the train he expected 10
arrive by. He did not mention that Helen
| was with him, as he was afraid of startling
Lady Ennismore.
And as the gray twilight was setting over
the grav hills, they reached Mortonbury,
and Helen could not restrain her tears at
the sight Of some familiar scene The car
riage was waiting for them, but Francis
Roche had a word to say to Cox, the head
groom, who accompanied it, before he en-
tered the carriage.
SHOW is Lady Ennismorep he asked in a
low tone.
Cox shook his head.
awful bad, 1 believe, sir; it's terrible
business. Nothing has gone right since my
lords DEATH"
"What did he sayr" asked Helen eagerly.
as Francis seated himself by her side.
| with emotion.
20, Frank" cried Helen, clasping his
hand nervously; and then almost in silence
| the two were driven to Brackenford and a
few minutes later Helen was in Julia Bing-
hams arms.
"Oh, thank you, thank you for comingl
sobbed the poor girl. 20, Helen, it is so
dreadful!i
Francis Roche had seen Julia first, and
when he told her he had brought Helen
Drummond, Julia ran at once to the room
where Helen was waiting, and kissed her
almost passionately.
Its been all 30 miserable lately !" she
cried. Ever since you went away, Helen.
think. On, l am so glad you have come
again"
tenderly, whose face was also wet with
tears.
Mother told me after Mr.. Roche went
away that you are going to marry him, and
all the strange story"
"Yes, 1 will be your sister really now,
you know-but we always loved each
other"
While the two girls were talking thus
tenderly to each other Francis Roche had
been summoned to the chamber, where,
swathed and changed, lay the once beauti-
full Lady Ennismore. She was terribly
burnt, principally about the lovely arms
and throat, for the flames had literally
Tapped round her in their cruel play, and in
protecting the child she had sacrificed her
own life.
From the first the doctors had given little
hope. and whom Francis arrived it was
feared she was sinking fast The pain was
now almost gone. and she was quite con-
scious, and she smiled family as Francis en-
tered the room.
81 told you it would not be long,
Francis" she said; "but 1 saved his boy.''
my dear, my dearest motherl' cried
Francis, f1inging himself on his knees by the
bed, and kissing one of the bandaged hands.
He was moved to the very soul, and Lady
Ennismore looked tenderly on his white and
agitated face.
my eldest son." she murmured; and
| then after moment or two of silence, she
said more firmly:
ut is better thus, Francis; better for the
children-better for you-and l wish to
| die-to go to Enuismore."
40, don't. don't, mother-stay with me ~
said Francis, in a sob-choked voice.
"And leave him in your charge-your
| little brother-little Pat-Ennismore's boy"
/ continued Lady Ennismore. Francis, will
you promise your dying mother to watch
over the ohildW
II will, so God help mep answered Fran
Roche.
even il he is Maynard, you will not
forgets But he will not be, for he has his
fathers face"
twill not forget"
81 should like the children to live with
you and Helen" said Lady Ennismore.
after few moments silence; II know she
will be good TO them"
II am sure she will. Mother, would you
| like to see Helena''
| eft is too late Francis "
mo, mother, she is here; she came with
me. she wished SO much to see you, and she
| thought she might help Julia"
Helen here! Yes. will see her, Francis.
Poor Helen"
II will bring her to you," said Francis,
and be rose from his knees by the bedside,
aud went downstairs to seek Helen, who
was still with Julia.
| my mother wishes to see you. Helen.
DEAR, be said; shut you must be prepared,
she is greatly changed"
II will CO." answered Helen, rising, her
face flushing as she spoke. But, o, Frank,
do you think she is very illp'
II fear very ill.," he answered. 20,
| Helen. il is terribleI'
| And he turned away his head to hide his
emotion.
Dear, dear Frank" said Helen, going I'D
to him and taking his hand. Frank, you
must be strong, or what will become of us
allp
THANK you 80 much for bringing Helen"