The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-04-01
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK.
CHAPTER IV.-THE ARRIVAL.


have been. Although she had perfect
dread of her stepmother, she had curiosity
enough to want to see her. Then too, she
wanted to know how she would be treated,
for she really believed that her father would
love her no longer, and that her stepmother
would be as wicked as she had read that
they were. She never mentioned her
thoughts to Vernon, and he had become
used to calling her his new mamma.
Tuesday night, Helen went to bed, with
the firm resolve to wear her most unbecom-
ing dress, and be as unattractive looking as
possible.
But on Wednesday morning, when she
awoke, the sun was shining SO brightly,
the birds singing so sweetly, and the whole
world looking so fresh and beautiful in its
summer dress Of green, that Helen's heart
misgave her, and she decided to wear white
instead Of the ugly blue dress, and to comb
her hair as her father liked best.
As she entered the library, after break
last, sic iOuuu Clhoh ouiiCu up III . ioiSS
arm. chair talking with Nero, his dog.
"You see Nero" he was saying, "my
papa is tumin' wifi my mamma, and l must
be all dressed up, and do to de depot to
meet them"
80 Vernon, you're not going to the depot
are you? Papa wouldn't want you to, I'm
sure" Helen exclaimed.
Vernon looked up in surprise, he had not
seen Helen enter, and thought he was alone
"Ess Use doin to de station, nursie said
So" he answered.
"Nurse doesn't know anything about it,
you shant go, I'll see about it, she said,
as she left the room.
She went right to the nursery, where she
found Vernon's nurse. NANNY" she
asked, why did you tell Vernon that he
might go and meet papa"
"Sho, MISS" the nurse answered, "I'se
lest >carrin' out de massa's orders. He
writ to de housekeeper, an he says fer her
to let Massa Vernon go to de station. So
you see it amt my doins.'
90 dear, of course you can't help it then,
did papa say anything about me? Helen
asked.
81 don't know whether he did or no, !"
the nurse answered.
"Weil, you needn't mind asking, for
wouldn't 20 any way" Helen said, as she
left the room.
She spent a very dsagreeable morning.
She felt that she ought to go to the depot,
but made mp her mind she would not seem
in the least anxious to see her fathers wife,
Immediately after lunch she went to her
own room, and about half past two, she saw
Vernon enter the family carriage, looking
as fresh aud sweet as moss rose bud. He
was closely followed by his nurse.
In about half an hours time, she heard
the carriage return, and could hear voices,
but could not distinguish what was being
said. She rushed down to the library, and
pretended to be much interested in a book
She heard the carriage stop, saw her father
get out, and then lift fair, graceful, girlish
figure to the ground my" Helen said
half aloud, isn't she lovely. had no
idea she was half so pretty. Such beautiful
blue eyes"
Just then she heard her father ask,
"where's Helen? 2" She ran to the door,
and answered, "here ] am papa.
There he stood, with his wife leaning on
his arm, looking as attractive as her father
had described her. Helen felt so Jealous.
"Helen dear, this is your new mamma, and
/ hope you will soon learn to love each
other her father was saying. Helen ex-
tended her hand, and such a pretty hand
came out to meet her, which had two rings
on it, and Helen felt sure they were her
engagement and wedding rings. Helen
said coldly, 'Im pleased to make your
acquaintance, Mrs Gorden."
Her father gave her surprised and angry
look, but his wife seemed not to notice her
GOODNESS. She bent down and kissed her
lovingly, and said, 81 love you already for
your dear fathers sake, and hope soon to
love you for your own.'
81 hope so," murmured Helen.
Mr.. and Mrs Gorden entered the draw
ing room, where Vernon had already gone,
and Helen fled to her own apartment.
"Vernon DEAR" said his father, as he
caught sight of him in the farthest corner
of the room, 'you had better 60 up to the
nursery now, and if you are good boy,
you may come down to dinner tonight"
80 may l, papa? Thank you," he said,
as he left the room, Nero close at his heels.
AS the door closed upon him, Mr.. Gorden
turned to his bride with sigh, "I'm
afraid, my love, that Helen is going to give
you great deal of trouble, but you will
try to bear it, for my sake, l know" he
said.
go yes, Wallace, but don't think I'll
have much trouble with her. l shall not
try to control her, but leave that all to
YOU" his wife answered in her soft musical
voice.
"But when Pm not at home" he pro-
tested, "what will you do them
81 don't know, but we'll see. Iou won't
leave me right away, and by the time you