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

directed his steps toward the village.
All that day Flora Aliens mind was
filled with thoughts of Henry Durham
She had been favorably impressed by
him, and his agreeable manners had
quite won her admiration.
They met again not long afterwards,
and from that time the acquaintance
that had sprung up in their hearts be-
came more intimate In short time
the bud of friendship blossomed into
the flower of love, and life added new
charms to their spirits.
Henry Durham visited Flora Allen at
her fathers house, and in the grove
where he had first met her they passed
many happy hour.
At length there arrived time when
he informed her that they must part.
He had recently received an appoint
ment as a mate on board steamer that
was to sail in few days for the East
Indies. Before they separated he receiy-
ed her sacred promise to become his
wife on his return from the voyage.
II shall come back some day if God
spares my life, and then | shall claim
you as my BRIDE" he said, on the last
day they We're together Accept this
ring, dearest Flora, and always remem-
Der me-"
He took her delicate hand in his, and
slipped the ring on her finger.
dread to have you leave me, Hen
ry, she said, softly. "The sea is
treacherous.
"There is danger as well on land,
darling, and truly do not believe there
exists more peril on the ocean than on
/ the shore. | shall not be absent more
than a couple of years, providing no
unforeseen accident occurs to prevent
my retnrn. III the meantime [ shall
often write to YOU"
He stopped over her and gently kiss
ed her.
Goodbye, little one.
So saving, he hurried away
The time passed very heavily with
Flora the first few days after her lovers
departuer for sea. She had received a
letter from him the very day on which
he was to leave port, informing her Of
his excellent spirits.
After the lapse of several days she
became more used to hts absence.
Still she cherished his memory as deep
ly as ever, and could hardly wait I'M
til she again received tidings of him.
A year passed by, laden with sum
shine and shadow, when one morning
Mr. Allen handed Flora letter. AS
she looked at the superscription, she
recognized the handwriting of Henry
Durham. Fearing to open the envel-
ope, and with throbbing heart, she
hastily read the lines inscribed therein.
The letter announced his excellent
health, but it also bore the sad tidings
of the loss of the vessel of which he was
part owner, thus deeply involving him in
penury. He had written from abroad,
where he intended to stay until he had
in some degree retrieved his fortunes.
This last announcement fell heavily
on the young girls soul. Her dreams
had never OvershadOwed the love she
cherished for him. She rejoiced to
hear of his excellent health, and trust
ed that in the future better times would
unfold themselves.
In her reply she deeply condoled
with him on the unfortunate occnr-
renee that had recently befallen him.
Her letter was full of cheering words,
in which she repeated her promise ever
to remain true to him, whether riches
or poverty were his destiny.
"Noble grill" exclaimed Henry, as
he sat in his room reading her letter.
Thank Providence, have healthy
body and a pair of strong hands. The
world is wide, and affords a most am
pie field in which to develop ones fac
uIties."
The castles that hope erects are often
levelled to the ground by the relentless
hand of fate. The plans that we de-
sign are seldom accomplished accord
ing to our own intentions.
Thus it was with Henry Durham.
Possessing a strong will and an earn
fallen fortunes; but fate was against
him, ever thwarting his purposes.
Now and then Flora was the happy
recipient of welcome tidings from her
absent lover. He endeavored to con-
ceal nothing from her in regard to him.
self, and always spoke cheerfully of the
future.
Two years had passed away since the
departure of Henry Durham.
Mr.. Allen had in the meantime sold
his estate and moved into town. In
her new change Of life Flora found
much with which to occupy her atten-
ton. Her charming ways and intellec-
tual qualities soon placed her in the
front rank of society.
Many a young gentleman at first
strOye to win her heart and hand; but
she remained true to him whom she
first learned to love-
She mingled much in company, and,
was the acknowledged belle of the
place. sss
Opposite to where Mr.. Allen lived
there resided rich family named Viii
Hams, among whom was q young man
bearing the name of Frank. -
He had been introduced to Flora at
the residence of her cousin, and her
pretty ways and radiant features had
deeply impressed him.
The friendship existing between him
and Flora was of the highest order.
He frequently sought her company,
and mingled greatly in her society.
him much food for meditation and inn
provement.
One balmy evening in September,
few months after Mr.. Allen had taken
up his residence in the town, Frank
Williams called on Flora at her fathers
house.
He found her alone, and after a few
words of greeting had been exchanged
between them, he said:
q came this evening, Flora, to ask
you to marry me-"
The abruptness with which he utter
ed these words caused her to gaze ut
him in the deeneSt amazement