Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-09-30

| would not marry him because she was so
proud
And he went sadly away, feeling numb
and stupefed, as he walked home in a
strange, dazed way, that his fond mother
saw from her peeping place between the
curtains; and heE own face lost all its mat
! ronly bloom as Cleve came in whittier than
death itself and threw himself on the sofa
Then when he had told her, between
spasms of pain that forced him to lie
speechless, the rosy flush crept softly
back, and into the eyes fairly radiated q
happy, hopeful light.
Try to bear it, my boy" she said,
gently. You have proved what a noble
woman she is, if nothing more"
Then she went out, smiling to herself.
A plain, large room, situated
on the second story, that bore evidence of
very recent finishing in the new, cheap
carpet on the floor, the cheap, coarse,
homely chairs and table. Before the
small, mahogany-framed looking-glass
that hung between the windows Mrs.
Symes Symington was tying her bonnet
strlngs-narrow black strings to a black
straw bonnet, trimmed with Quaker plain
ness-that compared suitably with her
black alpaca dress and dull plaid shawl
She smiled at her reflection, then glanced
down at her unaccustomed toilet
[ think [ shall be successful will
be successful, for my boys sake. The
sight of his patient, pale face will inspire
me to any degree, and if Miss Lorne is
the woman | take her to be she will prove
it before an hour passes over our heads.
Since her descent into poyerty-gen-
teel, lady-like poverty, however, learn
she passes this house every day at twelve
o'clock, and takes her dinner at the res
taurant several doors below; so if | in
tend to meet her [ had better be going"
She locked the door, put the key in her
pocket and went down the stairs into the
street. ,xactly in time; for slight,
graceful figure, clad in gray twill, passed
quietly by and into the restaurant. She
knew it was Birdie Lorne as well as Cleve
would have known it, although she had
never seen her before. She walked calm
ly to the restaurant, and took a seat at the
same table with the pretty, high-bred girl
The place was nearl y full, and Mrs. Sym
ington was glad of it. She could con-
verse all the better with this prospective
daughter-in-law of hers; and, naturally, as
sensible women, the two formed a speak
ing acquaintance while waiting for the
meal. All at once, as if suddenly i'm
pressed with the idea, Mrs. Symington
looked curiously in BRIDES face.
81 beg pardon-but are you not Miss
Lorne? [ am sure you must be the young
lady my son speaks of SO often"
There was something so kind and
genial in the air that Birdie did not re-
sent it.
"Your son? I certainly am Miss
Lorne; but you have the advantage of
me-
6 am Cleve Symington's mother, dear
There, forgive me, but you see know all
about it. I am so thankful to have met
you, quite providentially."
Birdie blushed now-as much in sur
prise as anything else; and involuntarily
glanced at the plain, questionable at
tire.
"You understand? We have been as
unfortunate as yourself, Miss Lorne
Everything is gone and Cleve goes out
actually goes out every day"
A little exclamation Of amaze met her
vague remarks, and Birdie never stopped
to wonder where everything was gone"
or if Cleve event out, actually went out
every day. for exercise, pleasure and to
earn his living. Only the impression re-
ceived by her was just the one Mrs. Sym
ington intended to convey.
"Poor fellow. Isis he we'll ?''
ooh, yes, perfectly we'll, and as brave
as a lion; only-forgive me, dear-only
hopelessly cast down on your account. l
am his mother, and to you, the only girl
he ever loved, I say-he loves you with
an affection that will never abate."
Brides cheeks glowed brighter and
roster, her eyes full of happy smiles.
"And love him, dear Mrs. Symington
i did then, only somehow | couldn't
say so.''
You do? you are sure you do? Then
tell me to tell him, won't you, or, better
yet, come home with me, and tell him
yourself? He may be in, or not, | won't
say; but if he is
Birdie blushed violently, then lifted her
frank eyes. q VIII ask him if he thinks
1 am worthy. Come, dear Mrs. Syming-
| TOM
In the cherries room she sat down
with happy, grateful tears in her eyes,
while Mrs. Symington brought pencil and
paper, with curious witch of her mouth
that meant smiles or tears-either or both.
"He must have stayed over noon, dear,
but you just write what you please, and
leave it. He will be so happy when he
gets it. He'll come to see you at once, I
know Don't forget your address"
SO Birdie poured out her whole heart,
completely conquered now, and sealed the
| letter to Cleve Symington. Then she kissed
the mother.
Il am so thankful we met so strangely,
and am so glad you live in this poor,