The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-28

she leaned with Helen at her side, when
finally she stood to look at her husbands
portrait. And little by little she grew
calm and the fiutterings of her heart ceased
to distress her, and Ellis, turning reluc-
family away at the bidding of her garrison
friends, left her mother to the ministra-
tions of the woman whom with every hour,
more and more, she learned to look upon
as a rival; and then, saying that he would
call for them in a few minutes with his
Sleigh believing that short drive in the
exhilarating air would be of benefit, Leale,
too, left them, and Mrs. Farrar and Helen
Daunton were practically alone. Mess call
sounding cheerily had called the men to
their MONDAY meal.
The ewes of the elder woman had fol-
lowed the tall. soldierly form OF Leale as
he left the room, and then, tenderly, ques-
tioningly, almost entreatlngly, turned upon
Helen.
II love him almost as do my own son,
Helen. NV husband died in his arms.
Surely YOU must realize that his great
heart has belonged to you ever. since he
first sci. eyes on your bonny face"
Mrs Daunton almost started to her feet.
ssOh, not that Surely, not that! He is
my good, true friend, she cried.
i'Not the less your friend because all your
lover, Helen"
"Oh, never my lover! have no right
am not free!"
Listen to me, Helen" pleaded her
friend. shall one mistake blight life
time? | know your short marriage expe-
rience was cruel one"
at was-heaven knows it was" assented
Helen, shuddering.
"Then do not make youths mistake,
dear" continued Mrs. Farrar, "and think
the story ended because one chapter is
closed. L thought my story ended when
they brought home my dead soldier. I've
ry.a1 - cfS inh md
in the years my first-born was an outcast.
Helen, l have hardly spoken to you of my
eldest boy, but l can tell you now that,
standing here tonight, L realize how out
of sorrow peace has come to me. Death,
which took away my husband, gave me
back my son."
Death p cried Helen. "Royle Farrar is
not-dead?'
"Helen, how strangely you speak. He
has been dead year, though only recently
did they give me all the cruel facts. Major
Wayne learned them from the Consul in
Mexico"
In uncomfortable agitation Helen Daun-
ton had turned away. "Royle Farrar
dead" she gasped. 'Then Lob, God be
thanked"
The tears were binding Mrs. Farrar, end
for moment she saw nothing of Helen's
agitation. The bells OF Leale's sleigh came
trilling merrily up the road without.
Hastily she dashed away the pearly drops,
and smiling fondly drew her shrinking
friend to her embrace. Helen, dear, there
is a new look in your face she whispered.
at is because l rejoice in my soul that
your heart is at rest. 1t is because it is
Observation-Disclosures, the time of burdens
dropped, of old sorrows healed, of new
births and sweet beginnings. Dear, the
Christmas chimes are pealing in my heart.
1t is the first real Christmas l have known
in years." And so, her arm twining
about her friend, she led her forth into
the radiant day, with all its sunshine
beaming in her face. One minute only
had they gone when, crouchiDg from the
dressing-room at one side, his face bloated
and distorted, the soldier Graice sped
swiftly across the floor and stopped to peak
through the eastern window. Suddenly,
back he sprang and stood swaying at the
door of the anteroom, as Helen Daunton
came hurrying in. Coming from the daz-
zling glare of the sun without into the
dimly lighted room she almost collided
with the hulking figure without seeing it
at ALL
''Mrs. Farrar has left her cloak" she
faltered; twill you kindly move from the
wayl?"
way" was the thick, husky answer, 'sbut
your mistaken, my dear"
Back she started as though stung, an
awful terror in her staring eyes, her
blanching face.
''You, Royle Farrar, and here!' she
gracious God!"
ITO be continated.]
DOWNRIGHT 1895