Helen of the Old House

the modest houses, if they seem to lack in modern smartness, more than make good the loss by their air of homelike comfort. The Martin cottage was bu

r for long the expression of her habitually contented and cheerful spirit. She worked at her household tasks with a song, entered into the pleasures of her friends and neighbors with hearty delight, and was known, as well, to many poverty-stricken homes in the Flats in times of need.More than one young workman in the Mill had wanted Pete Martin's girl to help him realize his dreams of home building. But Mary had always answered "No."Mary's brother Charlie was a strong-shouldered, athletic workman, with a fine, clean countenance and the bearing of his military experience.At supper, that evening, the young woman remarked casually, "Helen Ward went by this afternoon. I was working in the roses. I thought for a moment she was going to stop--at the old house, I mean."Captain Charlie's level gaze met his sister's look. "Did she see you?""She did and she didn't," replied Mary."Never mind, dear," returned the soldier workman, "it'll be all right."Peter Martin--a gray-haired veteran with rather a stolid English face--looked up at his children questioningly. Presently he said, "It's a wonder Adam wouldn't fix up the old place a bit--for pride's sake if for nothing else. It's a disgrace to the neighborhood.""I guess that's the reason he lets it go," said Captain Charlie, pushing his chair back from the table."What's the reason?" asked Peter."For his pride's sake. As it stands now, the old house advertises Adam's success. When people see it in ruins like that they always speak of the big new house on the hill. If the old house was fixed up and occupied it wouldn't cause any comment on Adam's prosperity, you see. John told me once that he had begged his father to let him do something with it, but Adam ordered him never to set foot on the place.""Well," said Mary, "I suppose he can a