The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-08-05

times makes shipwreck of lives that
otherwise would sail smoothly enough
into the haven where they would be.
This is the story of a misunderstand-
Ing.
The very first time he saw her he said
10 himself: "Now, there's the girl I
should like to marry"
She was just his sort, but it was the
old story of the attraction of opposites. a
story as old as the hills. He was big, she
was small; he was dark, she was fair; he
was quiet, she was lively: and so on, ad
infnitum. She certainly was a very
taking little girl, and she had a pensive
way of contemplating one with her great
blue eyes that was altogether fascinating.
Bob Helmsleigh went down before that
look like a leaf before the wind.
Bob was not particularly clever or
amusing, or, indeed, particularly any
thing but honest. Honest he was from
the crown of his close-cropped head to
the soles of his military boots, and as
simple-minded as a child. Hitherto he
had never been in earnest about woman,
but he was in earnest now, and it was a
sober, solemn, downright earnest. Hence
forum LubTG WQu4O OC bub OlE HOLudL III
the world for him.
He would have liked to take her in
those great strong arms of his and tell
her so, but such course of action was
out of the question, for she was engaged
TO his old chum, Phil Marsden.
Now, Phil Marsden was the sorto of man
that lady nevelists describe as lone of
fortunes favorites.' In plain English
he was good looking, well off, a thorough
sportsman, good hand at all games, and
popular with the men and women alike.
A lucky mortal all round, but it never oc-
CURED to Bob to envy his friend until he
saw Gwen Warrington Then a new,
strange feeling stirred in Bob's honest
heart 1t was not exactly jealousy, but
rather wistful, patient wonder why one
fellow should have all the luck and every
thing else. while other fellows were left
out in the cold.
Well, one summer the officers of Bob's
regiment took it into their heads to give
q ball 1t was a final tare-up before the
TIL moved into fresh quarters, and they
spared neither trouble nor expense to
make it a success. At this ball Bob was
introduced to the future Mrs. Phil Mars
den, and they danced a good deal to-
gether Bob had a splendid swing, and
Gwen was the lightest Walter in the
room, so they went like clOckwork.
Gwen gave Bob more waltzes than she
gave IIlI, DuL Uut ldblbI Ol1 HOI Sttln "
mind, and that, of course, was rather a
queer state of things. Bob noticed it,
which was remarkab BILE, for in an ordinary
way his perceptions were just as blunt as
are most mems
Il say, Miss Warrington" he observed,
tentatively, as he and Gwen went out to-
gether yet once again, its awfully good
of old Phil to let you give me so many
dances. Shows he isn't selfish anyway,
doesn't it2'
Gwen shrugged her shoulders and a
change came oVsr her expressive face; a
change that Bob did not quite like to see.
Selfish ~ she echoed. "Oh Phil is
never selfish where l am concerned, l can
assure you, MIR. Helmsleigh. He has no
desire to keep me all to himself"
There was no obvious answer to this
speech, and so Bob said nothing. As a
matter of fact the situation was a little
bit beyond him. He thought of Ovens
words afterward though, and of the
faintly bitter tone in which they were
uttered, but he did not venture to breach
the subject again. 1t was ticklish ground.
He saw nothing more of either Phil or
Gwen until the autumn, and then he ran
into them at the house of mutual friend,
where he had gone for a weeks shooting.
This time the idea that all was not right
between the lovers struck him more forci-
bly, than before They We're apparen tly
"
never disagreed, but Phil had lost his old
genial spirits and become moody and dis
COntented. He was always either in the
clouds or swearing at his luck. Gwen had
changed, too. Her manner had grown
tired and listless, and there was a wistful,
wondering look in her eyes that. it hurt
Bob to see.
Poor old Bob. He could tell that some
thing was wrong. but he could not make
out what 1t was, though he puzzled that
honest head of his until he thought he
was going to have brain fever. The new
look in Gwen eyes haunted him. II was
always in his thoughts in the daytime,
and it kept him awake at night. He felt
lmpelled To do something whatl
That was the question.
At asst one day he found Gwen all by
herself in the library crying over the fire,
ana that was the climax. he never could
bear 10 see woman in tears, and when it
came TO the woman he loved, why
Miss Warrington" he said hurriedly,
Miss Warrington, you are in trouble of
some sort. VIII you tell me what it is ~
linen, as she did not answer at once his
hand tell heavily on her shoulder, and he
added: For Gods sake don't cry"
Gwen checked her sObs with an effort,
ant raised her tear-dimmed eyes to his
face.
"Oh! Mr. Helmsleigh." she exclaimed,
50 Eood-and kind. II only you could help
NE
Give me chance" Bob returned,
shortly i am stupid sort of chap, /
know; no good at tall talk. But if there's
anything in the world | can do for you
III do II. DO you believe me?'
"Oh. yes" answered Gwen, putting out
her hand TO him with an impulsive ges-
ture, while the tears brimmed over afresh.
Bob took the trembling little hand and
held it in a strong, close clasp, "A clasp
That seemed TO carry help and comfort
with it,
That's right" he said CHOW let me
hear all about it, But don't cry-for
PHYS sake DON'T cry like that. You'Il
send me mad if sou do. Come dry your
eyes"
ITS about Phil" Gwen went on, mop
ping her eyes obediently. ''Of course, it's
about Phil Oh, Mr. Helmseigh, you
nave known Phil so much longer than
nave, and you must understand him bet
Ter. Can you tell me why he is $3.50
queer with me,'
This was somewhat of facer Bob ran
MS fingers through his short, dark hair,
ana drew deep breath
Don't you knowfn he asked,
Gwen shook her head.
MOI