The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1897-07-09

L6nnOx Marvin. !!
BY JENNY WREN.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES,

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- A CHARMING tableau--do In
n terrupt?" questioned Lennox
Marvin, MS he stopped for moment on
the threshold of the pretty morning
room, where two girls sat sewing. The
| picture thus presented to him was in
deed one no artist eye could idly scan.
The sun shed it's rays here, not with Its
usual dazzling brilliance, but through
cunning device of blind and curtain,
with a shaded softness, playing at light
and shadow with the tinted wall and
| the moss-green carpet. Birds In gilded
cages earoled sweetly, here and there
hung some gem of art, flowers, color
everywhere, but color so exquisitely
blended that 1t seemed one perfect
whole. And fitting the setting were
those within. To Lennox Marvin's ques-
ton both heads were raised. Over the
fair, sweet cheek OF one crept a rosy
flush; the little hands which held the
work trembled, then the blond head
bent lower, and the long lashes, with
their dark fringe in such contrast to
the pure skin, hid the violet eyes from
intrusive gaze. One swift glance of the
man rested on that bowed head, then
he advanced to take the hand the other
extended him.
what welcome shall we offer to re-
ward you for showing us the light of
your countenance at this hour? I
thought, you eschewed early rising"
ION the contrary, am fond Of It,
but l did not dream Miss Merle ever
favored those who presented them
selves before her at so unreasonable
time. What say you, Miss Gore? Can
you not put to blush this slur upon my
habits?"
II am too much in ignorance of Mr..
Marvin's habits to venture an opinion"
A quick shade of annoyance crossed
the handsome face, as Lennox turned to
devote himself with all the empresse-
ment he could so well assume to his
fair hostess, and in moment light
football announced that Helen Gore had
left the room. Alone, his manner
changed; the empressement fled, and
an indifference tar"iy yelled by polite
ness took it's place
How long has Miss Gore been with
your" he questioned.
Three years. You know she lost
her parents in the same year my father
died? l had known her since we were
children, and when she was left de-
pendent I offered her home with me
as a companion. have never had rea-
son to repent the offer. Had you ever
met her before this winter, Mr.. Mar
VIM"
Some four years ago, during the
summer, we spent several weeks to-
gether at fashionable watering place.
She was very young then, an idol with
both father and mother, and as joyous
hearted as the BIRDS 1t must have been
sad blow to her, stricken of parents
and fortune at one fell swoop."
The next afternoon Helen Gore, slow
ly sauntering up the broad avenue lead
ing to Miss Merle's spacious grounds
heard quick step behind her. AS 1t
came nearer and nearer, and finally side
by side fell in with her own slow tread,
the same scarlet flush mantled her
cheek, but she took no other notice.
miss Helen, why SO cruel?" Lennox
Marvin earnestly asked. Are you never
going to give me one word of welcome q
"Neverl" broke from the girls lips
For you 1 have no welcome"
And why not for me? Why do you
single me out? Have you SO entirely
forgotten the pastP"
Pardon me, Mr.. Marvin. When you
asked me II had no welcome for you,
forgot you were no longer addressing
Miss Gore, who leaned upon fathers
arm for protection, who sobbed her
grief away upon a mothers tender
: bosom. whose wealth brought friends
and lovers to her feet-but only Mis-.
Gore, the dependent, who has none tx
shield her from whatever cruel wind.
: fate ordains should blow upon her.
different thing, is 1t not? With tina
past time she has naught to do. 1t ha.
gone out of her life. Allow me, then, t.
bid you welcome" and one white hans
was extended under the shade of tn,
elms.
The man waved 1t back. mot thu
can I take 1t. True, you have lost you
: fortune and parents. Take care les
with them you have lost your own gen
erous heart. Is 1t possible the girl VIII
has Just said such bitter words Is sh'
who, under the pale light Of a yoslnt
moon, looked into my eyes with trus
.. and confidence only four years ago
Can time have wrought such change
Helen, suffered then!"
"You suffered" the girl interrupted
her seeming calm all gone. What d.
you know Of suffering? 1t is an idl
word-an empty breath-to such a
you. am contented in my new life
Lennox Marvin. Leave me In peace
Miss Merle, the heiress, awaits you
coming"
And, with flying feet, she sped pas
him, eluding his OBTAINING grasp. int
the friendly shelter Of the house. H
followed slowly and reluctantly, wit
u face white as her own, on which wa
) written vague wonderment as to wha
it all could mean.
In vain Miss Merle lavished her swee
est smiles that night. True, Lenno
Marvin was beside her, and she II wa
whom he addressed. but his eyes eve
wandered to the slender little figure o
the other side Of the room. Of which h
could see nothing but the glimmer, {
the golden hair and the little hand as
rose and fell with each stitch she place
in her embroidery. But OF all thi
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