Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-05-03

as she lived over again that brief
period of Wooing, when the old story,
that is ever so lew In the telling, was
whispered into her willing ears. On,
bright time of youth and love that
comes but once to all, that passes all
too swiftly, but Which years afterwards
has still the power to rekindle a fame
in our worn-out weary hearts
"Val," said Lady Marchmont, break
iug in on her reyerie, as she bent over
her and spoke IN low tone, where
are your thoughts? [ hear the dog cart
going round to the front door,"
Val brought herself back from de-
| ightful past to still more delig htful
present. and sat up in an expectant
attitude with sparkling eyes and flush
ed cheeks.
In few minutes the door was flung
open, and Captain Dalrymple was au
nounced. He was tall, soldierly-
looking man, with a grave, serious
face, and dark, earnest eyes, which,
when he smiled, goftened and lit up IN
a wonderfully attractive manner.
In the presence of the two ladies
| Valerie's greeting to MIN was neces-
sarily restrained, silent but expressive
pressure of the hands, and Captain
Dalrymple turned to Lady Marchmont.
II have TO thank you for your great
kindness IN extending to me your invi-
tation to Val"
81 am too delighted to see you," said
Lady Marchmont, heartily; "and for
the rest, you know Val would not have
consented to come if you had not also
favored US with your company"
AS she spoke she half turned toward
Mrs. Maitland, with the evident
intention of introducing her, when, to
Walls establishment, that lady came
forward, holding out her hand as she
said, with hel most fascinating smile:
"There is no need for an introduction,
Lady Marchmont; Captain Dalrymple
and are old friends"
Val turned her gaze to her lovers
face, and saw there an expression that
she could not exactly fatnom. Was it
surprise, annoyance or embarrassment?
He seemed for moment somewhat at
loss for reply.
81 did not expect to meet you," he
said at length.
"The unexpected always happens,
you know" replied Mrs. Maitland.
What cid it mean? Val asked herself.
That they should be acquainted with
each other was not wonderful, but why
had Mrs. Maitland been silent on the
point toward her; and above all why
should her presence apparently discon-
Germ Vernon in some way?
She had not time to ponder further
Captain Dalrymple turned to her with
bis attractive smile, under the influence
OF which Walls disquietude melted in
stantly. How absurd to worry about
such thing, when, of course, at the
first opportunity Vernon would explain
1t all. This thought revived her spirits,
and when few minutes later the party
was lied by some other guests stay
ing at the hall she was the gayest of the
gay, enjoying delightful lit lie asides with
Captain Dalrymple, which enabled her
totally to forget the existence of Mrs.
Maitland.
sheet me in the draWing-room before
any one is down." she whispered to
him as they separated to dress for
dinner.
Call right, darling" he replied, as he
smiled down on her with those elo-
quent dark eyes that had won her
hearts allegiance.
Captain DalrympIe performed his
toilet IN a very short space of tine, and
repaired at once to the drawing room,
there to await Val. He wandered into
the conservatory and paced about rest
lessly. One of the glass doors opening
close by him caused him to turn quick
~ with smile of welcome on his lips,
when, to his utter surprise, he found
himself confronted by Mrs. Maitland.
She came quickly forward with the
quiet, gliding walk which was peculiar
70 her, but her habitual self possession
seemed strangely rufled.
81 must apologize for this intruding
on you," she said, but there was some
thing I wished particularly to ask you"
Indeed" returned Captain Ddlrym-
pie. His voice had taken its coldest
ntonation, his face wore its gravest
aspect.
'Dont look at me like that, Y ornon,
as though my presence were so utterly
distasteful to you," she went on with
some agitation, whether real or feigned
he could not determine. 81 shall not
detain you long. What want to ask
of you is that you will not mention to
Miss Charters what took place between
us a year ago."
'Do you think it likely, Mrs. Matt
land, I should mention the subieci?"
Not Intentionally, perhaps, but
those things come out unawares some
times, and / could not bear to be sub
jeCt to Miss Charteris' 1idicule and
scorn."
"You need, I assure you, have no
fear [ shall be silent on that score"
"You will give me your sacred prom
ise to that effect, will you not, )" she ask
ed eagerly.
He looked at her in surprise. II
fail to understand you, Mrs. Maitland:
but since my simple assurance does
not satisfy you, am quite willing to
| pledge you my word"
/ As he spoke the drawing-room door
opened softly and Val appeared on the
threshold. The room was a very long
one, and Dalrymple, standing in the
conservatory with his back turned that
way, did not see or hear her. Not so
Mrs. Maitland. True, she did rot
glance in the direction, but she knew
| perfectly we'll who had entered.
She dropped her voice, but advanced
few steps nearer to him.
II cannot thank you sufficiently"
she said looking at him most eloquent
| ly; 'fyou do not know what q weight
/ Won have lifted from nv mind -