Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-04-09


stretched out his hand to her with
sudden, passionate words Of love, and
50 eloquently did he plead for the
sweet gift of all her future life, she
could not withhold the promise to be
his wife.
"You shall never regret it. You
shall be happy" he cried, with a
lovers confidence.
81 cm happy now" she whispered
flushed and shy, but radiant
They wandered long among the
flowers, feeling that heaven lay about
them; but the next morning the girl
received bad news from home. She
only made out clearly that her pres
ence was needed, and with one regret
full sigh for the bright dreams she b al
cherished, she began preparations
for the long journey. Keller earnest
ly begged to be allowed to accompany
her, but she gently refused. He must
go on with their friends, and if she
needed aim, she would write for him
to come.
''I shall cone on in few weeks
whether you send for me or not. We
must finish this interrupted tour to-
gether, Marian"
She returned home to find their
guardian dead and their fortune gone,
swept away in some ill-advised specu-
lation. The maiden lady sought a
home with relatives, and Marian Ray
found herself among the worlds
workers, and with helpless invalid
to take care of. Helpless, did say?
Nay, she was the only hope and COM
fort of poor Marian's heart, for her
handsome, wealthy lover came not,
and the letter she wrote to him ex-
planning the reverses Of fortune re>
manned unanswered. She tried to
! think OF him with conGeRpt, to hold
the love that failed IN the hour Of her
bitterest need as valueless, but she
only succeeded In tormenting her own
faithful, loving heart, which, in
spite of pride and reason, clung to that
short, sweet romance with hold death
alone could break
All day she walked from house to
house through the bitter cold, while
the clouds hung dull and heavy over
the city; but whea, her days work
ended, she started home in the even~
ing, a strip Of blue had appeared over
head. She lifted her eyes to it, and
saw the clouds part wider and
wider, until the little rift had become
q broad bright space across the
heavens.
Dear Ethel! She would rejoice in
that, and call it happy omen, but I
cannot" she thought, with tender
smile that ended in sight.
1t was dark when she reached horae,
and hurrying eagerly up stairs she
pushed open the door, anxious to be
with her sister soon as possible. They
were careful with fuel, with every
thing, necessity forced them to study
economy, and Marian expected to find
the room in darkness, only a scanty
handful of Goals in the CRATE. She
entered, to find a glowing fire and the
table set with dainties, while the little
tea-kettle steamed merrily on the
hearth.
"Ethelr she cried, hastily throw
| ing off hat and wraps, and turning
toward her sisters bed.
'Oh, Marian, sister!" cried the
invalid in voice trembling with
strange emotion; then Marian felt her
heart leap in a suffocation throb of
pain ard rapture, for out Of the semi
darkness of the corner Mark Keller
advanced, outstretched hands, to meet
her.
Marian, have you no welcome for
me-"
A chilling remembrance of all his
silence and neglect swept over her,
and pride rose in arms.
Certainly, II welcome you, Mr..
Keller, she said, stifiy, and stepping
back little.
What! have you forgOtten?" he
cried, in keenest disappointment.
mo, sir; 1t is because [ remember
that l can give you no friendlier
/ greeting. I wonder that you can ex-
! pect it after such long neglect and
coldness. 7 cannot pass over such
Sights"
But, Marian, he did not get your
letter, and he could not come when
he intended, for q hurt received
among the Alps kept him q prisoner
for several weeks, and then he had to
search and search. and has just found
u.s." and Ethel. half raising herself
up, the crimson fire light giving even
| her pale face a roseate tint.
Marian's face changed, and her
eyes mutely questioned her lovers.
''It is all true. Gould you believe I
loved you ightly?" he murmured :;
and this time she did not shrink back
when he approached, but gave him
the welcome he crayed.
'''Tis the rift in the clouds. Hope
said it would come, and I had faith to
| believe. thank God,
Ethel fell softly back among her
pillows, her delicate hands clasped,
| her eyes radiant.