The weekly examiner., 1894-05-19

answered Rush. ''Twenty-one years ago tonight was born" And he drew him self up to the full dignity of his years. "What?' said Helen, laughing; "are you only PIP Why, you are mere boyl" And she seemed so much amused that Rush felt rather annoyed. He was boy as boards go: but he was much older than his years; and yet again he was very boyish. '1 am every bit as old as she is, in my feelings" said Rush to himself; but, then, Helen was very young for her years.
 "Your aunt and MT. Myers seem to be discussing very weighty subject" said Rush, anxious to change the conversa- tion.
 "Yes, they are," Helen replied; "they are talking over my London engage ment."
 Are you going to London?" asked Rush, with undisguised surprise.
 "Yes; it is all settled except few pre- liminaries. I am to sing at Drury Lane the coming season, and Uncle Lightfoot, who gives us so much good advice in business matters, is arranging the details with Aunt Rebecca. don't want to have anything to do with the business. If have any of that on my mind can't sing, and l dislike it anyway. Fortu- nately Aunt Rebecca likes it.''
 This gave Rush time to recover, for he had been quite stunned by the blow. London seemed to him to be at the end of the world. How he wished that he was a Monte Cristo, that he might say, What do you expect to make by your tripr and if she should reply, "A hundred thousand dollars" he would say, 'Stay at home, and here is two hundred thou sand" But, alasi two hundred dollars would be almost more than he could command. Oh, why was she so kind and why did she lookso beautiful on the night when sine announced her depart ure?
 He was afraid he would betray himself; but he must know before she put the sea between them whether she was engaged to West Hastings. If she was, he would retire from the field and wait. He wouldn't give up even then. If she was not, he would stay in the field and bide his time. Should hs ask her? No; that would be too bold a step, and 1t might make her angry. While he was debating in his mind the bell rang, and the servant announced Mr. Hastings. Rush knitted his brows and cursed his luck, and Helen looked snlilingly towards the door as West Hastings entered. If there was one thing above another that West Hastings could do we'll it was to enter drawing room, and Rush could not but envy his elegant ease. His bow was courtliness itself, and this he bestowed on the in- mates of the room collectively. With Helen he shooR hands, and seated him. self beside her on the sofa. Rush thought his manner with her insufferable, but that was his prejudice. West Hastings was exceedingly deferential to ladies. in fact, that she felt it to be an outside polish rather than anything that came from the heart.
 "Confound his faniliarity!'' said Rush to himself. What right, I should like to know, has he to git there and talk to her in an undertSae, as if he owned her? Can it be possible that they are en- gaged?" He looked carefully at her hands, to see if there was tell tale ring there; but her fingers were without orna- ment. This was something to be thank full for. Although West Hastings spoke in low tones, Helen did not. She tried to draw Rush into the conversation, but he was too busy with thoughts of her de- parture to notice that any of the conver- sation was addressed to himself. She was going away, and that-was all that he could think about
 'sYou will be in London tho last of May" said Hastings. "Well, am a lucky fellow-T shall be there just at that time; and you must depend on me old story to me; but to visit the old scenes in such delightful company will make them fresh again"
 What's that, you young rascalT' asked Uncle Lghtfoot from the other side of the room; "going to be in London with Helenr Going to witness new American victory over the British? We'll, you are lucky dog. When do you sail?'
 ''On the 8d; in the Germanic," i" was the reply.
 "Well, upon my wordl Is this a pre- arranged affair."" exclaimed Uncle Light foot. winking at Aurt Rebecca.
 "That is our day and steamer" said Helen. "How fortunate we arer'
 "I am the fortunate one," replied Has tings. 'I begin to think that must have been born. under ucky star"
 Rush ground his teeth so fiercely that it is wonder the company did not hear him. Going to cross in the steamer with herI If he wasn't engaged to her now he would be by the time they reached Liverpool; for the man who cannot make an ocean voyage the turning point in his courtship does not know how to use his opportunities. What was the use of working against fate? The way was made clear for West Hastings; while he had nothing on his side but love which he believed was the fondest man ever had for woman, but which he knew it would be fatal to betray. He felt desperate, and it. is no wonder that he looked so.
 "You haven't spoken word in the last ten minutes, MT. Hurlstone. Why