Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-08-07
"LOVE'S TRAGEDY"

mo, indeed; it cannot be Gerald. :"
''Why, nv darling?"
''Need you ask?'' replied CIarine
Melford, pointing to her black Grape
dress, that set off her graceful girIish
figure to perfection.
But why need you wait for Mrs Grun-
dy? What are the opinions of the world
to US? llove you passionately and truly.
DO you think that your poor mother
would feel it slight on her memory?
Believe me, dearest, that if it is willed
for our departed ones to see US poor
mOrtals on earth, she would smile her
sincere approval"
do not press mel cannot, nay,
will not marry for twelve months; L
must have one years freedom. Do not
look so sad, dear Gerald" she pleaded
coaxingly. What matters a short
year to us whose souls are united?''
You are cruel" he said bitterly.
''Do you contemplate how dear you are
to me, and the dark miserable life one
long dreary year will be, raked with
fears and doubts which will torture nv
soul till life will become q misery?
Has not your glass told you how lovely
you are, what temptations will be thrust
you will need to resist them? [ only
crave to be your shield, your guard;
my love will mantle you with such
sweet safety and devotion, casting
naught but flowers for you to tread
your dainty feet upon"
A smile of great triumph lit up the
girls noble face as she noticed with de-
light her superb beauty in the small
glass on the mantleshelf, and thought
exultingly:
''If | can bring this gifted man to my
feet, why should | not play for higher
stakeP He is my slave. Others shall
bow down, too, before. But | must be
wary"
Gerald Ayling, the great tragedian,
the darling of the hour, the pet of
the women, might be excused for
worshipping the lovely siren, whose
face was as beautiful as an angels,
with its complexion of brilliant snow
and rose-bloom and her glorious bronze
hued hair waving back from her broad
forehead, eyes that meant danger to
the man who looked twice, q mouth
whose rich ripe lips were tantalising,
provoking though, it must be ad-
mitted, u wee bit sensuous.
You do not answer, Clarine."
Because | was thinking" she said
softly. You love me, l know, then
humor my wishes now, and teach me
to become an actress. Let me share
desire of my life.
Impossible! ask me anything on
earth but that - he replied excitedly.
''Why impossible?" she persisted,
pouting. you've said that | possess
talent, and | feel sure under your low
ing tuition | should make q success.
Besides, you tell me | am beautiful, and
often say what a lack of pretty actresses
there are on the London stage. Come,
do not refuse the only favor have ever
claimed atyour hands; this pleadingly.
Il would rather see you dead at my
feet than an actress" he groaned in
anguish of spirit at the wilful deter
mination of Clarine, whom he loved
with an oyermastering passion. You
are too beautiful, my darling, for the
temptations that would assail you-its
false glitter and hollow mockery.'
Then al is over between us, she
said frigidly. 81 will find another
tutor.
do you mean you would give me
up?" he gasped.
''1es, if you refuse me my request, y"
she answered firmly.
80 be it them" he said gravelv
Il will fit you for the profession if you
promise me to become my wife this
day twelve months-those are my con-
ditions.'
Il accept Them" she said eagerly;
''and now, dear Gerald, don't look so
demure, but give me one kiss, and
perhaps-I don't promise, mind"-this
with delicious coquetry-''I will reward
you by returning it and accompanying
you afterwards to the scene of your
triumphs; and the lovely siren put her
dainty rosebud lips very near his, in
such an irresistible way that the frown
cleared from her lovers brow as If
by magic as he pressed the warm
luscious lips, not once but times in
Vulnerable, without being chidden by
Clarine, who was delighted at having
gained her point and the wish of her
young frivolous life.
The lesson now began in earnest, and
she certainly became an apt scholar;
her defamation was perfect, and the
passion that lay dormant in her nature
came out to perfection in Shakespeare 5
grand conceptions, in which Gerald
Ayling intended bringing her out be-
fore the public to make her first curtsy.
1t was proud and yet sad moment
for Gerald when his pupil stood before
him arrayed in the simple but beautiful
robes of Juliet; no satin with glimmer-
ing pearls, but some soft clinging ma
terial that draped her slender form,
and chung to her rounded chiselled
limbs like the drapery on a great
statue.