Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-11-18
JOHN HARVEY'S MISTAKE.


A life was passing away; softly and
gently it as gliding into eternity. No
eminent physician watched its decay; no
wealth eased its painful joltings along the
road to death; yet 10 word passed Clara
Testers lips; no traitorous cry tnat her
burden was greater than she could bear
came from her loyal heart. Pain had
traced many wrinkle on her fair fore
head, but her brows had neI er been drawn
together in angry impatiences.
Bel Urmson, loving her sister devoted
", and tending her daily, was kept in ig-
norance of her danger, and never sus-
pected the slenderness of her hold upon
life. Bel only saw that Clara was young,
and beautiful and selicate. Yes, she was
delicate; but then Clara had been deli
cate from her childhood, and since that
dreadful mOrniEg when news came to
them that the steamship CawnpOre had
been wrecked off the African coast, and
Capt. Testers name had appeared among
the passengers drowned or missing, his
young bride Clara Lester had as Mar
cares expressed it, never raised her head.
Death and her sister were, however, never
associated in Bel UrmsOn's mind. Clara
was delicate and that was all.
Three years had run their course since
the wreck of the CawnpOre and Capt.
Lester had never come back to his wife;
and now, she whispered to herself, she
was going to him.
Before Bel had attained her 18th year
she was engaged to be married to Lieut..
Haywood, a young officer in the -th
Hussars; but a misunderstanding had
arisen betweed them, and they parted.
GEgFe IHsedd n TO SAY, SAY to her i am sure
tween you, and some day Lieut.. Hey
wood will come back to you and
everything will be explained"
But Eel had laughed scornfully at
Clara's prophecy and refused to place
any confidence in it. Her disappOint-
ment had shaken her confidence in hu-
man goodness and integrity, and she be-
came suspicious, reticent and sarcastic.
But gradually Clara Testers influence
effected a change, and two years later
Bel Urmson had learned to love again
and was once more engaged to be mar
ried
One morning Bel was seated on a low
stool by her sisters couch, her chin rest
ing on her hand and her eyes gazing vac
antly on the floor. She had been silent
for long time, when suddenly she spoke
II thought John ought to know that l
had loved before, and so told him the
story of my love. Was [ right?" and
she turned her dark, handsome face to
her sister, while her GLORIOUS brown eyes
seem to repeat her question. WAS
right?"
"Quite right" Clara answered.; ''you
have only forestalled the advice [ intend
ed to give you to-day. And he, Bel
what did Mr.. Harvey say?"
II don't think he liked it, Clara, he
looked so disappointed; but he said very
little. But | do love him, and he has
no cause for jealousy. But he is jealous
Jealous as Othello"-and with light
careless laugh she turned away.
I'm sure Bel does not love him. the
sister murmured, squeezing her fingers
together in agony at the thong ht.
L have come earlier than usual" said
John Harvey, who now entered. "The
fact is, have received a telegram from
my father informing me of his arrival in
England and requesting my Immediate
presence in Southampton, because, as he
expresses it, he is not so well. I do not
suppose it is anything serious;
nevertheless, I am obliged to leave Sut-
ton tonight"
Il am sorry" Clara said. 81 Hope you
will find him better, john" she continued
leaning over and laying her hand in his,
''my life is uncertain, Imay never see
you again. Don't start-the thought is
not new to me. Promise mel will not
ask you to swear it, for a mans word
should be binding as his oath-but prom
Use me now, before 1 die, 10 be always
kind to Bel"
Startled and surprised though he was
without a moments hesitation he ans
wered:
Il promise. To the utmost of my pow
er. will be good to your darling
THANK you," she murmured as her
sister and the nurse made their appear
ance. And now, if you will take Bel
away, Margaret shall help me to go to
my room. Good-by, John.'
He shook hands with her, express sing
hope that when he returned he should
find her stronger. Then he and Bel walk
ed to the small iron gate which divided
Mr.. Testers miniature garden from SUIT
ton Commons, and pausing there he ask
ed:
BEL, will you write tie me while am
gomez"
They had been engaged only month.
and this was their first separation; new
ertheless, she answered with warm decis
ion
''No; you will live on my letters and be
in no hurry to come back to me-"
That same night, Clara Lester found
the release for which she had so long
waited.
Il will never listen to any of Bells mad
projects again. was John Harvey's men
tai resolution as he stepped out upon the