Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-05-20

''Yes, every one had a splendid time
myself in particular. l entertained my
self in watching Douglass play the clown
to Miss Leslies amusement He did it to
perfection. By George, I should have
thought so many sweet smiles would have
made her sick. Shows how much woman
can stand when she makes up her mind
to it, and [ suppose her mind is made up,
don't your"
A decided negative is indicated by his
companions movements.
''Humph! I firmly believe she intends
to marry Softhead CHS own name for
young Douglass) sooner or later. probab-
ly sooner. Why, don't you think she does
sis! You can unloosen that shawl or
scarf or whatever it is, enough to let me
hear the sound of your voice. I'm get
ting lonesome. What did you say?"
II don't think Blanche likes Mr.. Doug
lass very WE'LL" was the barely audible
reply.
''The deuce you don't! Oh, well! but
you are mistaken, I know. Don't she
show him all sorts OF favors, dancing
with him repeatedly, even giving him the
dance she used to always give to me, and
which | should have enjoyed SO much to-
night"
Did you ask her for y" murmured
the figure at his side.
''Ask her for it?" Not I. Though to
tell the truth, Nellie, was awfully tempt
ed to. If she had vouchsafed me one
friendly glance I would undoubtedly have
made fool of myself
Some violent emotion seemed to be ag-
itating his companion, and her struggles
attracted the attention of Mr.. Greystone;
he shook her vehemently.
Nov, Nellie, I positively forbid you
taking off a single shawl and he attempt
ed to readiust her wraps, but the lady re-
sisted his well intended efforts, and in
trice she had torn the veil from her face
and displayed to his astonished gaze the
laughing countenance of Blanche Lester.
pray go on with your remarks, Mr..
Keystone. Your style is extremely in
resting. [ don't know when I have en-
joyed a ride so much. Aren't you afraid
we shall upset if we don't keep the road?"
for the horse was following its own sweet
will and meandering along the roadside
III an aimless fashion, while the driver
stared at his companion in utter amaze
ment,
"What-an-ut ter-idiot l have been,'
his power of speech coming back to him
by jerks. "Where is Nellie, and how on
earth did you get here, Blanche?"
ooh, Nellie wanted to ride home with
the load-I hink she was tired of your
company, sir-and | hadn't the heart to
refuse her when she wanted me to take
her place."
"And you have been listening to all my
idiotic talk! What must you think of me?
Can you ever forgive me for the way I
h. 4olJ- lox- l. Lo,, Io.,
arm, ''tell me, Blanche, that you lOathe and
despise that fellow Douglass"
'But do not loathe and despise Mr..
Douglass. On the contrary, consider him
one of the pleasantest young men I know.
But what do you want to talk of Mr.. Doug
lass for? Are you so infatuated with him
that you cannot talk of anything else?"
'I infatuated with him! heartily detest
the man. I wanted TO knock him down
every time he looked at you tonight.
Blanche, darling" slipping his arm ad-
roitly around her waist, "teu me, do you
care even a little for me? Are you per-
fectly Indifferent to me, when have wor-
shipped you all my life?"
at would serve you right if / hated you,
and [ don't see why | don't, after the way
you have treated me-neyer to come near
me or speak to me at all, >" with a most re-
proachful glance.
But then you don't hate me, do you
Blanche?"
No DON'T" she confessed.
Mr.. Greystone's horse Jagged in most
unaccountable fashion the last half of the
way home, but everything must have been
very harmonious, for the first time Mr..
Greystone met Mr.. Douglass he hailed
him with such hearty good humor as to
fill that gentleman with wonder, and he
maryeled greatly what had come over
that gruff fellow, Greystone. by Jove,
he used to hardly speak to fellow"