Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-12-01

he aroused himself. I would not ask
him for the further honor Of his es-
cort."
Mr.. Vivian looked amused at the
spirited manner in which she spoke.
In answer to my look he went to the
sleeper and tried to arouse him.
What is it?" said his lordship, with
very bewildered air. ooh, the water
fall, eh? Leave me alone, there's a
good fellow; upon my life, [ am worn
out with fine scenery. Wake me up
as you come back. Miss Thornley, will
excuse me-"
[ had heard every word of this ele-
CANT speech quite distinctly. To say
that [ was angry and indignant would
but feebly express the state of my
mind. | walked on and left my COM
panions 20 follow at will. But present
ly the sound of quick footsteps over
the soft grass showed me that | was
net forgotten.
Mr.. Vivian joined me. read in his
kind face that he sympathized with me,
and was anxious to charm me from my
gloomy thoughts. The treasures Of his
beautiful mind, his ardent fancy, his
subtitle wit, and kindly noble heart,
were all poured out before me. [ for
got my sleeping lover, my coming mar
riage; l forgot that [ was beautiful and
an heiress. I thought only of my COM
panion and what he was saying.
It was noontide when we entered the
large boat that was to take us to the
I|1ll oil
cousin, four or five guests who were
visiting at Duronmere, Lord Fitz-John,
Mr.. Vivian and myself.
The Folly was very much like fairy
palace. When we arrived we found
luncheon laid ready for us under the
shade of some chestnut trees, and when
that was over we spent the afternoon III
exploring the house. The rooms
charmed us, they were SO exquisitely
arranged, so luxuriously comfortable.
The drawing-room and dining-room
were large, but the other apartments
were so small that it was matter of
curiosity how even one person could
be accommodated in some of them.
! The house was narrow and high, four
stories high, and curiously arranged,
The three upper stories were all sleep
ing rooms; a corridor ran through the
house, as it were, with small rooms
each side Of it. I mention this because
so much depended upon it.
Our first, day at the Foley was
complete success only one little cloud
arose, and that was caused by quarrel
between Lord Fitz-John and his velet.
That important parsonage accompani-
ed his master, and, by way of cele-
orating his arrival, managed to become
hopelessly intoxicated, and had further
the temerity to present himself to his
! lOrdship in that state when he was
wanted to assist in the preparation Of
his dinner toilet. Great was Lord
Fitz-John'8 anger, dire his dismay,
loud and bitter his many oaths but
my uncle, as usual, was the peace
maker, he proffered the services Of
Grey, the irreproachable, who had at
tepded him for years.
In the evening Kate proposed that
we should have some charades in the
drawing-room, but Mr.. Vivian thought
we should find watching the moonlight
on the lake more pleasant.
We went and that evening [ learn
ed the secret of my heart. Lord Fitz
was going to have a cigar and Mr..
Vivian, seeing me alone, offered ME
his arm, and we followed our compan-
ions down to the edge of the lake.
They were initiating the Hindoo girls
sending water-lillies floating down tie
stream and pretending to draw auguries
from them.
"WilI you try yonr fortune, Miss
Thornley," asked Mr.. Vivian, drawing
a lily near as he spoke.
"No," I said, II know my fate.
There would be no pleasure for me in
watching,the shipwreck of my flower"
'What will your fate be?" he asked
gently.
ga short life and merry one" re
piled recklessly; "and then, know not
what"
''Hush !" he said; "you are too
young to speak so lightly; such words
from the fresh lips of youth wound and
pain those who hear them"
''Try your fate," 1 said, giving him q
water-lily and utterly ignoring what he
had said. He took the flower from my
! hand.
II can read my fortune" he said
mournfully. ''There is flight from a
great danger before me, after that a
combat which may last for years, and
then the peace that comes from having
done ones duty
'Do you mean that you are going to
leave us?; | asked.
every soon, Miss Thornley," he re-
piled; she is wise man who flies from
danger as awaits me-"
| Why did my heart futter and leap
at his words? He could not mean any
thing about me. What charm could a
frivolous child like myself have in the
eyes of noble and high-souled man?
'Put the flower in the water" [ said;
''and, if it floats safely far away down to
that dropping ash, then take it as an
augury that you will have what you
wish for"
We sat in breathless silence, the moon
shone brightly upon the waters. and we
saw The tiny white lily floating steadily
as the light breeze blew it down to the
ash trees.
There !" I cried, triumphantly-
''you will have your wish, Mr.. Vivian"
"The stars are not farther from my
REACH" he answered quietly; then Kate
| Joined us, and we said no more.
But that, night, long after the house
was wrapped in silence and slumber, [
sat at my window watching the moon
] lioht Nv heart was awake at last its