The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1896-07-23
library, she looked curiousiy around to

There was but one change to note
that of time; the carpets, the curtains,
the furniture were the same, save that
they had grown old and faded and
shabby.
How long has Mrs. Marsden been
ILL.," she asked of the servant.
Its years since she has been down.
stairs, Ma'am; but it's not very long
since she took to her bed"
If there had been any enmity vet
lingering in Helen's heart, 1t surely
would have received its death blow at
sight of the CHASTITY face that peered
at her from the midst of the pillows Of
Mrs Marsden's bed.
Mrs. Marsden's voice was much
stronger than one would have expected
from such frail body.
''Is that Helen Marsden?" she asked.
"Yes, Aunt, it is L.
Mrs. Marsden moved uneasily. Give
me drink" she said to the nurse: but
even while she drank, she continued to
gaze over the rim of her cup. How I
hate youw she exclaimed: then sudden
ly to the nurse again, ''Well, what are
you staying for?"
Helen began to fear that she was in
delirium.
You sent for me, Aunt. Did you
want me? Can do anything for you"
Il hate you. l cannot rest for
dreaming of you. Why do you torment
me? l never did you any harm
Il never accused you of doing me
harm"
But l did Yes, and 1 would do it
over again"
Mrs. Marsden, it seems to me it is
time for you to put all hatred out OF
your heart"
A look of terror came into those i'm
movable eyes.
Did you come here to tell me I am
going to dep
no.
But l am going to die; know it. I
am afraid to go without telling you. l
will tell you, and hope it will as
great a curse to you as it has been to
me-"
Aunt, Aunt. Do you mean my
uncle's money!"
Eyes. He gave it to YOU"
'He gave it to me?
'In his will. hid itv'
"The will?
81 hid the will l wanted Charles to
have it. At first the only way seemed
for him to marry you: but he did not
love YOU. and did not want to marry
YOU: and when John MarSden ed
knew where thewill was. and | took it
I was afaid Charles would hunt you up
and | made him go to Europe.
thought he would come back soon anC
Stay with me. but he has never come
back. They say that he is dreadfully
dissipated, and know that he is dread
fully extravagant. l have sent hin
money, and money, and money. HI
never writes but when he wants money
and he cares nothing at all about me
He thinks he will have it all after
am gone. but he is mistaken. Here
take it." and she threw a paper a
Helen's feet.
Helen glanced around the cherries
room. and thought of the pitiable con
dition of the woman before her.
Il wish you would let me stay AM
take care of you," she said.
NO"
"Shall come again to see you?"
mo"
So Helen left her. She did not, how
ever, stay away from the house, bd
came daily to inquire about the sic
woman. A month passed and the II
valid grew steadily weaker. One morn
ing Helen came as usual.
"How is she to-day?" she asked.
"Oh, she's most gone, ma Hadn
; you better go up? she won't know you.
r Once more Helen stood within the TO
, hidden chamber; the difficult breatl
, ing of the dying woman fell upon he
} ear.
t Louder and louder, and more diff
cult grew the labored breathing. A
, times it ceased entirely, and again
went on and on: but ever the paus.
: grew longer, and the time betwee
: them grew shorter, till at last that Ion
pause came-eternity.
K Helen and Charles Belsham were t
gether in the library of the old hous
4 and Belsham was pleading for the 10y
n he had lost so long ago.
o eff you knew how l have suffere
t you could forgive" he said. II W;
d weak and easily led, but l have pa
e the penalty. have never ceased to
t. gret you for one moment"
t "You were right" said Helen; "yt
: were in no way fitted to work for
r and your aunt would, as you say, ha
r disinherited you if you had insisted
e marrying me then. But you must Ii
1t hurry me; l must have time. If y
e will come tomorrow, 1 link l W
e grant you all that you want"
h "My darling"' He would have tax
d her to his arms, but she stopped him
d "Not to-day" she said. wait"
e. When he came next day the serya
e handed him document, upon the inn
e wrapping of which was written:
n "All that Charles Belsham wants ,