Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-01-24


her anger on him. He never loined
her. He was always civil and we'll
bred. but that was all. She was down
right perplexed.
She scarcely ever met him, even at
the table, much less of an evening. He
went fishing by sunrise, rode on horse
back half the day, and at night asked
the gentlemen up to his chamber; the
Ladies, sitting lonely in the parlor,
heard, through the open windows.
laughter ring out and gay songs being
sung. 1t was getting maddening.
One evening Madge curled herself
up on sofa and looked at the matter
seriously. She must outgeneral him.
But how? She had tried hauteur. and
1t had signally failed. Now she would
try dash Of 'E giving ill.," even though
1t hurt her to do so. She would plant
herself on the old footing.
Just then Lvndhurst stepped into the
room, cautiously at first, as if fearing
her presence. She immediately rose to
meet him. He did not start, but looked
her over from head to foot without a
word; She gayly said:
Don't you think your Highness is
OVERRIDING things trife?o Then she
lost control of herself, and showed her
vexatlon. Sing to me-" she cried.
walk with me, talk to me, do any
thing to obliterate this doIetul week"
=" Well, Miss Barron" he answered
coolly, suppose we talk and walk. I'll
say, under the stars, what said under
the oaks; and you shall give me true
answer"
She looked at him a moment, then
fairly blazed. 81 never saw such per-
sistence. Thank heaven 90 home
tomorrow, where gentlemen know
what to do to lady, and take no for
no without getting sullen. Good
night, Mr.. Darlington; and, good-by.
If you ever consent to be less boorsh,
persistent, [ shall be pleased to see YOU
in town."
He watched her out of the room and
then sat down to the piano
Miss Barron's first impulse was to
seek out the party on the lawn, but
somehow every face on earth but one
seemed tame. Then she resolved 10
go into the library and read, but books
were so wearying.
. :" would play" she said, pettishly,
:" II that pig-headed masculine was not
monopolizing the piano"
Just at this point she burst into tears.
Crying, usually, to Miss Barron con-
sisted of couple of tears mopped up
by bit of lace. She had never before
thrown herself down in such limp
shape, and got herself into such a
thorough tempest of weeping, as now.
She was an hour at it. Gradually she
got calmer. She sat up, and began
to consider what was next best to do.
She tried to think Of going home as a
pleasure soon at hand. Home What
had she there? Only an old aunt, who
dozed in lace cap, with a cup of
chocolate at her elbow, half the time.
The memory of the pleasant days spent
here would drive her wild in that
gloomy house. Then she acknowledged |
that it would be- terrible any where
without-without-
She jumped to her feet.
He will drive me Wild" she said,
: banging in that way on the piano."
She passed into the hall and looked |
into the drawing-room, where he sat
placidly playing
Poor fellow !" she thought. Chow
can call it obstinacy? 1t looks like
misery written all over his features.
And isn't he superb-looking? Why, no
one else has ever approached him.
And he will be mine if l say it,"
Suddenly-can you comprehend it,
she walked straight into the parlor and
stole up behind him, put her arms
about his neck, and pressed her cheek
against his.
Not word was said for some mo-
ments; but his fingers fell from the
keys, his arms dropped listlessly at his
sides, his head sunk lower and lower
On his breast, and Madge felt a mist
gathering in her eyes, mist of happy
5ears.
Come out under the stars" she
II want to say yes to you"
L am answered, Madge," he said,
1rawlng one of he hands over his
shoulder and talking with it against his
Fps. " Let US not mar this moment of
surprise and joy by single word"
"Lyndhurst, you are provoking as
ever. When | would not, | must;
1oW will, shall not. I shall have to
practice humility, see, and study my
ord's moods. You've played the high
land long enough, and I insist on say
ng yes in my own way. There, now,
f you don't want to speak again in al
lour L will rest my face here and
lream."
II don't think you will find me a
yrant," he said, kissing her. But
come out, Madge, and let's compare
'ur mutual miseries during the past
week."
He led her through the open window,
folding back the swaying vines for her
o pass. There, arm in arm, under the
tars, let us leave them.