Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1880-03-18
LANCASTER, WISCONSIN, THURSDAY, MARCH IS. 1880

then SLOW coDVaiescence. In the
care of him | relieved mother, and he
could sit up, and needed only little
attentions. ! took my sewing and
sat with him, while mother took
charge of the work. / was not
strong, she said, mother like, and I
was only too glad Of the change n
had fallen in love with this invalid.
so thrown on my care and sympathy,
A gentleman, and more of a scholar
than any one had ever before met.
he had talked to me of books anu
pictures !; praised my knowledge of
them; encouraged me in nv plans
for study; and | repaid him by fall
ing in love before he asked me to. II
was not strange; am older and
wiser now. Yet, ii one as handsome
and kind as he should come to me
again, | fear | should repeat the first
error. The late spring had deepened
into summer, the earth was very
beautiful, and l was happy. hard
ly stopped to ask myself where nv
discomfort had gone. had not vet
felt my love clearly enough to be
troubled by fears of him. His man,
ner was already more like a lover
than friend, and / felt it as such.
So things went on, till one June twi,
light, as 1 went through the kitchen
on some errand, my father looked ND
at me, proudly, thought, aud |
heard him say, as | went out, jamie
is growing prettier every day, moth
err | ran up to my room, turned
my little glass to the window, and
tested his words. Yes, was pretty.
| said, exultingly, aud l took off the
queer, old fashioned pin I wore, re-
placing it with knot of ribbon that
matched the pink of my cheeks.
Then | went down again.
In the parlor, Mr.. Darlington was
trying the old piano, but, as | reached
the door, the music stopped. heard
a hasty exclamation, as / opened it,
and saw the piano stool overturned,
he holding the hand of a tall, grace
full lady, who was saying, eagerly
1T was only a week ago that we
heard of your illness. We have
been travelling, you know, and your
letters mscarried. When we found
out, coaxed mamma to leave Sara
toga, and so here we are > pause
for breath. 'Are you very much sur
prised tSee me?'
Il did not expect you How could
hope that you would leave the en-
cbantments of Saratoga for me-!
She laughed, and blushed, too, | |
think. Saratoga was dull. [ won't
say we missed sou, but she stopped
just then. seeing me; who
They both turned, and | went for
ward.
'My little NURSE said Mr.. Daring
ton This is Miss Leyper, IS
More
She bowed, and / was turning
away, when he said something low to
her, and at it she left him, and put
out her hand to me.
My parents and | owe gratitude
to any one who has been of service
to our friend. In their name, let me
thank YOU | hope he has not been
a great BURDEN
| don't think the sentence looks
well on paper. From her lips it
seemed perfect. and | was almost too
awed to reply. l said something,
however, that was satisfactory, and
she went on talking, carelessly. of
the beautiful weather; her sudden
coming to Foreston mentioning to
him one or two city events. At last
she rose to 60. just as she stood
there, let me describe her. Stately
and graceful in figure. not handsome,
with her gray eyes and coloress
cheeks; but very stylish looking.
Her dress was, of course, perfect.
The lustreless silk, soft shawl, fall
ing off graceful shoulders, dainty hat,
with Its long, dropping plume, the
rare lace, and single jewel al her
throat, contrasted well, thought.
half.bitterly, with my dark calico, re.
lieved only by knot Of bright rib
| bon.
Shall you remain here?' she asked
He had settled that, that day, with
mother For the present, he an.
swered. Downs, you know, is gone,
and his house is shat. 1t Is quiet
here, and | like it.
Yen speak as if our house were
not open to you If papa were here,
he would insist on your coming
Thanks; but, at present, | should
be too great a tax on your Kindness
'Oh should like to try my voca.
tion as nurse for while. but | see
you've no faith in my ability. WE'LL
drawing up her shawl, when you are
better we shall expect you. Mrs.
Gray is coming in fortnight. and
half dozen others. You will be
able Them
Il hope so,' bowing.
1n the meantime-can you ride i?
i have not as yet.
4 will send the carriage down to-
morrow if you think you are able TO
ride she said as she went out.
He followed her. They stood on
the porch talking together some min
utes. At last she went, and he came
in. lie sat down and began playing,
and listened, with jealous dread
of this handsome stranger creeping
into my heart
4 have found the piece | spoke
about be said after awhile. will
you come and try it?'
Il don't feel like singing 70 night
Miss Leyper is very charming, is
she not p be asked, turning round.
she is handsome and stylish
'The last word seems to mean ev-
erything on woman's lips he
laughed. She broke innumerable
hearts in the city last winter. Who
could resist such combination of
beauty-and wealth? 2 he said the
last word scornfully, thought.
'Mr. Leyper is very wealthy
And she an only daughter Ali
well. Where's Ruskin p
/ got tho book, aud in its prose
poetry, forgot my fears.
The long. golden summer days
went by. Miss Leyper's carriage
e.