Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-05-28

OF GnelE teFFlDle uduguIef-ln-l3W-
Kitty and Margery excused them
selves during the second course, and
flew to their rooms to cry themselves
to sleep, in an agony of dismay and
modification.
Il sha'n't think of setting up" said
the bride, rising from the table with an
apologetic giggle, and with the last
desert held aloft. Pm too wore out.
If anybody calls-of course, everybody
will call-iust tell 'em I'll see EN- to-
morrow Come on, dear"
And she tripped upstairs, with a
Juvenile nod over her shoulder, and
with her beaming young husband fol-
lowing.
Mrs. Seely wrung her her hands de-
spairingly.
1--WE said it could not be WORSE
she said family. But this! How
shall we endure it?"
II shall not endure itr' said her hus-
band; his face had grown almost care
worn during the last two hours. Il
shall send them packing tomorrow;
and if ever he enters my house
again
He brought his hand down on the
table threateningly.
''But that will not help matters"
said his wife miserably. '.He is
ruined; we are disgraced, and every
body will know it. "
There was a silence.
81 had pictured her to myself said
Mrs. Seely, beginning to sob, '.as
young girl-a person OF suitable age
for my poor misguided boy, decently
educated, and at least a lady. And
even then, when did not doubt that it
was such a one he had chosen,
thought myself the most unhappy crea-
ture in the world, because-because
she had not wealth and an old name.
Surely it is judgment upon US.
Oh, was there ever so dreadful a
thing?"
probably not" said her husband
grimly.
1t was solemn group which waited
in the dining-room, next morning, for
the appearance of the newly-wedded
couple.
There We're marks of tossing night
on every face-in troubled brows,
swollen lids, and pale cheeks-and
general gloom prevailed.
Mr.. Seely stood in front of the fire.
place, watching the door with stern
face. He was master in his own house
at least, and he was determined that
it should not be disgraced by his sons
wife for another hour.
''Please get them away before any
one comes, papa" said Kitty. lit
would be dreadful if anybody were to
see hertz
''Dreadfulr' Margery echoed with
groan.
There were footsteps on the stairs.
Mrs. Seely turned with SILVER, and
the girls caught their breath.
The door opened.
The waiting group looked up slowly.
Would she not be still more terrible in
the broad daylight artificial,
horror?
But it was not the sight they were
to see, which the open door
it was not painted, pow
dered semblance of a woman who came
in slowly, with timid smile and down
east eyes.
It was u slender. sweet-faced young
girl, with shining brown hair browning
a charming head, peachy cheeks, in
which the color came and went, and
soft dark eyes, which stulied the
carpet in pretty timidity; with dainty
slippered feet, and a lace-trimmed
wrapper, fitting snugly to a perfect
form.
Good morning" she said gently.
Harvey had followed her closely.
''Well, Dora" he said, looking from
one to another of his speeches. rela-
tives quizzically, ''they don't seem in
clined to speak to you"
But Margery had come towards her
hastily, and seized both her soft hands
in her own.
''Was it you all the timer" she cried
joyfully. ''And the grey hair was
false, and the wrinkles were put on,
and all that dreadful powder? Oh,
Harvey, how could you?'
Il begged him not to- said the
pretty bride, raising her dark eyes
5Weetly. II told him it was cruel; and
such a time as / had, saying all those
shocking things he had taught me, and
keeping my wig straight, and trying
not to laugh! Shall you ever forgive
us?n
Forgive you! Oh, my dear girl!''
cried Mrs. Seely incoherently.
And she hurried forward with a sob
Of JOY, and embraced her daughter-in-
law wildly.
at was rather rough" said Harvey
gaily. Il felt like william when I
saw the way you all took it. But you
know what you said, every one of you
that it couldn't be worse thought
I'd just demonstrate to you that it
could. Dora is nineteen instead of
forty; she can speak correctly when
she makes an effort; and [ can heartily
recommend her for willing and obig-
ing, good-tempered and thoroughly
capable girl-the sweetest in the world,
in fact"
Mr.. Seely left the fireplace and came
and clasped his daughter-in-law in his
arms, with a beaming face, and Kitty
kissed her efusively.
''It was a dreadful lesson, F" said Mrs.
Seely, looking up with a fearful smile;
''but am afraid we needed it, my
son -