THE ALARM
Helen Winston found it very hard to be merry without her father, but she
did her best and Gladys took her little attentions very kindly.
"What do you propose doing now? she asked when breakfast was cleared
away.
"I must attend to the housekeeping first and then I thought a walk on
the hills would be nice" answered Helen.
"Very good" said Gladys "we can go and visit the old castle you talk so
much about."
"Yes" said Helen, and she tripped down stairs, more for the pleasure of
a comforting talk with Marshland than to order the dinner.
In an hour's time they were all ready and started on their breezy walk.
"How lovely it is up here," remarked Gladys.
"Yes is'nt it beautiful" replied Helen thinking of the last time she was
up there."
The little promenade quite cheered Helen up, and she and Gladys did some
shopping in the afternoon while Mr. Falsey stayed at home to smoke his
pipe.
The next day passed pretty much the same as the first and by Thursday
morning Helen was all smiles again, knowing that by tea-time her dear
father would be home again.
In the afternoon she went out and bought a tea cake for tea. She had tea
laid out on the best bamboo table with the blue and gold tea cups and
she also put fresh flowers in all the vases and all together the little
drawing room had a truly home-like aspect.
At 4 o'clock a ring was heard at the front door.
"How funny of father to ring" cried Helen "I thought he would be sure to
come in and supprise me."
"Perhaps he thought it would supprise you more if he rung," replied
Gladys.
"Ah perhaps so" responded Helen giving a last touch to the pink
rose-buds which drooped prettily over the china vases.
At that moment Marshland entered the room with a frightened look on her
face.
Coming up she handed a telegram to Helen "its given me such a turn miss"
she explained "them telegrams always seem to carry bad news."
Helens face grew pale and she hastily opened the envelope.
The moment her eyes rested on the words, she uttered a cry of anguish
and flung the telegram away from her. "Oh I know its father" she cried.
"Hush hush miss" said Marshland soothingly and picking up the telegram
she too read the fatel words. The telegram ran as follows:
Come at once, a terrible thing has happened.
SHEENE.
Marshland's honest face grew ashy as she read the words, but she tried
to control her feelings for Helens sake.
"Well miss it is a terrible thing" she said "but we can but hope for the
best, what train will you go by miss."
"Oh I dont know, dont ask me," cried poor Helen.
"Dont cry so Helen dear" said Gladys "after all it may not be as bad as
Mr. Sheene thinks."
"Wont you allow me to come to Warwick with you Miss Winston?" asked Mr.
Palsey kindly.
"You're very kind" sobbed Helen, "but Gladys wont like it."
"Dont think of me for one instant" said Gladys, patting Helen's head "of
course you'll go with her James and Marshland and I will keep house till
you come back."
"I had better go tonight" said Helen getting up from the sofa and
glancing at the pretty little tea table, which five minutes ago she had
arranged with such love and care.
"Yes miss, the telegram says at once" replied Marshland, "I wonder when
the next train is."
"I can tell you" cried Mr. Palsey producing a time table from his pocket
and running his finger down the column.
"Poor Helen" said Gladys kissing her fondly.
"Seven fifteen is the next" said Mr. Palsey, "that'll give you nice time
to get ready," and it gets to Warwick at 11-30.
"That will do" replied Helen "will you put my things together for me, I
feel so faint."
"Yes dearie" replied Marshland. Now Helen dear you rest on the sofa and
I'll bring you some tea" said Gladys. Helen flung herself down, quite
worn out.
Gladys gave her a cup of strong tea and bathed her hot head with eau de
cologne.
"I'll go and order the dog-cart, to drive us to the station" said Mr.
Palsey.
"Yes be quick James, you must not be late" replied Gladys.
For in an hour's time all was ready. Helen, with a white shawl over her
face was standing at the door while Mr. Palsey put the bags into the dog
cart.
"Goodbye Helen dear" cried Gladys "keep up a good heart and James will
take every care of you."
"Goodbye Gladys" said Helen "and thanks so much for sparing him to me."
"Goodbye Miss Helen my love" cried poor old Marshland wiping her eyes on
her apron, "write as soon as you can and let me know how the master is."
"Yes of course I will" cried Helen, jumping into the dog cart, "goodbye
all, goodbye and in an other minute the dog cart was out of sight, and
Marshland returned to her work, and Gladys to the deserted drawing
room.