Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-03-19

The boy bewildered me.
As fate uld have il, Fred was right.
felt very i'll. believe I resisted fever,
for l have sensation of struggle connec-
ted with that sickness. But cannot
separate he pictures of my distempered
fancy from the actualities of the time.
Leonora took devoted care of me. Night
after nighth Fred sat by me-, and they
relieved each other. Like one bound in an
enchantment, l lay unable to prevent their
mutual confidence, and the return of her
young lovers adoring regard
He sat beside her as the fire burned low;
his blond hair touched her dusky cheek as
lie bent over her.
Leo, darling, I wish I was sick, like
mamma
Hush ! said she.
Then you would soothe me, and part
my hair with your soft fingers, that refuse
to touch mine now. You would be sorry
for me, and give me little caressing, and
| should be so happy would not get well.
Don't talk so, Fred. You used to be
an even-tempered, comfortable kind OF
young man to know. But now you are
reilly teasing
DO really annoy your
VERY much
And you don't believe in me. Some
times dumb kind of philosophy possesses
me, and I say to myself, let her think OF
me as she vii. I cannot be frank, and
must take the consequences. Then
again
Here she rose, and he put both arms
aronpI hor An6a oIouS how
'Fred!' was uttered In stiied voice.
Promise me to send off Christopher,
calculated the young man.
The corners of the room seemed to
stretch away indefinitely. A heavy per-
fume sufocated me. I groaned. In an
other moment Leonora was beside me,
and the fresh air was blowing in from a
window my son had opened.
made hast to get well. The physi-
clans say my constitution and good nursing
saved me but it was al resolution. My
aoalL was stronger than the disease. AS
soon as | could sit up and see him, Denis
Christopher was admitted. | used to hear
a dulcet strain on the stairs, formed by her
delicate note and his melodious base, and
then he would follow Leonora in to pay
his respects to me /; always bringing some.
thing to brighten up my boudoir, and rem
der her Imprisonment less uncomfortable.
Afterward he would never be e1iled to
the drawing rooms. Fred frowned at the
ease with which he invaded our retirement,
but only frowned. He and I began t.
wonder if Christopher would win her.
Valiantly but cautiously was he wooing.
Fred went off On boating excursion, and
I grew weary. I wished [ had died. The
secret of my good looks was confessed.
Perfect health had kept my beauty undim-
med. But coloress and hollow-eyed the
fever left me. I could lcok at myself no
more so I looked at Leonora. She was
pretty, with as,charm that did not depend
on tint or outline. Her new friend was
penetrated by her real graces and his
ideal rendering of them ; but would he
conquer? l was sure not. Because sep,
aration is alienation at a certain age, l
resolved on Freds speedy withdrawal
from the scene. Why not 60 abroad i'm
mediately after his graduation, which was
to occur in few weeks On his return !
suggested it. He gloomlly consented.
will you come, too, mamma?
Not yet in the course Of year per-
haps = and I looked over to the corner
where Leonora was winding worsted from
Mr.. Christopher fingers.
Come, now said he, take Leonora,
and we will set up housekeeping in the
easy continental style
She has her hands full just now Liter.
ally as we'll as fguratively true, for she
had wound two enormous green balls.
oh hr
Christopher. Would you like call from
the bride and groom?'
My young Fontevarult looked at me.
DO you speak as you know, mamma?
Look for your self, my hoodwinked
Cupid. Girls are all alike, Fred. He car
ask her to marry him, and has that adVan
tage over you
So it was decided that Fred should &C
to Paris, and be happy. Mrs. Blanchard
gave him farewell party, and all the
Dung ladies were at their sweetes. FREQ
behaved with sullen dignity, as a iol
should. He refused to be comforted by
Adelaide and Rose, walking about with
one or another, andlooking at Leonora, al
whom all mankind were gazing that night
She was in dashing spirits, glorious col
or diffused her cheeks, her eyes fairly
danced. Her dress was of feathery BLACK
tule, and a broad silver ribbon, like az
order, went over her sholders. In the
Inning black braids glistend fern leaves O
silver tiligree. Fortunately, Fred and
discovered them-Leonora and her insep
able cavalier, Denis, mean-in an alcovt
of roses and jessamines. She admirins
the flowers, and he talking with fervol
very easy to read. She listening, as wo
man always listen when the pleader Ii
eloquent. But in her downcast face I rea(
only pain, while my son translated thu
deep blush differently. When we were
at home, and 1 waited to bid him gooe
night, he took me in his strong arms
you love me, mamma, don't you p
He was all I had in the world, so toll,
him.
Then followed week we long remem
bered-the first week of Denis's absence
Leonora was gloomy and distraite; Free
! cool as a peak of the Andes, and about a.
unapproachable I immersed in the hurr,
and confusion Of my sons departure. II,
| had suite of rooms over mine, and, tn,
night before he went away, leaned ove
the ballusteFs, and called, as in old time {:
'Leonorai'
She gave a glad start, and. ran up t,
him. So followed, of course. WANTED
to put some fannels into his trunk, which
stood in his bedroom. The doors wer,
open between US. He had bundle O
her letters tied up in a bulkey packet, ant
began to talk with great discretion.
Il have been putting my affairs in order,
said the systematic young man. 4 may
never come back, and at any rate, my alb
sence will be long. l thong ht it would b.
better to give you these, lest they fall int
alien hands,