Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-03-16
THE SPRING GROTT0.

A little white lace affair, which Ger
aldne Blake had brought from Paris,
was her fan. Everybody said 1t was
exquisite" and admired the peculiar
" delicate perfume which it exhaled i.
1t suited Geraldine's handsome dark
ewes. this bit of fragrant, flmy snow,
which she waved in close proximity to
her ruby lips and encrimsoned oval
scheek; and it was her favorite. 1t was
very becoming to her, yet 1t might nave
had nothing to do with her engagement
TO Vivian Stuart, her brothers tutor,
that winter; but her beauty, its ripe
perfection, was something marvellous,
and who should know this better than
the man who saw her daily in her home
--beheld her morning freshness and I'M
wearied spirits?
Nor did he need TO gaze in vain. Wv
ian Stuart was not poor man. lie was
the possessor of fair fortune a gentle
man and a scholar. He had accepted
the position of tutor to Lester Blake
because he had nothing to do, and was
very tired doing it. He had known the
family from boyhood. The mothers,
now deceased had been most intimate
friends. Instead of being an inferior at
Rosehome, Vivian Stuart was very
important person in the family-as I'M
portant as Annie Lind was unimport-
ant.
She, once the pride and pet of
wealthy home, was nursery governess
at the Bakes' proud mansion. If the
young heart pinned i'll its lovelessness
and isolation no one appeared to know
or care. Not that they were unkind
they were busy and unobservant. She
was fragile and hazel-eyed; her delicate
face was colorless. She was always
busy with the little girls, Clare and
Pearl. And thus it had been for II
year.
The engagement between Geraldine
Blake and Vivian Stuart was announced
in the early spring. Ne one was sur
prised. Mr.. Stuart had attended Miss
Blake to bals and parties all winter.
"Ofcourse we expected it," remarked
Aunt Dorothea, who presided at Rose
home; "and very suitable match it is
considered by all Geraldine's friends.
Miss Lind, you are going to Geraldne's
door. viii you let me send up cup
of tea by you. She VIII not be down
to breakfast.
And without more ado the cup Of
Serves China was placed in Annie's
slender hand, while Aunt Dorothea
hustled away.
The nursery-governess walked to the
door of the breakfast room, and spoke
to passing servant.
"Martha, take this tea TO Miss Blake,
she said,
Returning she unfastened Pearls
bib, took Clare by the hand and went
up TO the nursery.
"Mith Annie, what makes your lips
kiver when % speak TO me? inquired
little Pearl with eyes of deep concern.
Armies hazel eyes were full of pain,
and there was burning red on the
soft cheek. She sank into a chair and
looked meditatetively about the pretty
nursery.
She must live en-, an alien, forever
climbing other peoples stairs" Never
now, as she had once dreamed, would
home of her own close about her.
And life was so loug-so long When
she was very old and could work no
longer she wondered where she would
die.
Meanwhile, Geraldine Blake lay
among tAe snowy pillows Of her luxu-
rious bed, her eyes wide open, fixed
upon sunshine which streamed through
the plate-glass upon the roses of the
velvet carpet. She was thinking OF her
recent engagement.
This is the end" she murmured
with wide, absent eyes.
A little strange thai she did not say,
This Is the beginning The great
dark eyes were dreamy, but not happy.
There was no love-hght in them. She
turned and buried her face in the pill
low, with convulsive movement.
:" / wish-l wish | could tell some
body who would understand"
But there was no one in the house
who was pleased by her engagement
would have it otherwise.
There was a knock at the door; but
it was Martha, with the tea.
By-and-by, Geraldine rose and dressed
But for the first time in her life she
rouged her cheeks.
The family were at lunch. Nivar
Stuart rose and brought her chair.
:" Is your headache better dear in
quired Judge Blake, who however awfu
parsonage he might be to offenders o
the civil law, roared very gently in tn,
bosom Of his family.
81 never knew you to be sick, Gerald
ine," remarked Aunt Dorothea.
son, am not sick, Aunt Doro; bu
Mrs. Thornton's rooms We're so crowded
last night"
"The ventilation was not good, sal,
Vivian Stuart, quickly. 81 will TAX