The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-30
HELIX.
BY FRANK H. SWEET.

z ssSSe tion as bookkeeper and-that is all"
 They walked on awhile in silence. Then
 .sYou have not told me aIl,. Felix Something has been troubling you al these years. have felt it. eyer since was old enough, to observe. You have your magazine articles. and yet you new CT indulge yourself in anything. Nam mas talk used to make me think ina, papa had left considerable property. ano Harry and Bess and l always though that our school money came out o1 tnis But lateiy.I have doubted It.. Then ap. ruptly: Did papa leave anything-apove his debts. meanT
 "And-was there enough to pay his T suspected It. Now, Felix" speaking firmly and letting her hand rest ca ressingly on his arm, "you must De open to be a help instead of burden Harry and Bess will graduate next month ana they feel just as I do. Papa's depts must be paid. and 1t will be so much gether. than for you alone" Then. hesi- tatinely:
 .'Is it very much?"
 No" smiling.
 AnQ you VIII Us Ucip yOu'
 Gladly You are already doing that more than you imagine" Then. laugh ingly. 'T am very proud of my children Margaret. Not many bachelors have brought up such a promising trio"
 "Bosh, You are trying to escape the subject I want your opinion of my talk ing the Ridge school. Bess can turn hOuSekecper"
 Well. seriously, then. I think you would better stick to your drawing Your t.I1 t,, hat nd Ridge school means hard work and poor wages. As to the debts, they are all paid and we have small sum in the bank. -.
 Felix"
 months ago. Did you think could arr range for jollification with anything like that hanging over us? Now if the Maine woods do their duty I shall come back new man and be ready for the fall campaign"
 'The fall-whatT
 Campaign. my dear" he said, coolly, enjoying her amazement. You did not know that my name was up for Senator. It has been kept secret for certain req sons. but today I had intimation that they were ready to go ahead. and with every prospect of success"
 "But-I did not know that you took any interest in politics." she said. her voice trembling with eagerness and won.
 "Nor have I-much," he replied, grave iy. "I never dreamed of such thing until I was approached on the subject. thought my ambition was dead, but it seems I was mistaken. felt almost frightened at the tumult the possibility awoke in me. And 1t pleases you. too. Margaret?' he asked after a moments silence.
 More than can tell" she replied. with a glad light in her eyes. I have felt worried about you lately. It seemed so hard that after all these years there could be no future for you but the musty office. It seems almost like the ending of one of yoursstories. It Is rather late, but you are not very old"
 Not very old! The words rang in his ears long after he had gone to his room. He had almost come to regard himself as an old man. but. after all. he was not very old. He was scarcely in his and 1t was very bright. Perhaps
 From the open window the sky present. ed picture of rare beauty and brilliancy in contrast with the dark groupings of down. and away in the northeast could he traced the path of the Perseids. Some where under the line of shooting meteors he imagined was country mansion, and in the mansion fair girl with deep. ten der eyes.
 This was one of the dreams he, had left behind. But the past few weeks had been restoring much which he had thought was lost, and This came up with the rest. If there was to be future for him this should form a part, and deep flood of thanksgiving welled up from his heart as his eyes gazed into the majes- ty of the night.
 Thinking of the sweet possibilities that parting on the bridge grew very near. He could feel the soft touch on his arm and hear the quiet voice as it said:
 Felix. your work is at home-and we are very young. When it is right you may come for me. will be waiting."
 And during all these fifteen years she had kept her word. Even now he had letter in his pocket on which the ink was scarcely dry. They had lost their youth. but the summer and autumn would be richer for the waiting.
 It was not until he heard the mill bell strike three that he left the window. But even then 1t was not to sleep. His nerves were not ready for that. Over and over he reviewed the past and made summons of the factory bell brought him down to breakfast he told Margaret that he had decided to give in his resignation during the day.
 to keep the wolf from the door," he said. with a smile,
 And I think so, too." she returned heartily. Besides, we will all have more courage for work if we know you are out of that horrible office.'
 Several times during the meal she saw a sudden light come into his face. and fancied his tones were even more tender than usual
 At length she spoke.
 Your thoughts are pleasant. Felix"
 Yes" thoughtfully, they are pleasant very pleasant. will tell you about them sometimes"
 Before he went out he stopped and kissed her fondly.
 She watched him down the path with a curious smile.
 If he were not so old. and if did not know better" she thought, q would say he was in love"
 by Sara Lindsay Coleman