The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1904-02-11

receive the many small attentions so
dear to the feminine heart, but she
was the recipient of a few slight re-
bluffs, an experience quite new to Miss
Endicott. Then Bobby Peyton came,
saw and was Instantly conquered.
Bobby was young, broad-shouldered,
good to look upon, perfect example
of American manhood, able to take
care of himself and those dependent
upon him. After a year of hard work
he was enjoying a vacation, made all
the pleasanter by the fact that just
before he left the city the head of the
great banking house in which Bobby
was employed had praised his work
and promised him promotion to the
head of his department. Bobby had
fought hard battle since his gradua-
ton from college. At last success
seemed to loom distinctly before him.
From the first glance in Helen's eyes
Bobby knew that he had met the one
girl with whom it would mean long
years of happiness to share life. And
Helen? AS she contrasted Bobby with
formed the majority of her acquaint-
ances felt that he was a man of diff
ferent type, one whose love and re-
speet was worthy, that any girl might
be proud to win. Often she reproached
! herself for the false colors under
which she was sailing. OF course, she,
the daughter of a multimillionaire, a
member of the smart set, the girl
whose wealth and beauty were said
limited at as the reasons for the duke
of Acton's visit to America, could not
marry Bobby Peyton. But Bobby's
sincere attention had grown so pleas
ant to her that she stilled her conscience
by saying to herself that he would not
really care. In her heart Of hearts
she knew better.
The end came one evening when
Helen and Bobby were returning from
a moonlight sail. AS they drew near
the hotel Bobby told her how dear she
she would share his life. For a sec
ond Helen hesitated. They had almost
reached the hotel piazza. Suddenly
man who had just dismounted from
the newly arrived stage, started to-
wards Helen with an exclamation Of
surprise. And Helen saw that it was
her cousin, Howard Langdon.
We'll, Helen Endicott," exclaimed
Langdon. who would have expected
to see you here? l thought you were
at Newport. Just stopped off here my
self on my way north on a hunting
| trip. The duke is at Newport, you
know" tic added in lower tones.
But Bobby Peyton had heard Lang
dons words as a man in the full Of
health hears a death sentence His
| grip on the world and on all that made
! life worth living seemed to be slipping
away. Helen Endicott Too well he rec
ognized the name as that Of the head of
Wall streets leading and wealthiest
firm of bankers. Rumor said that
Helen Endicott, if not formally en-
gagged to the duke of Acton, was GER
tain to make great international
match. There was no hope for him.
In an instant all his hopes of happy
| future, home with the girl whom he
loved with all his heart and soul van
ished A deeper pang was added by
the thought that the girl whom he had
loved with all his heart. whom in his
day dreams he had called "his Helen"
had only been playing with him. And
Bobby slipped silently away.
At Langdons greeting Helen felt
sudden thrill of longing for the fash.
| ionable life with it's glitter and els
play, which she had been accustomed
to from birth. To be duchess of Acton.
What more could a girl desire? She
could not give it up. Then she thought
of Bobby. Yes, she had treated him
shamefully, but it could not be helped.
All that remained was to ask his for
giveness and say good-by.
Helen found Bobby seated in the
darkness at the end Of the hotel piazza,
picture of despairing unhappiness.
But as Helen with faltering words be-
gan to acknowledge how she had de-
ceived him, Bobby stopped her. He
had lost all that his heart longed for.
but he would allow no one, not even
herself. to reproach "his Helen"
Dearest, you were not to blame"
he said softly For time you made
me the happiest man on the earth and
will always thank you in my heart
for that glimpse of happiness. You
cannot help yourself, for your father
would not consent to our marriage
You must return to your ]if" and to
mine, but you must never blame your
self for this. You are and always will
be my queen, and the queen can do no
wrong"
Helen had fully intended to say
good-by, but as Bobby turned away she
! felt a sudden pang at the thought of
losing him. To be duchess of Acton,
the admired and envied of fashions
followers, what was that compared to
a lifetime of Bobby and his love? Her
father might object at first, but Helen
was certain she could win his consent
in the end. She stepped nearer to
Bobby, light in her deep brown eyes
which he had never before seen.
Papa will be surprised and may OBJ
ject at first" she murmured, almost
! timidly, but all my life, when | have
really wanted anything he has always