The San Francisco call., 1905-01-15

NJ IL I1clSlOnC SOdA0 PSSoANAJ
v have helped II he would never
have fallen under Loris Cor
don's spell.
There was no reason whatever fol-
it, and many very excellent reasons
against it. The chief reason wore
cap and spectacles, was of sound mind
and memory, with a pretty penny to
dispose Of, and an undying hatred for
all the Gordon name.
Helstone himself had next to moth
ing, except loving memories Of a
spendthrift father. Miss Marcia Hell
stone, his fathers sister had well
coined the repentant prodigal with
open arms, cherished ana tended him
all his life, and after his death kept
his memory green.
Indeed. there lay the chief root Of
her hatred for the Gordons. If an ell
der Loris Gordon had not played
him fast and loose. he might never
have gone wandering to and fro, and
roaming up and down. Though he
had ended by marrying a wife much
more to his sisters mind, she sor-
rowed savagely over his frustrated
career. Miss Marcia, as ambitious as
she was illogical. laid at the Gordon
door his wasted opportunity.
1t was the "Christmasing" that had
done it. They had met among the
poor. How was poor Miss Marcia,
who did not go "Christmasing' to
know that Loris' smile was enchant-
ing, and set the most delightful dim
pies at play in her cheeks? Or how
should she guess at something, strong
er, more mysterious, something quite
transcending beauty, that suddenly
shone out of the girls eyes, warming,
irradiating John Helstone's heart?
John Helstone was brave and above
board. Before he spoke to Loris he had
it out with his aunt. Il owe you every
thing-ycu have been father, mother
and fairy godmother all in one," he
said IT would do anything you bade-
except try to live without Loris-"
Suppose she won't have you?
hardly think you'll kill yourself" Miss
Marcia interrupted sarcastically. Hell
stone laughed-with hard breath un-
der it-and answered: IF she says NO.,
/ shall keep asking and asking. I am
not vain enough to think she cares
much for me-yet, but If she will let me
teach her"
How romantic we are!" Miss Marcia
said, pursing her lips, then she burst
out: LET you teach her! Lord! Lord!
when she has been setting her cap at
you shamelessly ever since the Christ
mas eve party. If l had dreamed what
was to come of it I'd have given them
twice the money they made for their
rubbishy tree to let it alone. But that
is neither here nor there-your mind is
made up, suppose"
"Quite!" John said, whitening little.
Miss Marcia glared at him.
''Will you wait three months IL
promise to try liking the girl?" Miss
Marcia asked with gulp.
Heistone gave her a hearty hug
with all the good will in the world"
II will honestly try to get over my
If you will go away-at once.
Go West-I want you to look after my
lands. I'm sure the agent is a
scoundrel. See that you bring him up
when you get there"
John left that very night. Loris
Gordon turned a little pale when she
heard the news, but said nothing, not
even to her mother. Next week Mar
bury had the sensation of its history.
Miss Marcia drove affably to Grav-
Gordon, the home Of her dearest
enemies, and begged that Loris might
come and stay with her while she was
alone at Right Ways. Mrs. Gordon
heard her in daze, but after a while
agreed to let her daughter go. She
had not been blind to the light in John
Helstone's eyes and fancied she knew
what was under the cards.
AT that stage of the game it is a
question If Miss Marcia herself knew
Some way, some how, she would de-
liver John from the snare of this
'ewler. Loris had all the world where
rom to choose her lovers-Miss
Marcia this one living creature of her
,wn blood.
Loris was proud and shy. John had
gone away silent. So she kept well to
herself, for the most part, although
The read to Miss Marcia and dutifully
irove with her all the 6ne afternoons,
% say nothing Of playing the three