Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-07-13

Carroll. Helen never did seem to real
ize the serious side of life, nor what
l suffer; but that is Helen's way"
after all, it must be a way that
helps smooth things over sOme," he
had retorted warmly.
At the end of ten minutes, Herbert's
friend rose to his feet and said that
he must go. He added that he would
come again, if he might; and to Miss
Raymond he said very low-but very
impressively-that she would see him
soon, very soon. 1t was no surprise,
therefore, to Helen, to encounter the
big, tall fellow not twenty feet from
her doorway when she started for the
store the next morning.
Good morning. | thought you'd do
this" she began hurriedly. 1--WE can
talk as we walk. Now, tell me, please,
quick. What is it about-Herbert"
'"Then yOu-knOw?"
'Not much; only suspect. know
everything isn't quite-right."
But your mother doesn't know
even lllul UuCns
"NO, no! You saw that, didn't your
I Twas so glad you did, and didn't speak
He is her pet, and she's SO proud Of
him !"
eyes, know" nodded the man grim
ly. II saw-that."
The girl lifted her chin.
"And mother has right to be proud
of him. Herbert is fine. 1t is only
that-that-" She weakened percep-
tibly. "Was it-money?" she faltered.
"Y-yes." Carroll spoke with evident
reluctance. His eyes looked down al
most tenderly at the girl with the still
uplifted chin. "It-it Is rather serious
this time. He asked me to call and
and make it plain to you. l had told
him l was coming up to town on bust
ness and promised. But-good Heav.
ems, Miss Raymond, l Il can't tell
your
"But you must. I'll have to know
cried the girl sharply. All the pride
had fled now. "And you needn't fear
I know what 1t is. He wants money
to settle debts. I've sent 1t before
once. That is it-isn't it?"
Eyes, only it's-it's particularly bad
job this time" stammered the other
"Iou see, tits club money"
"How much-was it,"
Carroll sighed in relief.
Miss Raymond, you're "a brick
tn t1kn If lilyn thut ~ bn nrinI
II don't know another girl Who 1t
WaS-Well. a hundred dollars will cover
1t; but he's got to have it-tomorrow."
"Pll send it,"
"But how-forgive me, Miss Ray
mOnd, but last night you were telling
me that-that-" He flushed, and came
to helpless pause.
GLOW can I get it?' she supplied
YEARLY. "We've a little in the bank
a very little laid by for rainy day !;
but it will cover that. Mr.. Carroll,
how did he come to-do it?'
1t was a short story. soon told-the
usual story of pleasure loving
thoughtess youth, tempted beyond his
strength. Carroll sOftened it where
he could, and ended with:
II asked Bert to let me make 1t good,
somehow, but he wouldn't, Miss Ray
mond. He-he just wouldn't"
"Of course he wouldn't" exclaimed
the girl sharply. Then, in a softer
voice: THANK you just the same. But,
don't you see? 'Twould have done no
good. I'd have had to pay you. .
No, no, don't say any more, please"
she begged in answer to the quick
words that leaped to his lips. You
have been kind-very kind. Now, just
one kindness more, if you WILL" she
hurried on. Come tonight. I must
leave you nOw-it's the store, just
around the corner. But tonight I'll
have the money. It's in my name, and
| can get it without mother's-know-
Ing. You understand? Without -
Notwithstanding. You understand
WithOut-mother's
81 understand" he nodded gravely,
as he wrung her hand to turned Chok.
ingly away.
When Helen reached home that night
she found the little flat dominated once
again by the big, breezy presence OF
| Herberts friend.
I've been telling him more about
Herbert" Mrs. Raymond began, Joy.
ously, as soon as Helen entered the
| room.
At the door some minutes later Car.
roll found small packet thrust into
his fingers. He caught both the hand
and the packet in firm clasp.
you're true blue, little girl" he
breathed TREMENDOUSLY, land I'm going
to keep tabs on Bert after this. III
make him keep straight for her-and
for you. He's only bit weak. after
all. And you'll see me again soon
very soon-very soon," he finished, as
he crushed her hand in a grip that
hurt. Then he turned and stumbled
away, as If his eyes did not see quite
clearly.
Now, wasn't he nicer" murmuret
Mrs. Raymond as the girl closed the
hall door. "And-didn't he say that
1 h,fI coll