Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-01-19
" ALHiRIE-
OR
HALF p. TRUTH.
"BY THE DUCHESS. :"

Delighted, of course" he answered.
"The two young ladies gushed very much
about you; thought you most charmingp"
''ndeedl Didn't they want youto stay?"
''They did me that honor. l am very
glad / didn't
eve are going to give a regimenta1 ball, "
said Mrs. Fanshawe, in explanation, to
Valerie, land Captain Beauregard, who
was on duty to-day, rode off when he was
free, to carry an invitation to Mrs. and the
Misses Morton, at Antwel. Do you know
them?'
''Only by name," replied Valerie, smiI-
ing inwardly at the idea Of the poor in
mates Of the Lines knowing the grandees
at AntWel
''Theysee nice people. Ihope you have
no engagement for the tn of july" pur-
sued Mrs Fanshawe, ''for I want you to
give US the pleasure of your company"
up said the girl, almost catching, her
breath, and flushing all over with delight
and establishment. ooh! you are too kind
to ask me; but''-the sweet lips quivered-
the young voice shook a little-'I don't
think l can come; indeed know I cannot"
she added brayely.
But you must" said Max Beauregard,
very low. II have promised myself three
dances at least"
''DO you mean that you have another en-
gagement?" asked Mrs. Fanshawe pour
ing out the tea, and not thinking anything
of the sort
''No. Mrs. Fanshawe. I should like to
come so much. have never been to a ball
in my life 1t isn't that. Only" said Va
lerie, with choking feeling in her throat,
and something very like tears glittering
on her long lashes, 'I have no one to come
with. My uncle would not go to ball for
anyone; and-and don't know how could
get here, either"
lis that all?" said Mrs Fanshawe, with
asunny smile. "That little difficulty is soon
surmounted; / can send our carriage for
you early, and you can come back here,
and go to the town-hall with u.s."
Car cried the girl, clasping her hands,
Il cannot let you do that, Mrs. Fanshawe."
Miss HERBERT" interrupted Captain
Bcauregard, gravely, "the resolution has
been put and carried mem. con. Tea and
cake are the next subjects on the paper
Allow me?" handing her the articles speci
fed; and the General laid caressing hand
Gn the girls golden curls.
eve couldn't spare youl'' he said. "Out
of the question: Why, you'll be the belle
dances; keep some for the others, or there'Il
be mischief"
So Valerie was obliged to yieId-wiIling-
~ enough, it must be allowed. And, after
ALL she was to have her wish-to 90 to a
ball, and, above everything, a military
ball. She admitted, in confidence, to Cap
tain Beauregard how much she had de-
sired this, and now her desire had come
about quite, as it seemed, by chance.
IF there is such thing as chance" said
he.
What a happy evening that was to Va
Ieriei How often she looked back upon it
afterward with vain regret
Louis Charters was, somehow, not act
ually forgotten, but relegated to the back
ground. Certainly Max Beauregard was
man more formed than simple, country
bred Louis to win u Woman's or a girls
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. brilliant, u man
of the world and a soldier, who though no
more than thirty, had seen much service
done brave deeds, and won glory in ''many
a fOughten field"
Valerie was opening her young eyes upon
O new World-a world that seemed to her
very bright and dazzling, full of light and
color; and Captain Beauregard's voice was
s'oL9 tllitA anu
as Louis could not talk or course he was
older and more intellectual, and had had
longer and more varied experience; but
that only accounted for facts, it did not
alter them. Poor Louis!
But shortly after dinner Che storm had
long ceased), Valerie asked if She could re-
turn home now; she ought not to be late.
'You will be early if you leave here at
nine," said Mrs Fanshawe Captain
Beauregard is going to drive you over, isn't
he? Your uncle knows where you are.
Shall John take message to your quar-
tiers, Max. to send up the dogcart?"
'Thanks-yes"
The message was sent and at nine O'Clock
Valerie went up with Mrs. Fanshawe's
maid to be arrayed in her own garments;
but the Generals wife insisted on adding
thereunto a warm mantle; and She took
the girl in her arms, and kissed her a1fec-
tionatcly
''You must let me come and see you soon,
dear,'' said she; land you must come and
see me-"
And Valerie put herarms round the kind
lady's neck, and could only whisper, brol-
emily:
81 can't thank you'll can't spealn'
81 shall want a kiss, too, you know, :"
won't do, Miss Valerie; its putting Stun
bling-blocks in your neighbours way.'
Il don't mind, }" said she, turning round
to him with happy smile.
Don't You? Then am sure I DON'T
said he; and he took her hands and kissed
her. "And mind we see you very, very
Often my dearI'
And he took her down to the door, where
Captain Beauregard was waiting for her;
and without stood spruce dOgcart, with
s handsome and very spirited chestnut
horse.
Beauregard lifted the girl to her place,
and mounted beside her; there was a last
Oasso goodnight" from the door, and sill.
very response from the dogcart, and off
went the chestnut, at exactly the pace
and no faster-hiS driver chose. Max
Bcauregard was first-rate whip, and the
horse must be of new type that could
master him.
CHATTER yI.-THROUGH THE LANES.
The air was clean and fresh, and filed
with the sweet, earthly smell that follows
rain; but there was no moon, and in the
narrow lanes, ofte vershadowed by trees,
it was very dark, which was, perhaps, the
reason why Captain Beauregard kept his
impatient horse at the easiest of trots.
though, even where there was more light.
fba nara was not