River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-06-26

| hands. She did not weep, she did not
even think; she covered there like one
stunned; she could not tell how long,
until a heavy fall and baby's wall
aroused her to her senses. She jumped
up and looked around The outcast lay
prone upon her back beside the window
she had entered, and the baby screamed
and struggled in the mothers arms.
Violet with cry of alarm, hastily
picked up the child; it was unframed.
She closed the window, laid the baby up
on the sofa, and then ran upstairs for
Aunt Rose. Before Mrs. Campbell
appeared upon the scene, however, Violet
had placed the senseless form upon the
sofa, and taking the child in her arms,
and was irving to soothe it. The poor
baby was placed in Mrs. Campbell's arms,
and while Vio.et pulled off the bonnet
and shawl of the wanderer, she told her
aunt about her visitor and her story. At
| ter some little exertion upon the part of
/ both ladies, the outcast once more opened
her ewes. Violet then took up the child
from the chair where it had fallen asleep,
and Aunt Rose poured out glass of
wine and handed it to the sufferer. The
woman took few sips, and them hand
ed back the goblet, raised her eyes to the
kind lady's face.
Mrs. Campbell." she suddenly ex-
claimed, supporting herself on her hands,
and staring into Aunt Roses eyes.
Lucy King can it be possible.' said
aunt Rose a sinking into the chair.
4 There was long pause during which
nothing could be heard but the low sob
bling of the poor woman.
Lucy, we owe you much for the infor
nation you have brought my niece to-
night" said Aunt Rose, after a while
''Ycu are the wife, then, of this man!
Why was it that he deserted your
No, no; did not say his wife, ex-
claimed the girl, quickly.
.'ViOlet said Aunt Rose, questioning
ly. turning to her niece.
Il told Miss Medrlng l was his wife in
the sight of God. o, l hate to tell what
/ really am. | was young, ignorant
girl, Mrs. Campbell, and he was man
Of the world, with smooth tongue and
fair promises. As God is my judge did
not dream of wrong doing. He lied to
me; he deceived me most cruely, and
must bear all the shame. o, Mrs. Camp
bell, if it were only me alone who had to
suffer | would not care, but father-the
hale, strong man you knew-is fading
away by inches; life is desert to my
mother, and brother VIII left me with a
curse. / tried to get Archer to do the
right thing after found in what ter
rible situation he had placed me; but
all my prayers, my threats, were of no
use. / saw him last just before my child
was born That time he"
"He did not strike yOu!' asked Violet
her eyes abiaZe.
Yes, he struck me-" came back al
most in a whisper.
'sI'he bruten'
After things wers settled again. con-
finued Lucy, after a pause. Il deter
mined to seek him once more and see if
he would not do something for his child s
sake. | tracked him here. They told
me he was attentive to Miss Medring. |
came here tonight to waylay him as he
came out | missed him in some way,
but seeing you, Miss violet, through the
window, you looked so young and limo
cent, l thought it pity to let one like
him play with your heart, and made
bold to tap upon the pane"
Violet said Aunt Rose, II know
this girl, and | know her good father
and mother; honest, Christian people,
and can vouch that she never learned to
lie from them. | became acquainted
with them years ago at my step-brother
Henry's farm they are his next-door
II do not doubt the truth OF Lucy's
story, Aunt Rose; it bears the impress of
TRUTH" said Violet, com
posedlv, as she arose and handed the
baby to its mother; ''this child's face is
enough to convince me. 1t is the image
of Its father. You say this man is not
aware of your presence here2"
mo, he does not dream that | would
leave homc.n
and you have told your story to no
one here but u.s."
mo, did not let the slightest hint
drop"
you did we'll Tomorrow you must
return TO your home, but he must not
guess that you have spoken to me; when
/ need you | will send for you. | wiles
take your fight into my hands. You say
YOU are his wife in the sight of God;
say, if womans wit and woman's wife
can accomplish aught, you shall be John
Archers wife in the sight of God and OF
man." Then she added tiercely to her
self: ''He deceived me, too, and l must
have revenge, sweet revenge"
But one thing | can't understand,
Violet; why is it your aunt has taken
such a dislike to me. What could | have
done to offend herr"
John, dear, it is because she no long
er has all of my love to herself. | am
like an only child, and she dislikes you
because you have stolen my heart from
her"
But darling, she ought to realize that
she can not expect to keep you forever
Treasures like your own sweet self will
sooner or later attract discoverer; pre-
cious gems are not to be passed un-
noticed
Particularly by needy Adventures
like yourself"
.'Violetl"
"Then you do love me for myself, and
and not merely for my wealth.
Darling, how can you doubt my lover
Aunt Rose tells me my wealth is my
only attraction in your eyes. But | care
not what it is you see IN me to love, my
heart is wholly yours. If YOU have de-
fects, as other mortals have, / see them
not; if you are deceiving me, | see no
signs Of it, love reveals to me nothing
but love, and / do not care to see with
other than loves eyes, though an abyss
vawns before me-
Dear Violet
A self-satisfed smile passed across his
features as the yong girl threw herself
into his arms. Had Violet forgotten her
revenge, or was this but part other plan
10 accomplish itf
Then your aunt will not give her con-
sent to our MARRIAGE" he asked, as they
walked on through the moonlit woods.
No. Her heart is set upon my marry
ing George Steele"
THE lawyers SOM
Yes
,sHuu,pb - no muttered with a Shruo