River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1882-05-25

without seriously injuring it, he would
buy it, for the investment would be an
excellent one. And then his con-
science troubled him little when he
Thought of his broken faith with Zoe.
She was spirited girl, and would give
him the freedom he had already exer-
cised without reproach, but poor thing,
how she would suffer in secret. The
tears almost came to his eyes as he
thought of it. And yet he was alto
gether egotistical. He knew Zoe loved
him, and he felt that he had treated
her very badly indeed. He called
upon her at once after his arrival, de-
termined to have the interview over.
To his surprise, however, Zoe was
absent from home. Mrs. Eyre, her
guardians good wife, received Russell,
said Zoe had gone out of the city I'M
expectly to visit friend and would re-
turn in day or so. Another caller
came in at this moment and Russell
took leave, promising to come again as
soon as Zoe returned.
Well, he had day or two of breath
ing time. He was not sorry, though
he hated suspense. Strange that Zoe
should take such freak to run off so
suddenly without saying word of it
to him. He went back to his room
and sat down, feeling very desolate and
forlorn.
81 believe Pm altogether too tender
hearted" he said to himself, at length.
''Zoe has sharp women's wit; she has
rich, dark, tropical beauty, no end of
accomplishment and is the personifi-
cation of grace. But believe love
my little woodland flower the best.
Zoe has received the homage of many
mes, but doubt if Rachel ever had a
lover before me. She will be obedient-
ly devoted to me all my life; besides |
love her devotedly."
With this he sat down and wrote a
note to Rachel, telling her he had dis
posed of the Grange at the price she
desired. He would write full particu-
lars soon. Meantime she must make
pl eparation to come to the city.
A week passed, and Russell regularly
purchased the grange in his own name.
Rachel thanked him, and said she
would leave for the city in few days.
She had made arrangements to spend
he first few weeks of her stay with her
cousin, and she would inform him of
| her whereabouts as soon as she arrived.
A day or two later business called
him suddenly from the city. He made
hasty call at Mrs. Eyer's, but Zoe was
still absent She would be home that
very evening. He must be away at
least week. There was no avoiding
it, unless he was content to sacrifice a
greater sum than he could afford to
lose so soon after purchasing such a
white elephant as Windmill Grange.
He went away, and two days after
received short note from Zoe. 1t was
not very affectionate, he thought, but
she was so hurried, she told HIM. She
had left home Unexpectedly, at the
solicitation of friend, and was now
preparing for large prty she was to
give on the 18th of the month. Russell
must he home in time to attend this
or to be visited with her extreme
displeasure.
The morning of the 18th found Russell
back to the city, but he was a trife
travel-worn. However, he resolved to
accept Zoe's invitation for the evening.
Glad if it was full-dress affair, he felt
in a false position, and did not
care to meet Zoe whether he would
be obliged to join in any but a
general conversation with her, I'M
til he had an opportunity to
explain himself Somehow, looking
over the matter now, the ardor of his
sudden attachment having cooled
somewhat, he wondered more than
ever if he had been quite wise in play
ing the devoted to the girl he knew so
little about. Perhaps, after all, she
might not prove so companionable for
a lifelong journey as Zoe.
With these thoughts running through
his mind, he prepared for the evenings
entertainment. He nerved himself to
meet Zoe quietly. When he entered
the drawing-room Mrs. Eyre-her
plumed figure arrayed in black velvet
was the first to receive him. Next stood
Zoe, marvelously beautiful in wonder
full costume that was a wonderful
tangle of pink, wine color, white lace
and pearls. He fancied she looked
little paler than usual, but she smiled
that rare sudden flashing, which lighted
up her face with strange fascination
how could he ever have forgotten that
smile? And then-yes, it was quite true
Rachel, in pure white silk, her face
bIushing and dimpling, put out her
hand to receive him also.
He took it like one in dream. This
time he left no kiss upon it. He would
not have cared to do so were they quite
alone, for he saw very clearly now
Rachel could not bear comparison with
Zoe, for when the latter bent her head
for moment to say how glad she was
that she had such a pleasant surprise
for both, Russell could only think of
the two as if the moon had graciously
bent down over a tiny gas-jet burning
in the street and whispered some con-
gratulatory word.
Russell was among the late guests,
therefore Zoe at once a signed Rachel
to his care.
"She is very tired" Zoe said; "please
find some quiet place for her Mr..
North, and see that she is not lonely"
Like one in dream Russell offered
his arm, and drew her aside where he
could ask for the explanation of the
riddle.
Chow came you here" he said, as
soon as he had obtained quiet seat
for her.
"Strange, is it not" she replied chat
YOU should be acquainted with my
cousin Zoe, and never know it? 1t is
Just like her to surprise people. did
not dream she had ever heard of you"
"But how did you find out?'
"Oh, / knew her address, and as soon
as you promised to find me purchas-
er for the Grange l wrote to her to
come out and pay me a visit. She
came at once, the day you left; and
when received your letter saying you
would purchase the place yourself, she
helped me to make all arrangements,
and brought me on with her."
''But why did you not write to inform
me of this?"
1 tT meant tn have written Won hIIt