Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-03-31


But ne shook his broad shoulders in
dignantly, and lifted his hat to let the
cool sea-breeze sweep through his hair.
Il must be greater scOundrel than |
am to work so great a wrong on that
dear girl. CATH" and he laughed in
bitter scorn of himself, ''that would be
a fine way to recompense her for saw
ing my life. She might better have
left me to feed the fishes. Could [ take
her home with me as my wife,"
His gaze wandered absently over the
swelling waves, and fingered on far
off sail that dipped and rose, dipped
again, until it sank below the horizon.
His lip curled involuntarily as he
thought Of the delicate ladies in his set,
and how wretched they would make
the poor girls life in their Own high
bred fashion. No-but would they,
thought"
A faint amusement fingered in his
face as he recalled Lizzie's rather state
ly carriage and stately dignity that re-
deemed her from being commonplace.
He laughed out.
1T would be fun to see her among
all these peacocks. Poor Lizzie! What
shame that she had been neglected.
If she had received half the advan-
tages Of any one of my acquaintance,
she would have surpassed them all.
Well, well, it is high time | returned
home. [ have been here six weeks.
Yes, [ will 60 away tomorrow, and
forget her, as she will forget me"
So saying Mcintyre threw away the
end of his cigar ard started into brisk
walk along the shore, coming directly
upon the object of his thoughts, who was
pacing to and fro, drawing plaintive
music from her violin. She wore a
scarlet jacket over her gray dress, and
white handkerchief tied over her
head and under her chin. His heart
throbbed fast at the sight of her.
"Fool!' he muttered, ''to think I
could leave her. Now, then, my man,
It's is all for love, and the world well lost"
Lizzie greeted his approach with a
smile, but played to the close Of the
strain before she spoke 1t was little
German air that he had taught her.
els that right" she queried, as she
| finished.
II cannot tell YOU"
Then meeting her look of astOnish-
ent with his own earnest gaze, he
said:
"Lizie, will you care very much
when I go away from here?"
Her eyes dropped, the red blood died
her cheek and brow for moment, and
then faded away, leaving her quite
pale.
II think it will be we'll for you to
60" she said.
"And why, Lizzie, will you tell me-?
You need not fear to tell me anything"
he added as she hesitated.
She looked away from him, and her
voice was almost inaudible as she an
swered-
"Because-because-O, [ cannot tell
you; You know"
Il have thought Of going, Lizzie; but
[ realized to-day that [ cannot leave
you-ever again, dear"
He put one arm about her, but she
drew away from him, trembling from
head to foot.
Don't, Mr.. Mcintyre! I want to re
member you kindly, and [ cannot if
you use such language to me-"
"For heavens sake" he cried in as
constituent, ''tell me have I said any
thing wrong to you? Is it wrong to love
you? If that is a sin, then | am the
greatest Of sinners"
II do not forget that you are gen
tleman, and I but a poor, ignorant
girl, who knows only what you have
taught her"
''But, Lizzie, l ask you to be my
wife, and you have not answered me.
do not boast when | say my suit
would not be rejected in most families
of high standing where [ am known"
"Ah, that is the idea," she exclaimed
hastily; ''if, as you say, you do care for
me"-she stammered a little over the
words, ''you would soon grow weary of
my stupid ways. [ should shame you
every day of your life, and your grand
friends would wonder at your choice,
and [ should die of homesickness."
"With me, Lizzie?"
eyes, even with your smiling and
blushing as she met his eyes.
| He laughed-he was so sure of win
ming her-and kissed her mouth.
well, sweetheart, [ will live here
then, and turn keeper of the light
after your father. Will that suit your"
Don't deceive yourself, Mr.. Nc
Intyre. We would not be happy to-
gether, and think how terrible it would
| be-bOund together forever"
He laughed exultantly and with a
great deal Of amusement.
"Faithl think it would be mighty
deny me no longer. Do you not see
that your own happiness depends upon
| your answer?
Now kiss me, dear, and tell me that
you will take the life youwere SO brave
to save into your own keeping"
He drew her gently toward him
| but she faced him suddenly with great
tears trembling on her long lashes.
"Do you think it costs me nothing
| to refuse yOu-yOu who have made my
life SO beautiful these few short weeks?
| am rude and ignOrant-such a wife
weuld burden and disgust you in time.
1t is for your good that I refuse to &C
cept what seems like a heaven to me?"
And then swift as deer, she flew along
the shore, leaving Mcintyre to struggle
between anger amusement and wound
| ed selflove.
All that day he tried to speak with
Lizzie alone, but she gave him no OPP
portunity. At last, in very speration,
he tapped at the door Of her fathers
room. Capt, Clyde was again suffering
with rheumatism, ard the young man
found him in the easy chair, while
Lizzie lowered about him.
Capt Clyde" said Mcintyre, as he
blocked the doorway with his broad