Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-09-25

music should invite them to join the
dance,-an amusement-when it leads
not to often to late hours--both health
mind.
John Morrison remained with Mrs
Dempster despite the efforts Of the Cliff
tons to take him with them. F.r some
time nothing was spoken of but the
beauty and grace and elegance ofAlice;
then the conversation turned toward
the subject of her marriage with Walter
he distinctly announced his intention
to make formal demand of her hand
on the Saturday, if he obtained the
young girls consent that night. John
bit his lips; and. to change the con-
versation, opened a book and read
aloud. Mrs. Dernpster listened awhile;
and then, the stiffness and quiet, the
silent night asserted its influence, and
she fell asleep. John continued read
ing for about half an hour; but then he
laid down his book and fell into deep
reverie. He was half asleep and half
awake for hours. Suddenly he started
up as the clock struck four. and found
Mrs. Dempster preparing tea.
"Not home yet" said John, smiling
"the little dissipated girl"
sit is so seldom she goes out" re-
piled Mrs. Dempster. II do not expect
her yet"
At this moment the sound OF carriage
wheels was heard. There were two not
one. They threw open the easement.
1t was daylight; and within hundeed
yards they discovered a carriage and
gig side by side. Alice was in the gig
driven by Walter, while some friends
filed the vacant places in the vehicle.
They came up at a rapid pace, and
pulled up at the door. Alice leaped
out; then with a bow and ''good
morning" the party sped away home
ward. As she entered the room, both
noticed that all Alice's elasticity of
step,-all her spirits all her liveliness,
was gone.
you are tired, love-" said her mother
kindly; there is a nice cup OF tea; you
look serious, suppose Master Walter
has been proposing to You. [ suppose
too, [ shall have him here on Saturday,
as he threatened, and shall lose my
child next. Never look so serious. 1t
is quite natural, and do not say it by
way of reproach."
Mamma" replied Alice, 81 have
had two offers this morning. You look
surprised, Mamma; and you, my dear
friend look vexed. [ should be sorry if
the conclusion of my words should pain
you. On Monday, l accidentally discov-
cred that John Morrison here had loved
me as his future wife for six years"
"John!' exclaimed the mother, look
ing at them both with an air of unmixed
establishment.
eyes, for six years; and 1 have scorn-
ed his love. [ thought him too old, too
grave for me; and [ owned my affection
for Walter. This morning Mr.. Clifton
made me an offer of his hand and heart,
and | rejected him."
"Rejected mimi" cried both in amaze
ment.
81 rejected him." replied Alice grave
ly; " and, dear mamma and dear John,
and if you both consent, | wish from
this day to be considered the future wife
of John Morrison"
"Alice, why is this?" exclaimed Mrs.
Dempster, who was naturally at first in
favor of the rich husband.
My Alice" cried John; this is too
much happiness"
"Why is this ?" replied Alice, earnest
ly; "because John is generous and good,
and Walter is selfish; because John
loves you, and Walter treats you as an
incumbrance and bore. [ declare to
you mother, dear, that [ love John as
much more than [ did Walter, as | love
you more than stranger"
"But speak, Alice, DEAR" cried the
enraptured young man; explain all
this"
at is our mother who shall judge"
replied Alice; 81 will record two con-
versations now clearly fixed on my
memory, word by word, but only one
of which [ shall recollect after this
morning."
She then related word for word, what
had passed between her and John, and
afterwards the scene between her and
Walter in the gig.
II have begged you to ride alone with
me-" said Clifton, warmly, "that | may
pour out my feelings to you. I love
YOU, dearest, with all my heart and soul;
I wish you to share my fortunes; to be
my wife at once-imm ediately. My
friends have consented; your mother
has limited her gladness to acquiesce;
we wait your consent"
"Walter," replied Alice with downcast
eyes. "before you 60 any further, [ have
something to say to you which may
change your sentiments. [ have a
mother who is alone in the world, she
mas nobody to love her or nurse her; as
long as she lives [ can never leave her.
She has for many years been my devot-
ed nurse; wherever go there must she
be-"
ooh! but this is nonsense, Alice, -
cried Walter impatiently; Il have
enough of old people a. home. | mean
to travel for year or two in France,
in Italy, and to return only when |
come into my property"
"Then, Walter Clifton" said Alice,
raising her head, and speaking firmly,
Il can never be your wife; you must
seek one differently situated to myself.
No, Mr.. Clifton, would not leave my
mother for one I had loved for years,
much more for one I have known but a
month"
"But every one parts from their par
ents when they marry" said Walter,
pettishly; "you must be mad; on the one
hand, a young, and FOND, and rich hus-
band; all the pleasures of a continental
life,-of Paris, of Italy; on the other a
dull nome, alongside an old ailing wom-
an with the prospect of being the wife
of prig of a clerk, perhaps, like John
Morrison"
Enough, Mr.. Clifton" replied Alice