help my pain! Listen and tell me what you think of it all. His name is Sherwood-Willis O. Sherwood. He was at the same hotel with us all summer. This year I went with friends, and so it happens, perhaps very fortunately, that my own people never heard of him. Hebe, he went as far as possible in his attentions, but did not propose. It was not a flirtation, we were both serious from the first. I invited him to call upon me here, but the weeks have passed, oh, how slowly and he has never come or written. I couldn't mention him, you see, without explaining the situation. Certainly, it is very strange! He was formally introduced by a mutual friend. How can I go to my brothers with such a story? I am in love with a man who seems to have no desire to meet me again after devoting himself to me for months.” "Did he see you just now?" 'No, or if he did, he affected not observing me." "There must be some reason for his curious behavior. Have you taken your friends into your confidence ?" check the words on his lips. But his manner was not to be misinterpreted. If only I did not care for him! You can imagine how I suffer. Suppose Malcolm had won your love and made you believe that he idolized you, and then had left you, trusting in his faith, letting months pass and offering no explanation of his conduct!" "Malcolm is not capable of such conduct. He is too honorable." "You think Mr. Sherwood dishonorable !" "Don't you?" "I don't want to think so. I prefer clinging to the hope that he has some sufficient reason for his silence." "Then if you have all this confidence in his honesty of purpose, why not take courage and believe that he will eventually explain the matter to your satisfaction?" Dorothy embraced Hebe and clung to her. "That is the nicest thing you have said. should have more faith in the man I love. I'll do my best to cheer up. Remember, this is a profound secret.' "But, Dorothy, is it kind to ask me to keep a secret from your brother? Why not take him into the partnership? He wouldn't do anything to hurt your feelings; on the contrary, he might give you good advice." "Let me think about it. I can hardly realize that I have confided in you.” "But those people that you spent the summer "He couldn't have done anything disgraceful, with must know something of your position.” I suppose." Dorothy shook her head. "Oh, no. I often read his name among lists of prominent people. I wonder how I have missed seeing him until to-day." "Perhaps he will call after a day or two." "I don't know, I'm sure. that you were not in earnest "They may suspect-they heard nothing from me." Dorothy abruptly left the room. CHAPTER VIII. WITHIN a week Hebe went to a reception with Malcolm. Among the strangers presented to them was a Mr. Sherwood, and Hebe inSuppose he thought stantly concluded that he was Dorothy's mysterious lover. He was an attractive-looking man, and seemed to be on friendly terms with the people about him. The invitation had come from friends of Mrs. Pembroke, and Hebe satisfied herself that Malcolm knew nothing about Mr. Sherwood. "He knew that I was, and if looks mean anything, his were sincere. People can talk insincerely, but when it comes to actions and glances, they fail utterly." She rose and walked up and down the long room, evidently living over her summer experience. Hebe watched her, sympathetic, but wholly unequal to the occasion. We parted as if there was a mutual understanding, and yet I have not the courage to write and ask him what has come between us. Several times he seemed to be on the very point of proposing, and then some mental reservation would In the course of the evening he found many opportunities to engage Hebe in conversation, and finally reached his object. Hebe had been perfectly guarded in her answers to his commonplace remarks, realizing that Dorothy's secret was in her care. "You will excuse me, Mrs. Russell, but your name attracted me. Do you reside in this city?" "Yes." her preoccupied, and she longed for the Wednes"I was under the impression that you were on day that would at least throw some light on a visit here." Sherwood's unaccountable actions. She told Hebe's merry laugh dispelled the reserve that Dorothy of the meeting and conversation, and made Sherwood interesting to her. "Is that at my expense?" he asked gayly. "You must judge for yourself; my husband was born in the house we live in. But, perhaps, you were told that I did not belong here. I come from another part of the State." "I go about a great deal; I am sure that I never met you until to-night. In some respects the world is very small." "My world is, most decidedly." "A woman's world is rather circumscribed. I hope there is room for me within the limits of your little planet." "Why, are you in need of friends?" they debated as to the propriety of Dorothy, appearing on that particular occasion. "You see, dear, he wants to explain to you. what he hadn't the courage to tell me. That is obvious. If I am in the room we shall all feel embarrassed, and it may result in nothing important taking place. Besides, he sought this interview with you, Hebe. He could have called upon me months ago, had he cared to. I'll accept an invitation to lunch next Wednesday, and remain away all day. It is easy enough to manage. The visit will be to you, and no one will be curious about it." "On the contrary, everybody will be curious "Yes, of such a friend as you may prove to about it. However, if it will end this secrecy me." for you, it will be worth having." Hebe's gaze was beautiful, it was so full of wonder. Sherwood continued earnestly: "You are young, light-hearted, good, sympathetic. You influence those about you. Some day I will tell you my story. This is no time or place to bring up one's misfortune." "I don't understand you, Hebe. Why shouldn't Mr. Sherwood or Mr. Anybody call upon you if you cared to have him come? All these men of means and leisure are only too welcome at receptions. The trouble is that they find our 'at homes' very dull, and prefer clubs, "With whom do you expect me to use my in- where they can really amuse themselves. Our fluence?" Hebe asked thoughtfully. "You will understand when you have heard what I have to acknowledge. How can I have a confidential talk with you?" "First give me time to consider. We are at home Wednesdays. You can easily find an opportunity to confide in me; the room is large; no one would take any interest in our conversation. I hope, however, that you will not ask me to keep any secrets.” "On the contrary, it is in order to explain what I have been reticent in regard to, that I am wishing your assistance." Hebe's downcast eyes and silence were inscrutable. "When you understand the circumstances and the urgency of the case you will excuse my conduct to-night. I hope to win your sympathy and active help in the affair." "Why, of course, I will do anything in my power to serve you !" "You are very good. Encouragement from you, Mrs. Russell, is more to me than you can possibly appreciate." Sherwood's manner perceptibly brightened, and his comments entertained Hebe. She felt the power of the charm that had enthralled Dorothy, and her inclination to be of some use to these lovers grew accordingly. The subject possessed her thoughts to the extent of making trifling small talk and weak drinks must be simply intolerable. I speak for myself; every winter I make up my mind to give up the waste of time that might be better spent. However, I am not ambitious enough to study a profession, and time has to be killed, or it kills us with ennui. I have been going everywhere this fall with the hope of seeing Mr. Sherwood, a kind of love-chase that is wearing me out with its disappointment." Hebe gave her a sympathetic kiss. "Don't fret, dear. No doubt, some good is in store for you. I wish you wouldn't look depressed." Dorothy startled and flushed. 'Do I? I wasn't aware of it. No one has noticed it but you. Perhaps it is only because you know that I am so." "But I don't know you well enough to recognize a change in your manner and appearance. Ernest remarked it this morning after you left the table, and appealed to the family. Malcolm admitted that he had been too much absorbed in some new theory of color in photography to take special notice of anybody." "You are very kind to warn me, for Ernest is no joke when roused. With all his gayety and indifference, he is very persistent." "The truth is, Dorothy, your brothers and sisters are too much engrossed by their own con- could confess my unfortunate story to Miss Russell. I could not meet the expression of her eyes. I dare not suffer her scorn. Listen! There is a way out of all this trouble. If you could "Naturally; and my own affairs are very win Miss Russell's sympathy for me--if she will simple, and not at all absorbing." "And so you really interest yourself in mine?'' "Yes, to help you to happiness. I like everybody to be contented and smiling; it produces a sweet atmosphere." "You are so childish, Hebe." "That's what Malcolm says." wait "Wait!" Hebe repeated, with some asperity. "What do you mean? How could you so deceive her?" "Oh, don't overwhelm me with your reproaches. I want you to set my hopes before her. I have taken the proper measures to pro "Malcolm was very sensible when he married cure a divorce. Do not judge until you hear all. you." This divorce secured, there is no further obstacle Hebe laughed joyously and ran off to her to my marriage with Miss Russell." music. On the following Wednesday several incidents aided her little plan for Dorothy's comfort. An old lady from a distant city monopolized Anne, and the two withdrew to the dining-room for their confidential chat and refreshments. Addie had a friend spending the day with her, and their calls fully occupied their moments. late in the afternoon when Sherwood's tall figure appeared between the hangings, and presently he was seated in a corner, near Hebe, at liberty to win her sympathy. It was "You see how remote we are, although there are several persons in the room with us. I like these spacious parlors, if they are very old-fashioned." Hebe's gaze was so peculiar that Sherwood grew embarrassed. He continued slowly : "You must make her fully understand that my position was not a secret. My intimate friends are aware that I made a hasty, imprudent marriage in early youth. After several wretched years my wife and I separated. She lives with her parents. I can pay her enough to gain her consent to a legal divorce. It can be obtained in a neighboring State without much publicity. If Miss Russell will accept me, knowing all the circumstances, I believe that we can be happy." "Do you?'' "Yes; why not?" Hebe examined her wedding ring with its guard, a hoop of rubies. She spoke earnestly: "I didn't know that commonplace people "I do, too." Sherwood's comprehensive glance seemed sat- could get divorces and marry again. isfactory. "I find it almost impossible to speak freely to you, Mrs. Russell, and yet I have no other resource. Last summer I met your sister-in-law at a country place. I do not see her here; perhaps she is absent by design. We fell in love with each other; my heart was involved before I realized the extent of my interest in her. I am not a youth; this is not a fancy. It is a passion. For weeks I have tried to find the way to explain my position to her. Although I loved heralthough I felt that her heart was mine, there was a barrier that held me silent! How to remove it is my problem. Then, again, I cannot understand how she would regard my proposition, hampered as I am. I see that you cannot surmise that I only perplex you. Mrs. Russell, if a man makes a terrible mistake in early youth, do you think his whole life should be spent in misery? Must he forfeit happiness forever? Here is the truth: I have a wife." Hebe stared at Sherwood, too amazed to speak. "You are horrified. I thought so. That is why I never In history, you know, only great men could put away one wife and marry another. I am sure Dorothy would not marry you under such circumstances. In the first place, you have deceived her; and you say you will bribe your wife to let you get a divorce. Two wrongs never make one right.” "Women like you jump to a conclusion." "Still, if I should creep I would reach the same opinion. I am sorry you told me this thing. Why did you do it?" "Because I felt that you would pity me and help me with your influence." "Pity you, yes." "Don't decide against me until you have had time to consider my hopes and Miss Russell's future. You will tell her everything without re serve?" "No? Miss Russell will be the best judge of what will tend to our mutual happiness. She is not a child just out of school. She is a woman and lives in the world. We Americans are |