The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1904-03-19
FRANKLIN, La, SATURDAY. MARCH 10. 1904

ut seemed to 1.e that we rolled over
and over for az endless time" said
Helen.
You did tllrz a complete somersault
| was thrown off at the first lurch. The
| elderly lady l do not think is much
hurt. Your aunt, you called her:'
Yes. my aunt
Are YOU frishtened:" he asked sud
denly. looking at her curiously.
Il don't know said Helen, Il feel
rather wild"
Few young ladies have as service
able nerves as yours
Helen did not answer at once, but
cried. as a turn of the road brought a
house in view:
''Oh. there is the hotel. l am so
glad
An hour later she was watching by
her aunt's bedside She felt relieved
at the physicians assurance that Aunt
Eliza was not seriously hurt. For two
or three days she was kept a prisoner.
but Aunt Eliza was not one to pet all
ments, and was soon about.
The next day but one after the acct
dent Helens driving companion sent to
ask after her health, and she was ap-
palled by the name on the card: Mr..
Clarence Bartlett
Aunt Eliza laughed heartily at the
absurd situation.
Il think it is very impertinent Of
him. said Helen.
TO get his arm broken?"
ITO inquire after US
perhaps he does not know who we
are" said Aunt Eliza.
Il think | would perhaps like to
leave here Tomorrow was Helen's
only reply.
Aunt Helen did not argue. as she
knew that it would only increase Hell
ems prejudice, but she proposed to stay
where she was.
1t was not long before Helen and he
met. She was Oh an upper piazza early
one evening. and came face to face
with him. His arm was in sling, and
he looked pale and worn. but was evil
IDENTITY pleased to see her again.
He held out his hand.
Il am glad to have made your &C
quaintance. Mrs. Reeve. You will in
troduce me to your aunt. will you
not? Your husband and I We're good
friends l was also 4 friend Of your
father. although 1 was young ut the
time
She could not refuse. and he talked
so pleasantly that Helen could not help
forgetting her prejudice and did not
see her way clear to bringing up the
money question. Aunt Eliza was de-
lighted, but shrewdly held her peace
Such first meeting as they had had
naturally caused their acquaintance to
grow rapidly. Mr.. Bartlett was most
agreeable. and all his efforts tended to
make Helen's days happy. They stayed
six weeks at the hotel. and it was the
evening before they were to go. Helen
and he were OH the piazza enjoying the
sunset, when Aunt Eliza came up with
a letter.
For you. Helen"
She stood and chatted few mo-
ments and then said she must be off
and finish packing. Helen still held the
letter in her hand turning it over and
over in embarrassment. for she recog-
nized the writing Of Mr.. Carruthers.
She was nervously fumbling at the
clasp Of the bag at her side. to put
the letter out Of sight, when Mr.. Bart
lett said:
pray, read your letter.
q cit is of no consequence" Helen an.
swered
II am not so sure of that" he re-
turned in an odd voice. ''At all events,
read it, or you will be thinking about
it all the evening"
Helen opened the letter and read tho
grabbed handwriting in great haste.
Mr.. Carruthers wrote to say that MI
Bartlett refused to take the money snd
wished to hear no more about it."
She flushed and glanced at her COM
panion.
He was looking at her with a auieS
smile.
Il think know whom your letter III
from" and he laughed.
please don't she said. colorirs
more brightly. but determined to speak
now. "Mr. Bartlett, want to tall
with you about this. I want you to do
me a favor, but first promise" she
hesitated.
You don't want me to promise untr
I have heard what it is, do you?"
"Only that tiresome money. I want
yeu to take it,
"Oh. he answered slowly and sravely.
"Yes, say you will. 1t will make me
so much happier
He waited a moment. and then said:
Il will take it on one condition"
Something in his voice made her eyes
drop suddenly.
THAT I may take you with it," he
as he leaned over her.
MAY /, Helen?" He held her hand
now-and it was not withdrawn
XVovpr}ev Mapayine