The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-04-01
HELEN'S STEPMOTHER.
BY AGNES LOCKE WOOD.

vernon soon re6urned from his errand,
and reported that his sister had headache,
and did not care for any dinrer.
"That doesn't make any difference, " Mr.
Gorden said, to this message. "Tell her,
that at least, she may honor us with her
presence
Vernon delivered this message faithfully,
and the second time he entered the dining
room, he was closely followed by his sister
"Helen," Mr.. Gorden asked, "why did
you not come when first sent for you?'
Because, when l used to be sick, you
would excuse me, and not compel me to
come to the table, but that was before this
woman came" she answered hotly, looking
angrily at her stepmother, as she spoke.
A painful blush had died Mrs. Gordon s
cheeks, and she was about to speak, but her
husband silenced hel, with look.
"Helen," he said sternly, "you May be
excused from the room, go Immediately to
your own, and do not leave it, until l give
you permission"
every we'll, SIR" she answered, as she
slowly obeyed him.
Mr.. Gorden could see that his wife had
been deeply hurt, and tried in every way
to make her forget the little incident, but
it was not easily forgotten by either.
After dinner he proposed drive, but she
declined, on the plea that she was weary
with travelling, and would like to retire
early.
After his wife had gone to her own room,
Mr.. Gordon sat for long time, gazing
intently at the burning lamp, on the library
table, and deeply lost in thought, then he
rose with sigh, and went up to Helen's
room. He raped softly, but received nc
answer, then he tried the door, and found
it locked. "Helen," he sternly demanded,
"open this door, at once" The door was
opened, and he entered without word,
locked the door again, and seated himself
in an easy chair, Helen in a low rocker
nearly opposite. II want to know, miss
what you mean by such actions as l saw to
night. Have you any excuse to make fol
your conduct 2" He asked, after a few
minutes silence.
''None at all, Helen answered haughtily
Then | must say" her father continued,
'that think you are very disobedient,
impudent little girl"
maybe am" returned Helen.
81 want no more impudence, " exclaimed
her father angrily, ''and there is another
thing | want to speak about, you must moi
call your mother Mrs you must call her
mamma
Indeed won t, them" returned Helen
hotly, chat woman is no relation in the
world to me, and beside, she's not half old
enough to be my mother. ! doubt if she's
cut her wisdom teeth yet | know she's
not a day over twenty"
''Twenty-two, corrected her father,
''perhaps then, you would like to call her
aunt Her first name is Margaret, how
would you like to call her Auntie Mar
garet? -
"I'll call her Margaret, if you like, but
I'll put no aunt to it," answered Helen.
81 see young lady," her father said,
''that you are in no mood to be talked with
tonight. Perhaps you will be IN better
humor tomorrow. If l shouldn't come
here in the morning. remember that do
not withdraw my command for you not to
leave the room until give you permission.
With these words, he unlocked the door,
and vert out into the hall, locking the
door Oh the outside.
Dear me, thought Helen, 81 wonder
how long IN to be prisoner"
TO BE CONTINUED.