Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-06-13

his daughter, Mr.. Aston returned
to his paper.
To Helen's secret surprise and
open joy, mothers consent" was OBJ
tanned, and rapturous letters passed
between Ethel and herself.
Ada and Louise often came to the
daor of Helen's room, and fingered
there as the preliminary packing
progressed. On the afternoon of
her departure Helen glanced up from
the troublesome task of folding her
one silk waist so that it should be
found free from wrinkles, to see
Louise watching the process eager
ly, while Ada looked on overLouise's
shoulder.
"Do go away, children = she ex-
claimed, pettishly. Il declare | shall
be glad when l get out Of reach of
your stares r
~ don't see how they hurt you,"
retorted Ada, holding her discom-
future under toss of the head.
'Come, Louise, leave Crosspatch 70
herself'
"Children are SO impudent y Hell
en- muttered as they disappeared.
Helen departed with rather super
fetal leave-takings and soon after
this letter came from her:
September, 1894.
Dear Mamma-I arrived safely
last Wednesday night, and found
Mrs. Fleming's carriage waiting for
me at the station. Tue coachman's
livery is superb. Ethel and Mrs.
Fleming welcomed me very cordial
ly, and I feel quite at home.
/ wish you could see Ethel's even
ing dresses. She has seven-each
one designed by an artist. Oh. how
home madeish my poor chiffon looksl
But Ethel is going to have her maid
| give it a few touches-a Frerch maid
you know.
| have a beautiful room Eere.
There is brass bedstead, with the
dearest lace draperies, and a full
length mirror don't have to prop
back the glass with hair brush
now.
/ am going to matinee with Eth
ell, so must close. Hastily,
HELEN.
More letters came, much after the
same sort; and this is one which her
mother wrote to her:
M Dear Helen-Your letters are
read with much interest. You seem
to be having delightful time.
] have bit of news for you.
Your cousin, Agnes Lindsay, whom
believe you have never seen, is Wis
iting US for an indefinite period.
Since her mothers death she has
been much alone, and now her father
is obliged to go to California; to look
after some business interests there.
He wrote to ask if we would take
charge of her until he settles down
again.
/ hesitated at first, but as your
room was vacant, | thought we
might manage it, and l am very glad
indeed that l decided as / did, for
Agnes is sweet girl, and has en-.
deared herself to us already. / do
not know how long her stay will be,
as her fathers business is rather
complicated.
Be sure of our interest in every
thing that concerns you, my dear
child, and write as often as possible.
Your affectionate mother.
1t was nearly two months after
ward that this came from Helen
February, 1894.
Dearest Mother-I suppose you
will be surprised to hear that | am
coming home Immediately. Every
thing is oyer between Ethel and me.
I noticed a change in her manner
and in her mothers some weeks ago
but now they show their feelings so
plainly that / can't stay any longer.
Mrs. Fleming said yesterday, in
a roundabout way, that she does not
think Ethel and / are congeniai.
Isuppose Ethel is displeased because
I could not help showing that her
behavior on one or two occasions
did not suit me. She laughs at me,
and calls me provincial" but l
don't think she liked it. You were
| right about her, mamma she is not
such nice girl as thought her. |
will be home Tuesday.
Your affectionate daughter,
HELEN.
The dusk was deeping on the day
when Helen reached the home she
had been so eager to leave, six
months before. The lamps in the
sitting room were lighted and burn
ing steadily. Helen had fantastic
remembrance of The wsy they had
Jared and smoked when they had
been in her charge.
A sweet faced girl came forward
as she entered the hall. Ada and
Louise were on either side of her
their arms entwiDed about her slen
der waist.
Il am so glad to see you, Cousin
Helen" Sue said, with cordia
: kiss.
Ada and Louise followed her il
silence.