The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-10-23

less orphan into O corner OF the room
and diverted her attention from the
topic of conversation. Mr.. Sampson
continued:
1T has been discovered that the poor
woman was most disreputable person;
in fact, the worst Of her class. Further.
more, it is not known that this child
was born out Of wedlock, and is without
q name.
We'll, what Of it,"
I'm few words, simply this: have
conferred with Mr.. and Mrs. Hopkins,
and we have agreed that this child must
no longer remain In charge OF Miss
Charles.
Helen listened attentively, and with
quickened breath, while Jacks eyes be-
gan to flash with anger. But he con-
trolled himself, and said:
We'll, 60 on"
ITO harbor child under such ctrcum-
stances as these would seem like paying
a premium on sin, and Miss Charles, as
a Christian woman, will at once see the
Justice of the position we have taken. "
Miss Charles, as a true Christian
woman, refuses 10 see anything or the
kind!'
And Helen stood in the center Of the
room, her eyes flashing and her cheeks
aglow with indignation.
"Monstrous!" she continued. is this
little innocent to suffer for her mothers
SIM Is she to be denied the caresses Oh
affection, ana the Joys OF happy home,
because she has no name? II our creed
teaches such atrocities as these, then do
I renounce it forever!"
-Helen!" This from Mrs. Hopkins, in
alarm.
"Imean every word I say!"
ALWAYS remember the command
ment," droned Mr.. Sampson, the sins
of the fathers shall fall upon the chill
dren."
And rememter the words Of Christ,
cried Jack. Suffer little children to
come unto me, aad forbid them not
And here's another: Come unto me all
those who are weary and heavy laden,
ana 1 will give you rest!' There, it's
two to one, Parson. I've got yer!"
II will not enter into discussion
with you, SIR" replied Mr.. Sampson,
with a glance of scorn. I know my
duty"
And mine," said Helen firmly. I
have undertaken to guard the welfare
Of this little waif, and will not desert
her now for all the creeds in Christen-
dom!"
God bless you, Miss, God bless you!"
from Jack.
I'm that case," replied good Mrs.
Hopkins, you can no longer remain in
my house"
Then I will 60"
But where?" asked Mr.. Sampson, in
alarm.
Helen could not reply. for she was so
utterly alone in the world, so cruelty
helpless, that for moment she began
to wayer in her loyalty toward the little
being she loved so tenderly.
Jack saw his opportunity, and spoke:
will you leave it to me, Miss2 Will
you let me provide home for yer, apd
with it the wild, everlastin' love Of a
man whose soul is wrapped up In yer
O man you've spatched out Of the whirl-
In eddies o. sin, and taught there was
God2 Oh, Helen, I love you 80! Ny
heart is open to you-creep into 1t, gal,
and fill it with the sunshine that never
knows cloud. Will yer come to me-
will you be my wife2"
"Yes!" and she walked over to him
bravely and placed her hand in his.
Mine; she's mine at last!"
.Helen!" cried Mr.. Sampson, In alarm,
what are Jou doinQ?"
Accepting the protection Of the man
I love. We will 60 forth together and
find creed that does not teach its fol-
lowers inhumanity. Come, Helen. Now,
Jack, take me away"
And these three. united at last, never
to part this side Of the grave, went out
Of the house, into the road, past the
little brown church closed against them
now forever, and, crossing the town,
knocked at the door of another. 1t
opened to receive them, and there Jack
and Helen, with their little charge
between them, were made man and wife.
And this was Jack Bowdoin's CONVEX
sion. Not to creed; for, as q result Of
his own experience. he concluded that
he had rather pray without restraint,
nntrammeled by canons, degrees or
dogmas, and his wife agreed with him.
1.-THE END.l