River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-12-22
A FIERY ChASTENING.


head of the principal banking firm oil
the town, was giving his annual ball
All the select society within several
miles was gathered there, and was de-
scribed in the ensuing number of the
BridgestOke 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-
BILE TO the male admirers huzzing
around.
Mrs Gray sat watching her all char
ming daughter, with q cOmplacent
smile on her stately features. She was
widow, with comfortable, though not
considerable, me ms, and Lillian was
her only child. They lived at Burnham
house, handsome resid ance standing
in its own grounds in the outskirts OF
the town.
Twice Lillian had danced with 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 hand
some, brown-haired young man APP
preached them.
My next partner, said Lillian, with
a faint change of color.
"Will 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 large landed property.
He was the best matrimonial catch
in the county, as every match making
mamma knew; and that he-a man of
more than local grandeur-should be
present at the bail to night was mat
ter of much comment.
A few minutes after, when the music
commenced, Lillian arose, and with
George HCwell's arm around her waist.
hoated around the room in the may
waltz. They stopped by a easement
leading into conservatory, from
whence issued the perfume Of choice
exOtics.
LILLIAN, wish to speak with you a
moment. Will you come in here with
me?"
He drew her through the easement,
Notwithstanding that she hesitated; and
after wandering Il little way in silence,
they sat down.
"Will you let me look at your pro-
gramme?"
1t hung by silken cord from her
waist. Without word, she handed it
to him.
"R. W, once, twice, three timesi
Who Is Il. w, Lilliau?'
"Lord Walsover," she replid, gently
"What does IL mean?" he asked, i'll a
low tone.
She toyed with her fan, and was
silent
II 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 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 tremulous-
y. "Eou 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. 'In the old days you did what
you liked with me; blew bot and cold
on me by turns, and by jovel you are
as 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"
Eyes. | 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. | have
reasons"
''What are they?' =.
II oughtn't to tell yet; but you will
know soon. / am engaged to be mar
ried, George"
Engaged" he gasped, beneath his
breath.
yes; to Lord Whatsoever. 1t took
place yesterday" And she sighed a
little.
He was uiet few moments, and
then he asked in sad changed voice:
DO understand, Miss Grey, that eve
rythiug is settled?'
She NODDED without looking up
Il shall go away" he said, strangely,
after furthr pause. you nee1 not
fear my presence any more. Miss Grey.
| shall leave by the early morning mail
for Liverpool. | shall try to mend a
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 entrcating
" to his arm. Don't hurry away;
there are others as beautiful as |. :"
Beautiful p he exclaimed, turning
on her fercely. Lillian Grey, you
have sold yourself and your beauty for
wealth. and-to the highest bidder!
Have | loved you for beauty's sake?
Never l knew within that hard she'll
of worldliness, which has fed itself on
flattery Of your beauty, there lay kerr
mel of goodness and wOmanlinesS. for
which | was content to wait Your
beauty is your curse, and you will find
it out in time"
As he took step or TWO away, she
stood up. her flushed face and burning
eyes turned to him.
"Stay. Mr.. Howell'' she said, Taught
ily: what my beauty is to me con-
Germs myself alone. | thank you for
your good opinion of me, but l don't
REQUIRE it. You are incensed because
have only done what the world APP
proves. what all sensible girls in my
place would do-choose man IN good
position for myself l , ope have a
free will, Mr., HOWELL,
He would hear no more. With 4
mournful wave of his hand he rushed
away, through the crowded ballroom
down stairs into the street. In the gray
dawn he left by the mail train for Llv-
erpool.
She stood mu,ionleSS, where he had
lett her. But only for i moment, and
then she started forward, stretching ont
her fair, white arms, and cried, family
George, GEORGE don't leave me
Come back, my lovel"
1t was no use. He had gone beyond
sound of her voice; and so, with {
heaving son, she sank on the seat anC
buried her face in her hands.