Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-09-02
HER SACRIFICE.

She had been married but a year, and
that evening was the anniversary of her
wedding
fsHe win bring me that exquisite dia-
snond ring, Pm sure. Linnette Osborn s
husband gave her an elegant pearl cross
ON their anniversary. Harry knows I'm
just wild about that ring, and-ah! here
he comes n0W," she said.
moment after quick, firm step came
Through the hall, the door opened, and
Harry Wentworth came forward, kissed
the bright lips held up to him, and tax
ing off the wrapping, held forward an ex-
nRisite bouquet of rare exOtics.
ssHere, darling!'' he said, IT wanted to
bring yoa something different to-day, but
I dared not do it. We must wait for bet
ter times. This day, the anniversary of
the very happiest of my life, [ thought to
have brought my little wife something of
greater value to express our appreciation
and love- Bnt these flowers must speak
for me-"
Grace took the flowers, pressing them
to her lips to hide their quivering, but
she could not hide from the loving, watch
full eyes of her husband the look of dis
appointment all over her face.
t"EheEe, there! never mind, love. L
know yOn are disappointed; but cheer
mp, little wife. L trust this sad state of
affairs viii not last very long, and then
yon shall have your diamond ring" Har-
~ said, gently caressing her.
At the mention of the ring Grace could
restrain her tears no longer. She sobbed
right ont.
-Four days ago Linnette Osborne's hus-
band gave her a lovely pearl cross and
chain, and-and told her what [ hoped
for. She viii think it so queer, and will
BE SO mortified. What can [ say? She
VIII surely ask me. And, Harry, [ don't
think VIII Osborn is doing better bust
ness than yOu."
Harry Wentworth's fine fancy grew
very grave, and he said, in slightly re-
proachfnlul tone.
II did not think my wife would grieve
SO about a really unnecessary article. L
believed YOU would understand that some
very good reason prevented my giving
you this pleasure. [, too, am disappoint-
ed, dear. But don't measure or weigh
your husbands love by his gifts, Grace.
But i must not be severe. You are scarce
more than q child-loving, petted, spoil
ed child. But now listen, dear. [ might
have brought you the ring. l could have
paid for is or gone in debt"
mo, no; would not have wished that"
Grace said, wiping her eyes and trying to
look satisfied.
Eff had paid for it dear, it might have
been at severe cost. But we will not say
any moro about it. Kiss me, and then we
will have one of our duets, love. 1t is so
lozsg since we have had music. These
hines have almost driven all the music
from my nature"
ssIPhese tamesr' Grace said to herself.
81 am heartily tired of hearing those
words And it is too bad that [ should
have to suffer for other folks misfortunes
or misdeeds, am not sure which"
All, little did Grace Wentworth know
the IN Gaming of the word she used.
Graded in luxury, reared in home of
afffuenee. what could she understand of
sufferinge
The week passed by, and Grace tried to
Danish the disappointment from her mind.
She did not return Mrs. OsbOrn's call, as
she had promised.
II could not endure the look of aston
ishment she would fix on me when, in an
sEeE TO her inquiry. l should have to
answer, Only a bouquet" Grace said.
TIE bouquet was still very beautiful,
and fresh, although quite week old. In
deed, ID seemed possessed of a perpetual
BLOOM. Grace was changing the water
IN the vase when Nora, the Irish girl, came
N.
'sWhat is it, Nora?" Grace inquired, as
tsllsse girl stood hesitating beside her.
ttCoald have an hour or so this morn
ing, phase? And would you spare me a
E3olIarG Sure and it's not for myself I'd
be asking, bnt me brother. The childers
are sicR, and it's not a clint they have, and
it's half starving found thin last night"
Nora said, the tears running down her
face.
tsWhy, yes, certainly-go; and here,
your months wages are nearly due; you
can have more, or all. But, Nora. is not
Your brother at work with Mr. OSBORNE"
E'Sure he is, ma'am, but it's not clint
that he got Saturday night. All, and
its awful times these be now. Tin of the
hands that's bin getting twelve dollars a
week went home with none at all, sure.
Did the master say nothing at all about
ItA The men takes 1t awful bad, because
some sen of how Mr.. Osborn could have
done better. Sure and it's meseif'
Nora 0rFlynn, that sees the suffering
about
mo, Nora, Mr. Wentworth said no.
thing ef 1t. / believe his men were paid
off,
<sYes, and may the Lord bless and kape
him forever. the men are telling about
she difference between them sure-Mr
Osborn and the master. But it's goin' I'll
be-
Mora, come first to the pantry; I'll fix
up some things for you. Or just give
me a basket anf I'll put in the things
while yon are getting ready" Grace sai6
Ten minutes after Nora came back
picking mp one bundle after another
smelling and pinching them as she ex-
claimed:
tsTeag coffee! sugar, crackers! wine
NE cold chicken 1 fixed for your lunch
e. And jelly Oh, may you live for
Tor what would we do without you
+ae mother and the childers
1r you every day that they