The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1873-10-23
CHASE, MICH, THURSDAY, OCT. %, 1873.

Ii mel stayed for several days,
making himself very agreeable to
Rena, and his attentions were
even M, re pleasing to the money
loving father.
Many long hours each day were
passed by tho young people in
f'rcst ramblcs or boat riding on
the River.
Rcna felt that her dreams were
realized, and that she had met
her destiny at last. Rena was
seventeen, and hal -as what girl
of that age has not-indulged in
dreams Of the coming knight who
was to Il i her very highest wishes
and hopes.
There was one among the peo.
PIE Of Woodlea, as the place was
called, who did not choose to rec
ognizc Mr.. Walworrh as anything
hut an ordinary mortal. This was
Henry Norman, a young mill
foreman, who lived some three
miles from Rena's home, and who
was a constant visitor, and had
been the mailcn's companion on
many a forest ralnble, until the
coming OF this yonng man from
the city. ltena had always ap-
peared glad to see Henry, and he
learned in time TO look upon the
future as containing much Of hap
py contentment, with Rena a. his
helpmate for life. Ills bright
dreams were destined to come to
naugh., as many a bright dream
has done before.
"Who is that odious fellow who
comes here so Oftehs'
This was the question that Hen.
ry Norman put to Rena one day,
shortly after Walwortli's depar-
ture. 1t was evident from the
petulencc Of his speech that he
was growing jealous Of the wealthy
aristocrat.
"IIe is not a fellow, he is a real
fine gentleman" rctorted Rena,
with show of spirit.
"Ah, then, l was mistaken.
He comes here quito often, docs
he notl"
ale has been here only twice
this summer" r.., ',.'.
"BusineSs visits, surposes'
"Of course; why do You ask!"
returned Itcna, a look of surprise
in her grea: brown eyes.
"Out Of curiosity, l suppose.
But Rena," said the young man
with al eff,rt to appear calm, IL
cannot stand this suspense any
loagcr. l have loved you, and
hoped for the time to come when
| could ask sou to be my wife.
Circumstances compel inc to de-
clare that love which have long
tried to conceal, AID | ask you
now, Rcaa, if you will consent to
share the lot of a poor man, with
the hope Of a better fortune in the
fu urcs"
The youth spoke earnestly, but
his appeal lacked the ,inge OF ro-
nance 80 necessary to touch the
hearts of some young ladies.
This bold declaration wasn't a lit
romantic, and had Rera loved
him before, he had ruined his
prospects now, by his straightfor-
ward, manly way Of speaking.
Rena had dreamed OF romantic
love making, to culminate in a
declaration after the most ap-
proved style in the novels of the
day. There was no romance
about Henry. Ho was plain,
practical, and possessed fair
share OF common sense, In COM
pairing him with Lionel, Rena felt
that the latter came nearer filling
her ideal of a man, and shc was
therefore compelled to say:
"Mr. Norman, your declaration
is surprise and pain to nc.
1 respect you as friend. l can
DC nothing more."
s"One word," he said, his pale
face, his whole frame trembling.
"Well?"
"Do you care for Lionel Wal
worthw
"You have no right to ask that
question; but | will answer it.
zee, sir, | dol"
"Very well, Rena; you spurn
my love now; but should the time
ever come when you need the
help OF a friend, send mo word
and | will come" Raising her
hand to bis lips lie pressed a warm
kiss thereon and turned away.
Tie echo Of his departing step
strangely sad in her cara,
Ind from that time it haunted her