Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-11-05

he understood the situation, and the
lookers~on laughed. but no one guess
ed the end of this beginning.
Mr.. D'Albert did not guess it him,
self until weeks had flown, and he
had accumulated vast deal of infor>
nation concerning the Peppers.
Then he became acquainted with
/ Olive Allys, and the latter spoke OF
her friend with enthusiasm.
eff [ were young man." conclud-
ed Olive, excitedly, I'D fall in love
with Jessica, and run away with her.
She is SO bright and pretty, and she
never gets taken out for concert, or
a ride, or sail, as other girls do.
They keep her as close as nun, and
will until she's dried to parchment,
ike Becca. | don't see how Jessica
stands it don't"
Mr.. D'Albert hadisspells of deep
thought after this conversation, es.
pecially on learning that the only
place where Jessica was allowed to
walk of Sunday evening was in the
cemetery. From his window ii
CHANGED, too, that he could see the
back garden where Jessica sewed and
read and tended her plants and canary,
and daily his respsct and interest
deepened. He had half dozen merry,
joyous young sisters at home, and
dwelt on the contrast.
Now, it happened that Jessica
thought as much of Mr.. D'Albert as
Mr.. D'Albert thought of Jessica.
She knew his window IN Mrs. Jap
onica's pretentious boarding house
knew his horse when he galloped past
her fathers door; knew-at least, well
enough where the lovely flowers
came from which sometimes reached
| her.
Olive AlIys had beautiful garden,
and Becea thought Olive sent them,
but Jessica knew well enough that the
| choice selection came from All unex-
pected quarter.
Mr.. D'Albert's glance said as much
whenever she CHANGED to get bow
| from him; and if she blushed wildly,
who can wonder? She could not think
of one objection against Mr.. D'Albert
| as lover nor, in reason, could Mr.
Peppers. He was every inch q gentIe~
man.
y
ca to fall i'll. She was not painfully
Ill, only very sallow, and unable to
drive all before her in the household,
SO that she was exceeding cross, and
Jessica had harder time than usual
at home.
The old doctor ordered a change of
scene.
"I'd send you down to the seaside,
and Jessica might 60 with you to take
care Of you," said Mr.. Peppers.
There's too many young men here. |
notice that naval fellow lifting his hat
to Jessica. But there's always board
ers at the seaside in summer, and a
great deal of foolishness always going
Or"
eve could go to Mrs. Green's"
said Becca. Nobody goes there"
They could, and did-Mr. Peppers
first ascertaining that Mrs. Green had
no dodgers, and making her promise
she would take none while his daugh-
tiers remained.
1t was forlorn old place-isolated
enough, but comfortable and clean
within, and with plenty of sea air.
ANY change was a delight to Jessica,
and she climbed the rocks and splash
ed In the surf, with her cheeks like
roses and her eyes bright as Jewels.
''Laws!' said Mrs. Green; see that
girl enjoy herself. Amt she beauty
1t does my heart good to look at her.
She'll marry early-you'll see."
Indeed she won't! !" snapped Becca.
"We've other intentions. "
Man proposes, but God disposes, ,"
replied Mrs. Green, as she ratified her
knitting needles.
Invalidism com pelled Miss Becca to
be late riser. Jessica usually bad a
sea bath and run in the morning air
before her sister came down.
One morning, as she was tripping
across the doorya ard, her attention was
attracted by dog kennel, and great
Russian boarhound rose up and looked
at her inquiringly.
Jessica started, her bright eyes
wldeped, then she looked inQuiringly
around. But there was no one but
the dog and herself in the yard, and
as he wagged his tail invitingly and
looked kind, IN spite Of his deep
[ mouth, she drew near and patted his
great head.
Jessica liked animals, especially
large dogs and horses. This dog wore
handsome collar with his name
marked upon it-'Pasha' his
owners name.
Jessica trembled little as she read
the letters. Her cheeks burned, too.
Thea she heard Mrs. Green's voice
through the open window.
! Eyes, Miss Peppers, I've taken a
dog TO board. No harm in that, ]
hope. Your pa couldn't have no sort
OF objection to him. didn't take his
master"
NO" snapped Miss Becca. Il
hope you didn't take a man into the
house!"
He wanted to though. He was a
stranger, but nice and pleasant-look.
ing, and I'd a taken him but for my
promise to your pa. He went to the
hotel, [ suppose, bout two miles be
low here"
What made SlIcb . swaryY, of dim,