Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-06-21
SOPHIE'S STRATAGEM.

Nothing could be more suitable than
such a match, all our friends said, and
was too young, too inexperienced, and
above all-at the time my future was
decided upon-too heartWhOle to pro-
test, even had | been allowed any voice
IN the matter that was to decide my woe
or happiness for life; and so it came
about in the most natural way in the
world that, before [ was eighteen, / had
been pursuaded by my family to engage
myself to my cousin Robert. His moth
er, indeed considered me as by no means
good enough tor her son; but she was
accustomed to defer to her brother,
Uncle Marcus with whom happened to
be q great favorite, and who had set his
heart upon the match, declaring that [
would make Just the right kind of wife
for his rather peculiar nephew.
Robert himself, on his uncle's propos-
ing the match, had yielded an Indifferent
assent, observing that [ was pretty
enough, and that he was glad to be
spared the trouble of looking for wife.
He was good-looking and gentleman
~, but sickly, delicate almost as a girl.
and to my idea wholly uninteresting.
Still, had not, at this early age, strength
Of mind sufficient to resist the united
persuasions of my family; and the mar
riage was arranged to take place in
about two years, during which time Rob
ert would, by his physicians advice, re-
side chiefly in the South of France, where
his mother accompanied him.
Unfortunately for my own happiness,
7 during this time became acquainted
with Philip Waring, whom soon uncon-
sciously learned to look up to and adj
mire as the perfection of all manly ex-
cellence.
Andnow the two years of Roberts ab-
Sence were completed, and he wrote that
his bride. But, he added, his phys
ician having recommended his spending
The winter in Italy, he proposed to take
me thither Immediately after the mar
riage. He hoped there would be no un>
necessary delay or preparation, and
would prefer having the wedding as
private as possible.
This last clause was n great disap-
pointment to my mothers sister, Aunt
Forester, who had arranged to have the
wedding from her own handsome resi-
dence in London.
However, I should at least have a sty-
fish rousseau; and so she took the
trouble of coming all the way to our lit
tie country town, and carrying me home
with her, in order to make the neces-
sary preparations.
As, on our arrival at my aunt's resi-
dence we entered the hall, her two little
daughters came joyfully rushing to meet
us.
Here, Christine" she said, turning
TO me there are my darlings. Have
they not grown? And this is their gov
erness. Miss Dane
turned, and lsaw q young girl stand
ing quietly at the foot of the staircase,
looking on with smile at the scene.
She was so exceedingly pretty, with
her delicate, regular features and gold
en- hair, and exquisite complexion, that
| was quite taken by surprise.
what q remarkable pretty governess
you have, Aunt Lottie!' [ observed,
when, an hour after, stood at her dress
ing-room window, looking into the
garden, where the children were at play,
while Miss Dane, with a bit of crochet
work in her hands, walked slowly up
ttAAet NtO'Lr aS1SNt AON SLSlCC1ul sluO 1StSI =
like she is!''
Yes" my aunt replied with smile;
land do you know; Christine, we think
her wonderfully like yourself? Not only
has she the same colored hair and eyes,
but her features and something in her
ways and expression, remind US of you.
[ have but one fault to find with her"
added my aunt-''she is too reserved.
Despite her pleasant manner, and way
Of talking, have always an uncomfort-
able feeling that I don't know her"
How stylish she looks, despite her
plain dress"
Eyes. indeed. If that girl were rich
ly and becomingly dressed, she would
be handsomer than you Christie
Here the subject dropped, and busily
engaged as l was in my bridal prepara-
lions, I at first saw but little of Sophie
Dane. But one day, when a dress had
come from the nodiSte which did not ex-
actly please Us, the governess happened
20 be present, and on being half-careless-
ly appealed to, at once pointed out the
defect and how to remedy it.
Thereupon it was discovered that she