_Helen Lorrington._ Accomplished young widow, Anne Douglas’s intimate friend. She is the semi-betrothed of _Ward Heathcote_, who nevertheless considers himself free to woo Anne. After many complications, Heathcote, believing Anne already married becomes Helen’s husband. The latter is murdered a year or two later under circumstances that cast suspicion upon Heathcote. Through Anne’s efforts and testimony he is acquitted, and finally marries her.—Constance Fennimore Woolson, _Anne_ (1882). _Helen_ (_Lady_), in love with Sir Edward Mortimer. Her uncle insulted Sir Edward in a county assembly, struck him down, and trampled on him. Sir Edward, returning home, encountered the drunken ruffian and murdered him. He was tried for the crime, and acquitted “without a stain upon his character;” but the knowledge of the deed preyed upon his mind so that he could not marry the niece of the murdered man. After leading a life of utter wretchedness, Sir Edward told Helen that he was the murderer of her uncle, and died.—G. Colman, _The Iron Chest_ (1796). _Helen_ [MOWBRAY], in love with Walsingham. “Of all grace the pattern—person, feature, mind, heart, everything as nature had essayed to frame a work where none could find a flaw.” Allured by Lord Athunree to a house of ill-fame, under pretence of doing a work of charity, she was seen by Walsingham as she came out, and he abandoned her as a wanton. She then assumed male attire, with the name of Eustace. Walsingham became her friend, was told that Eustace was Helen’s brother, and finally discovered that Eustace was Helen herself. The mystery being cleared up, they became man and wife.—S. Knowles, _Woman’s Wit, etc._ (1838). =Helen’s Fire= (_feu d’Hélène_), a comazant called “St. Helme’s” or “St. Elmo’s fire” by the Spaniards; the “fires of St. Peter and St. Nicholas” by the Italians; and “Castor and Pollux” by the ancient Romans. This electric light will sometimes play about the masts of ships. If only one appears, foul weather may be looked for; but if two or more flames appear, the worst of the storm is over. _Helen_ (_Rolleston_), heroine of Charles Reade’s novel, _Foul Play_. She is betrothed to Wardlaw, chief villain of the story, and sets out on a sea-voyage to restore her health; is shipwrecked and cast on an island with Herbert Penfold. After their return to England, she rights the wronged Penfold, and punishes Wardlaw. _Helen_, wife of _John Ward, Preacher_. Her husband is a Calvinist of a pronounced type; she a believer in Universal Salvation. The spiritual agonies to which they are subjected by the difference in creeds, separate them for a while and are the moving cause of John Ward’s death. He passes away, convinced that “his death is to be the climax of GOD’S plans for her.”—Margaret Deland, _John Ward, Preacher_ (1888).