Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-08-19

ADDwESTIC STORY.
BY WILHJE COLLINS.

She looked at him, hardly able to under
stand-or, as it might have been, perhaps,
afraid to understand him. He spoke to her
more plainly.
81 have kept it concealed from yOu," he
continued, ''for why should | lay my load of
suffering on friend so young as you are so
cruelty tried already? Let me only say
that / am in great distress. If you were
with me, my child, might be better able to
bear it"
Still encouraging her to see new hopes and
new interests in the future, the good captain
spoke Of the share which she might take in
the management of the home if she would
like to be his secretary. With this view he
showed her some written reports relating to
the institution which had been sent to him
during the time of his residence at Syden-
ham. She read them with an interest and
attention which amply justified his conf
dence in her capacity.
''These reports" he explained to her, 'sare
kept for reference; but, as a means Of saving
time the substance Of them is entered in the
daily journal Of our proceedings Come,
Sydney, venture on q first experiment in
your new character. l see pen, ink, and pa
per on the table; try if you can shorten one
of the reports without leaving out anything
IlSGlllCb,
the writer gives reasons for making his
statement. Very well expressed no doubt,
but we don't want reasons. Then, again, lie
offers his own opinion on the right course to
take. Very creditable to him; but [ don't
want his opinion-I want his facts Take
the pen, my secretary, and set down his
facts. Never mind his reflections"
Proud and pleased, Sydney obeyed him.
She had made her little abstract and was
reading it to him at his request, while he
compared it with the report, when they were
interrupted by visitor. Randall Linley
came in and noticed the papers on the table
with surprise. us it possible that | am in
terrupting business?" he asked.
Bennydeck answered with an assumed air
Of Importance which was in itself a cOmDli-
ment to Sydney: you find me engaged on
the business of the home with my new sec
rotary"
You good fellOwr' he said ''Add to your
kindness by cXcuSing me if l ask for word
with yOu in private"
Sydney rose to retire. After having en-
cOuraged her by word of praise the cap
tain proposed that she should get ready to
go out, and should accompany him on
visit to the home. He opened the door for
her as respectfully as if the poor girl had
been one of the highest ladies in the land.
II have seen my friend SarraZin,' Randall
began land l have persuaded him to trust
me with GATHERINGS present address. can
send Herbert there at once if you will only
help me-"
GLOW can [ help yOu?"
''Will YOU allow me to tell my brother that
your engagement is broken off?'
Bennydeck Shrank from the painful allu-
sion, and showed it.
els this necessary" ! e asked.
"MOSt necessary. Herbert left Sydenham
firmly persuaded that you were to marry
Mrs. Omond; and, let me add in Justice to
him, resigned to that event.
we met?''
Eyes. He had not then spoken with Cath
erine-he had not been asked to read the
confession which she addressed to you.
There were remembrances in him which
felt that appeal; his conscience told him
that yoaC were worthy of her. l am grieved,
BeDnydeck, to distress you by referring to
this. But if my brother is left under the
impression that your engagement will be fol-
lowed by your marriage, he will refuse to
intrude himself on the lady who was once
his wife. There are the circumstances.
What is your reply to my request-yes' or
nO?''
Frankly and fairly the captain answered.:
Yes"