Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1880-08-26
4 LADY, AFTER ALL.

Lennox Ray sprang from the train
and FASTENED up the green lane to the
wide, old fashioned farmhouse, carry
ing his valise in his hand
Il wonder if Mamie got my note and
is looking for me? Hallo."
This last exclamation was drawn
from Rays lips by cherry, which,
coming from above somewhere, came
into sudden contact with his nose. He
looked up, and there, perched like a
great bird, upon the limb Of a hugh old
cherry tree, and looking down at him
with dancing eyes and brilliant cheeks,
was 4 young girl.
low do, Lennox? Come up and
have some cherries q was her mis-
chieyous greeting.
Mamie! Is it possible? ?" exclaimed
Lennox, severely.
And while Ray looked on in stern
disapproval, the young witch swung
herself lightly down.
Nov don't look so glum, Lennox,
dear" she said, slipping her little hands
into his with a coaXing motion. 81
know it's tomboyish to climb the cherry
trees; but then it's such fun!'
Mamie, you should have been IL
boy, said Lennon.
Il wish had! No, [ don't either;
for then you wouldn't have fallen in
love with me. What made you, hear?"
with u fond glance and Il caressing
movement.
Because you are SO sweet, darling"
answered Ray, melted in spite of him
self But | do wish, Mamie, you
would leave off those hoydenish ways
and be more dignified."
Like Miss Isham? asked Mamie"
miss Isham is very superior wo-
man, and it would not hurt you to copy
her in some respects"
The tears sprang into Nannie's eyes
at his tone. They went into the parlOr,
and Ray took a seat III great arm
chair. Mamie giving her curls II toss
backward, went and sat down.
Il wish you would put up them fly
away curls and dress your hair as other
young ladies do" said Ray, "And see
here Mamie, [ want to have talk with
you. You know | love you; but in
truth, my dear, my wife must have
something of the elegance of refined
society. Your manners need polish, my
dear. | came down to tell you that my
sister. Laura, is making up a party to
visit the noted watering-places, and she
wishes you to be one Of the number"
Are you going?" asked Mamie.
mo, my business will not allow it;
but | shall see you several times. VIII
YOU go?"
II don't want to 90. I'd rather stay
here in the country and climb cherry
trees every day"
Mamie, | must insist upon more
selfcontrol," said he, coldly.
But don't send me away" she plead
ed
1T is for your good, Mamie, and you
must be content to go. VIII you''
The supper-bell rang at that instant,
and Mamie hastily answered. Yes,
let me go, Lemox," and ran out of the
room up stair to her own chamber.
yes, I'll go. And I'll teach you one
lesson Mr. Lennox Ray; see if / don't
she murmured.
1t was nearly the middle of Septem-
Der before Mr.. Ray heated, dusty and
weary, entered the hotel where his sis
ter's party was stopping.
'Lennox. you here?" said she.
yes Where's Nannie?"
'She was ON the piazza, talking with
Il Grench Count, 4 moment ago. All
there she is, by the door"
''Ah!' said LennOX, dropping Laura s
hand and making his way toward the
door.
But it was difficult, even when he
drew near, to see in the stylish, stately
lady, whose hair was put up over a
monstrous chignon, and whose lustrOus
robes swept the floor for a yard, his
own little Mamie of three months ago.
LennoN strobe up, with scarce a
glance at the bewildering dandy to
whom she was chatting, and held out
his hand with an eager exclamation:
'Nannier
She made sweeping courtesy, and
languidly extended the tip of her fin
gers. but not a muscle moved beyond
what accorded with well-bred indiffer-
ence.
"Ah, good evening, Mr. Ray"
80, Mamie! are you glad to see me?''
said Lemox, feeling that his heart was
chilled within him.
80, to be sure, Mr.. Ray, quite glad.
Allow me to present my friend the
Count de Beaurepaire Mr. Ray, mon
sieur"
Lennox hardly deigned bow to the
Frenchman, and offered his arm to
Mamie.
you will walk with me little
whiler
Thanks the music is beginning
and | promised to dance with Mr..
Blair"
"But afterward?" said Lennox, the
chill growing colder.
But am engaged to Mr.. Thorn
ton"
When, them" demanded Lemox,
with a jealous pang.
Really, my card is SO full, hardly