Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-12-22
A FIERY CHRISTENING.

Inc WINDOWS OF the Town nall o
Bridgestoke, and there were sounds o
festivity within. MIR, Robertson, the
head of the principal banking firm o
the town, was giving his annual ball
All the select society within severa
miles was gathered there, and was de
scribed in the ensuing number Of the
Bridgest0ke Guardian as "a very bril-
liant assembly,"
Lillian Gray was undeniably CO.
quette, and as undeniably the belle Of
the ball. A face of wild, haunting
beauty, with its flashing eyes and
wealth of raven hair, superbly mold,
ed figure and an air of queenly grace
were facinatiOns that proved irresisti-
bic to the male admirers huzzing
around
Mrs. Gray sat watching her all char
ming daughter, with complacent
smile on her stately features. She was
q widow, with comfortable, though not
considerable, means, and Lillian was
her only child. They lived at Burnham
hOuse-a handsome residence standing
IN its own grounds in the outskirts of
the town.
Twice Lillian had danced with q tall
gentleman Of distinguished appearance,
who was some fifteen years her senior.
After the second time, he stood by her
chair, talking to her, when a hand
some, brOWn-haired young man APP
preached them.
My next partner, said Lillian, with
faint change Of color.
VIII you introduce me-" observed
the tall gentleman.
Certainly, So you have come to
claim me, George? This is an old
friend of mine, your lordship. Mr..
George Howell-Lord Whatsoever"
They shook hands, and the introduce
ton was made His lordship was a
Widower, with one interesting little girl,
and also u large landed property.
He was the best matrimonial catch
III the county, as every match making
mamma knew; and that he-a man of
more than local grandeur should be
present at the ball tonight was a mat
ter of much comment.
A few minutes after, when the music
commenced, Lillian arose, and with
George Howelps arm around her waist.
hoated around the room in the May
waltz. They stopped by a easement
leading into q conservatory, from
whence issued the perfume of choice
exotics.
LILLIAN, wish to speak with you a
moment. VIII you come in here with
me?"
He drew her through the easement,
Notwithstanding that she hesitated; and
after wandering little way in silence,
they sat down.
"Will you let me look at your pro-
gramme?"
It hung by q silken cord from her
waist Without a word, she handed it
~ him.
"R. w, once, twice, three times!
Who is r. w, Lillian"
Lord Whatsoever" she replid, gently.
"What does it mean?" he asked, in a
low tone.
She toyed with her fan, and was
silent
81 thought we had known each other
too long, Lillian, for there to be any
secrets between us. When [ told YOU
of my true, honest love, did you not bid
me wait? | am not wealthy, but [ have
sufficient to provide a comfortable
home for you. | have waited, and
what do you say to me now?"
THAT / never can love you, George,
dear, as you wish, /" she said tremuIous-
y. "You must not speak to me so
again. You forget we are not still boy
and girl together. We are grown up,
George.
Il know it to my COST" he said bit
terly. I'm the old days you did what
you liked with me; blew bot and cold
on me by turns, and by jove! you are
rs bad as ever"
She bit her pretty neither lip, and
bent very low over her fan.
You must not hope, George; you
will know why, later on. My present
answer is final"
'Ges, | know! Your answers are al
ways final, Lillian, and are subject to
changes like the weather. Really,
think I'm most long enduring swain. "
But mean it this time. l have
reasons"
"What are they?"
Il oughtnt to tell yet; but you will
know soon. l am engaged to be mar
REQ, george.
Engaged" he gasped, beneath his
breath.
eyes; to Lord Whatsoever. 1t took
place yesterday" And she sighed
little.
He was -uiet few moments. and
then he asked in sad, changed voice:
DO understand, Miss Grey, that eve
rything is settled?"
She nodded without looking up.
Il shall go away" he said, strangely,
after furthr pause. "You need not
fear my presence any more, Miss Grey.
| shall leave by the early morning mail
for Liverpool. | shall try to mend
broken heart in foreign land" And
he rose as if to go.
''Oh, do not take It to heart so. |
George" she murmured, and her little
white gloved hand crept up entreating
ly to his arm. Don't hurry away;
there are others as beautiful as l."
Beautiful y he exclaimed, turning
on her fiercely. Lillian Grey, you |
have sold yourself and your beauty for
wealth, and-to the highest bidder! |
Have | loved you for beauty's sake?