Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1877-07-26
TRUE TO HER PROMISE.

TRUE TO HER PROMISE.
In the dark interior of the earth
among the gross rocks, are found many
precious stones that serve to ornament
the persons of lord and lady, and spark.
lie in the royal crown of mOnarchs.
Thus it is III human life Among the
ignorant and debased we often behold
one whose mind is more highly cultiva-
ted and whose soul has attained a high
er degree Of refinement than his fellow
beings.
Flora Allen was maiden who had
passed her days among the wales and
mountains.
Her associates were of the honest and
thrifty class, yet deeply lacking in those
accomplishments that tend to the de
yelopment of the refined lady and
gentleman.
She, however, possessed an indomita-
bic will in searching after knowledge
and her mind being of a high analytical
nature, and her comprehensive facul-
ties well developed, she soon arose
above her associates in educational nc
quirements.
Not only did she excel them in intel
lectual qualities, but in beauty of
features and gracefulness of person
there were none among the young peo-
pie with whom her life was interviewer
that could compare with her.
She had rosy complexion, indicating
that it had received the inyigorating
influence of the sun and air. Her eyes
were large, mirthful, and noble-looking,
while down her shoulders hung her au-
burn tresses in many wavy fold.
1t was charming morning in the
rosy month of June that Flora Allen,
arrayed in q calico dress, with a broad
brimmcd hat quite destitute of super
fetal ornaments resting on her pretty
head, wandered into grove not far
from her fathers house.
She delighted to participate in out
door exercises, and nothing gave her
greater pleasure than to steal away to
some cool retreat and pass the time in
perusing an interesting book or else
occupying herself in some artistic work.
As she walked along, now and then
plucking some modest flowers that grew
at her feet, her voice rose in melody on
the perfumed air. Suddenly she ceased
singing, the warm blood mantling to
her cheeks.
Pray do not allow my presence to
disturb you Whenever | hear people
singing | feel that they are happy, and
| take great delight in listening to a
sweet song"
The speaker was q young man clad In
plain clothes. He was standing on the
bank of stream, holding fishing-rod
in HIS hand. At the present time he
was more earnestly engaged in observ-
ing the pretty form that stood before
him than attending to his piscatorial
occupation.
4 presume that you are Mr.. Aliens
daughter" he continued II have not
the honor of his acquaintance, but ]
have often heard Of him and yourself
by means Of my friend, Thomas Bel
dron."
You are right" she replied, mod,
estly. Probably you are aware that
Tom is my cousin2"
have often heard him mention his
cousin Flora, but | have never had the
honor of meeting you before. Allow
me to introduce myself as Henry Dan,
ham,"
Sheaowed politely, and said #.
Il have often heard Tom speak OF
YOU, Mr.. Durham"
Il shouldn't wonder; he is very prone
to talk about his friends. You ought to
hear him speak of you"
/ trust he didn't say anything very
IL III, Il
Not in the least. In fact he said he
couldn't do you justice"
The fiattererl" she exclaimed. "He
deserves to have his ears boxed But
really think Cousin Tom is one of the
best fellows IN the world"
quite agree with YOU" said Henry
with great warmth of feeling. ~ have
good opportunity to become well &C
quainted with his disposition, as We
associated together Il great deal while
living at Keene, and a better lad than
Thomas Boldron was not to be found IL
the place"
What success have you had in fish
ing, Mr. Dunham?' asked Flora, chang
ing the topic of conversation.
Not any," was the reply.
DO you see that large sycamore
standing not far up the stream? ?" she
said pointing to the tree with her deli
cately shaped hand. Papa says there
is not better place in the neighborhooc
in which to fish than there. Good-day
Mr.. Durham"
"Good-day," replied Henry.
Clasping his rod in his hand, Henry
Durham turned his steps in the direc
ton of the sycamore that had beer
pointed out to him by Flora Allen.
Had not her pretty features and
charming ways made such deep i'm
preston on his mind, in all probability
Henry Dunham's angling at the syea
more would have been crowned with
success, as he was skilful angler, and
the stream afforded no better place IL
which to engage in this romantic occu
patton.
As it was, however, he met with bu
little success. He found it somewhat