The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-08-25
CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.
On the evening of the Admirals' Club
dinner, early In December, Helen had
been in the habit of dining at the Win
ters'. Although Agnes Winter was now
alone, she seemed singularly anxious to
keep up this custom, and Helen acceded
to her proposal readily enough. Oswin
was easily disposed of. A sailor return
ing to London after an absence of some
years can usually employ his evenings
satisfactorily.
1t happened that Miss Winter was alb
sent from town during the three days pre-
ceding the anniversary, and Helen was,
| therefore, left in ignorance as to the ma
ture of the entertainment to which she
was invited. As she drove through the
fog and gloom of December streets the
thought came to her, however, that had
there been other guests her brother Os-
win would, in the ordinary course of
events, have been invited. This thought
generated others, and before the little
brougham drew up smoothly, the young
girl was verging upon a conviction that
the course Of events had diverged already
from the commonplace. She was not,
therefore, surprised to see Miss Winter
standing at the head of the brightly light
ed, softly carpeted stairs to greet her. Be
fore she spoke Helen had guessed that
they were to pass the evening alone to-
gether, and as she mounted the stairs she
did her best to quell an indefinite feeling
of discomfort.
The drawing room looked intensely
cozy. Two armchairs, and two only,
small and low, were drawn forward to
the fire, and between them a small table,
promising coffee. In response to a little
gesture of the hand, Helen took posses
sion OF one Of tina chairs. Miss Winter
took up an evening" newspaper, of which
the careful cutting betrayed no tamper-
Ing on the part of a literary cook, and
slowly unfolded 1t.
Il want she said, ito see who Is
acting In that new piece at the Epic.
l had note from Oswin to-day, propos-
ing to make up party for next Wednes-
day."
YES; he spoke to me about It. I
should like to co.
Miss Winter continued to unfold the
paper with considerable hustle. She
was not looking at 1t, but at Helen, who
seemed interested in the texture of an alb
surd little lace handkerchief.
WHO'S going?"
The girl raised her head and frowned
slightly, as If making mental effort.
Let me see-papa, Oswin, you, my
self, and-and-oh, yes Mr.. Tyars."
Miss Winter was not an impulsive
woman. There was a graceful finish and
sense Of leisure about her movements, but
before Helen could move, her friend was
kneellng on the white fur hearth rug.
drawing her toward her, forcing her to
face the light.
Helen, let me see your face"
1t was almost a command, and the girl
obeyed, slowly turning. Her eyes were
dull. as If with physical agony. Miss
Winter relinquished the warm, soft fin.
gers. She half turned, and sat with her
hands clasped in her lap, gazing into the
fire.
When" she asked, when was It.?
Long ago at Oxford, or only just lately 2"
Il suppose" Helen answered, quietly,
that 1t was long ago at Oxford; but
but I think l did not know It."
This daughter of sailor race was not
given to tears, but now her lashes were
glistening softly. 1t is not the bitterest
tear that falls.
my poor, poor Helen p murmured
Miss Winter, stroking her friends hand
gently. And he-Claud Tyars-he has
said nothingT
"Of course not"
Miss Winters eyes fell on the news
paper lying open at her feet. Mechan-
ically she read the heading of a long
article on the "New Arctic Expedition"
Her heart sank within her.
"But, Helen," she whispered, do you
think he"
Hush, dear" interrupted the girl.
Don't ask me that"
"Helen. will you tell me one thing?"
The girl moved uneasily, keeping her
eyes averted.
Il think not" she answered, you can
ask it, but l do not think 1 will answer
it."
Long ago." murmured the low voice
of the elder woman, "long ago at Oxford
did you think-Helen, forgive my asking
did you think that he loved your"
There was long silence, broken only
by the offcious little clock upon the
mantel piece. and the heated creak of the
glowing cinders. Then at last the an
swer came:
Mono, certainly not. But he was
different from the others-qulte different.
1t seems ridiculous, but at the time
thought that 1t was because he was
Cambridge man."
"Then II you had not met again this
would not have happened?"
NO" answered Helen, gravely; .it
would not. I wonder why Oswin should
have saved him, of all men, In the middle
of the Atlantic ocean,"
CHAPTER XVIII.
On this same day Oswin Grace dined