The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-07-09
WAS JUST IN TIME,

Helen Stuart was engaged to be married
to Lord Hughes, and the whole county
talked Of the coming event as ono Of tbs
strangest that had taken place for many a
day.
That the beautiful gifted girl of barely
90 should have accepted the hand of the
old earl was indeed matter of surprise.
Why had she chosen him, people asked,
when others Of equal rank and younger
and more suitable had gone mad for love
Of herr
At night, whom all the inquisitive world
was asleep. Helen would lean from hel
window and gaze OF the starlit valley ut
her feet and pour out her henrt to the al.
lence.
II could not help it," she would wall.
ut was to save poor Ralph's honor"
Yes that was Ii. Her brother had told
her that unless she married Lord Hughes
to whom no had mortgaged his property,
they must be ruined, turned out of house
and homo and left penpiless-worse, i'm
prisonment would follow for Ralph, for
that was the old enrl's alternative IL she
refused
Three summers ago there had come to
tho villago young journalist, and Helen
and her brother had made his acquaint-
ance, which grew quickly into intimacy
and friendship.
Totally opposite to Ralph Stuart in
every way was Holmes Maelsan. Born Of
poor parents who had left him at an early
ago to struggle alone, he had educated
himself entirely and gained the post he
held on one of the best papers simply by
his brains and hard work
1t was on the night Of his arrival that
he saw Helen Stuart and knew from
honceforth she must be the guiding star
of his life.
Would you--would you lot mo walk
through this field with your There Is O
bull over there, and am SO afraid"
Certainly. Allow mo to be of any
service l can, he answered gravely, In.
wardly blessing the bull.
The next day brought an invitation to
the Manor Hall.
So 1t was that through that month OF
glorious summer weather he daily met
and daily grew to love with all his strength
tho beautiful Helen, who was not long In
returning his affection.
Helen, no whispered when the part
Ing came, II have no position to offer you
yet, but will you wait for mei"
That all happened three summers ago,
and now she stood gazing ipto the night,
the promised wife Of old Lord Hughes.
She had not heard ono word from Holmes
Mnclean IN all this time, but sho had often
read with pride and admiration bis clever
articles and stories and knew he was work.
ing hard to make home for her.
The autumn came, and the old earl DO.
gan to agitate that tho wedding should
take place before Christmas.
Is there--is there no other wayP" once
moro she cried, gancing into her brothers
cruel face with blanched cheeks.
How many more times must tell you
1t Is my only chanoeP Perhaps you would
like to see me imprisonedl"
She stopped him with o quick, sharp
cry.
"Tell him 1t shall be when he likes"
Two Sundays passed, and the third CAME |
for tho bans to DO read for the last time.
IF any one know cause or Just impedi- |
ment why these two persons should not be |
Joined together in
A commotiOn at the back of the church |
stopped the clergyman. A man was stand.
Ing up in tho congregation with hand up
raised, and then a deep voice rose above
the murmur Of frightened voices;
II forbid the bunns!"
A scene followed such as had never been
witnessed before. Helen from her pew !
recognized the voice, though she did not
sec the strong, stern face Of her lover and
with q cry she tainted
When she returned to consciousness
Holmes Maclean was kneeling by her side
She was lying In the vestry, and anxious
faces were peeriDg round the door.
What docs this meanp" she murmured.
Have you come to save mep"
II have told them you were going to be
sold to that man"
Then you have not doubted NOR" she
breathed.
Ho carried her through the astonished
crowd to her carriage and took her home.
And on the way, as she gathered strength,
she stretched out her hands implorinely
"There is Ralph. What will become OF
himf'
DO not distress yourself SWEET" he
Il know all his affairs. And
what | have earned for you shall clean
him. 1t is enough. You and l cnn live
In cottage with love, after all-can we
not%-Exchango