Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1894-08-04

Gwen shrugged her shoulders, and
change came ovor her expressive
face; a change that Bob did not quite
like to see.
"Seldsh!' l. she echoed. "Ohl Phil
is never selfish where an concerned,
| can assure you, Mr.. 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 matter Of fact, the situation was
just little beyond him.
he thought OF Ovens words after.
ward, though, and OF the family bit.
ter tone in which they were uttered,
bnt he did not venture to bronch the
subject again. It was ticxlish ground.
He saw nothing more Of either Phil
or Gwen until the autumn, an1 then
| he ran into them at the house of o
mutual friend, where he had gone for
a weeks shooting. This time the idea
that oil was not right between the
| lovers strnc,. BIN more forcibly than
before. They were apparently on
| good terms with one another, and they
never disagreed, but Phil had lost his
old genial spirits and become moody
| and discontented. He was ALWAYS
either in the clouds, or swearins4 at
his luck. Gwen had changed, too
Her manner had grown tired and
Jlstless, aud there was wistful, won
derlng look in her eyes that it hurt
Bob to see.
Poor old Bob! He could tell that
something was wrong, but he could
not make out what 1t was, though he
puzzled that honest head of his until
he thought that he WAS going to have
brain fever. The new look in Gwen 8
eyes haunted him. It was always in
his brain In the day time. and it kept
him awake at night. He felt impelled
to do something what? That was
the question.
At last one day he found Gwen all
by herself in the library, crying over
never could bear to see woman in
tears, and when 1t came to the woman
he loved, why
"Miss Warrington" he said, hur-
riedly. "Miss Warrington, you nre
in trouble Of some sort Will you
tell me what it isl" Then, as she did
not answer at once, his hand fell
heavily on her shoulder. and he add
ed, "For Gods sake, don't cry"
Gwen checked her sobs with an
effort, aud raised her tear. .dimme ed
eyes to his face.
"Oh Mr.. Hclmsleigh, "she exclaimed,
II am in great trouble, anl---anl yon
are SO good and kind. II only you
could help me"
"Givc me chance" Bob returne |,
shortly. II in q stupid sort Of q chap,
know: no good at tall talk. But il
there's nythins in the world I can DO
for you, I'll do it. Do you believe
me?"
"Ob, yes," answered Gwen, putting
out her hand to him with in impulsive
gesture. while the tears brimmed d
over afresh.
Bob took the trembling little hand
and held it in n strong, close clasps
clasp that seemed to carry help and
comfort with it.
That's right" he said "Sow, let
me hear all about it. But don't cry
for PHYS sake, don't cry like that.
You'll send me mad If you do. Come,
dry your eyes.
"Its about Phil" Gwen went on
hopping her eyes obedicntly. "Ol
course, it's about Phil Oh, Mr.. Helm
sleigh. you have known Phil so much
longer than have, and you must m
derstand him better. Can you tel
me why he is 500 queer with me-
This was somewhat Of facer. Bol
ran his fingers through his short DARK
hair and drew a deep breath.
1
Don't you know?" he asked
Gwen shook her head.
:No.
well, I'm blessed il I do" sait
, | Bob.
. Gwen went on in a low, hurrie,
, tone
Phil has never been 10 me wha
other girls lovers are TO them; but
don't know why. / only wish | did
/ r 4