The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-07-18
CHAPTER III,

And Helen was wretched. She had
satisfied her conscience, but her heart
bled. And for three days Roy made
no sign, and she was tormented by
two alternate fears-either that he had
not returned the letter, in which case
she would feel compelled to herself tell
| Will of the wrong done him, or else
that he had obeyed her instructions,
but afterward set down against her
the humiliation of the confession. Alas,
during these days she had many hours
of that cold temptation which comes to
the noblest hearts when virtue has fail
ed to reward and they are half inclined
to regret having served her, when they
say with the great seer-singer, 'In
vain have l washed my hands in in-
nocency."
On the third night. however, when
the elder had gone to Loeb RAMA on
some business, Roy stepped softly into
the cottage. He saw the swift change
In Helen's face, the splendid wave of
color that came like sunlight over her
pale cheeks, the smile that changed
her as the sea is changed by the day
spring, and he knew that this added
splendor of beauty had been called
forth by his presence.
"Weel, Helen?" he said.
"My dear lady'
"Will you give your dear lad vel
come tonight? You sent him away in
a fine blaze of temper"
Her soul was Instantly on guard.
The beating of her heart she could al
most hear, but she was not to be be-
trayed by it's entreaties. Yet Roy saw
in her outstretched hands. her eager
looks, her tender eyes, the great affec-
ton with which he had inspired her as
she answered.:
! "You are dearly welcome, welcome
as life to me, for l know you would
not be here If you hadn't put the
wrong right and come to tell me so."
"Of course"
"What did Will sayT
| "He just made laugh of the whole
business. l told you he would. He
said / wasn't to speak of the matter.
He does not want his plans made free
to the rest of the lads, and l said !
hadn't narned it to a creature but you."
"Well. then"
HE said that words were as safe
with you as if they were stone drop
ped in the sea-"
And, Roy, Roy, my dear lad. you
are far happier for telling WillieT
"Of course | am happier, because 1t
puts you and me all right. The letter
didn't trouble me. but could not thole
your feeling about it."
Then she went to him and lifted the
cap from his head. and he took her to
his breast, and their reconciliation was
complete.
I'VE will never name the unlucky bit
of paper again." he said, and Helen
WAS willing it should pass into oblivion.
A sweet content followed her anxiety,
and she told herself that her influence
for good on Roy's character was proved
and certain. An exceedingly happy
evening followed. Never had Roy been
so charming and loving, and never had
Helen been so beautiful and affection
ate. For three hours they sat looking
into the future together and seeing
there only lifelong happiness and love
everlasting.
The next afternoon the elder return
ed, and Helen noticed even before he
reached the house an angry air and at.
titude about him. The mans massive
form seemed instinct with wrath, his
staff struck out of his way the little
/ stones and weeds as if they were from.
bling him, and when he came close to
her she saw plainly the stormy look in
. his eyes and the suppressed passion in