Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-01-26
q I,HjRTH-
HALF p TRUTH
by THE DUCHESS.
CHAPTER VIII. - CAPTAIN BEAUREGARD's

ment at bennington was OF war, no orders
had arrived from headquarters.
Mrs. Fanshave's carriage called in good
time for Valerie, and when she presented
herself to say goodbye to her uncle, even
that undemonstrative person told her she
Cooked lovely" while Molly went into
raptures. Yet probably Valerie's would
be the simplest gown IN the town hall that
night. 1t was Of cream cashmere, made
after the fashion Of Marguerite,s, in
Faust" with a rich girdle IF Indian
workmanship, that had belonged to Va
lerie's mother Jewels the girl had none,
and did not need them. Had she not her
glorious youth, her picture-like beauty, and
the wealth of her glittering tresses2
Louis had sent her a lovely bouquet, and
Valerie drove off in high spirits, with al
manner Of dazzling visions floating before
her young eyes If she could have looked
only 4 few short months into the future
But for the young there is only the neal
horizon.
When she reached General Fanshawe's
house she was conducted straight mp to heI
hostess drsssing-rooa, where the Generals
wife was under tho hands of her maid.
garments, jewels, and the various para
phernalia Of lady ) wardrobe Uttered al
about.
"How do you do, my dear?" said Mrs.
Fanshawe, taking Valerie's hands, and
kissing her warmly. Now, off with your
mantle, and let's look at you. Stand off
that's rightl'
The mantle was dropped, and Mrs. Fan
Shave uttered an exclamation under her
breath
''Heavensl what beautyH' Then, after a
pause of gratified survey: My dear, you're
simply perfect Was it your own taste to
have the gown made in that style?"
eyes, Mrs. FanshaWe"
Then you are an artist Simply per-
fectl Now, sit down and have some tea
it ison little table yonder. Oh! youhave
foWers?"
Yes" returned Valerie, smiling, though
a little surprised at the remark.
She sat down and drank some tea, but
did not touch the cake or biscuits provided
also; she was too excited to eat.
when you have finished" said Mrs.
Fanshawe, while her maid laced the bodice
Of her rich blue satin gown, "come and
open this box on the dressing table.
must deliver my message, however you de-
cide''
Valerie glanced at the box, wondering
very much what it might contain; and
presently she rose, and advanced q little
timidly, to the table
1T was o cardboard box she was told to
open, and the girl removed string and pa
per, with changing color, but no suspicion
of what the cover might conceal.
Her young face was a study, as she half
fearfully removed the cover and the tissue
paper below, and her startled eyes beheld,
in bed of cottonwood, the loveliest bou-
quet of white flowers and nlaiden-hair fern
that girls heart could desire.
She clasped her hands, and turned glow
LIB, questioning eyes on Mrs. Fanshawe
ooh, don't thank mep' said the lady,
laughing and shaking her head. 81 am
only delegate. Take it up and see if you
like it,"
The girl obeyed slowly, the soft color
deepening on her cheek rs she bent over
the exquisite flowers. drinking in with their
delicate perfume q yet more subtle essence
for scent OF rose and stephanotis does not
quicken heart-beats
eff | like itr' she repeated in a low voice,
"Oh what could be more lovelyP'
Sweets to the sweet" said Mrs Fan
shave, smiling. Captain Beauregard
asked me to give you the bouquet-if you
will honor him by accepting it.'
Valerie's heart gave a sudden throb, as
though she had known the giver when
Mrs. Fanshawe denied personal response
bility. Her lips quivereo.
''Oh, how kind of himr" she said But
there was pain as well as gladness in her
eyes in her voice. She paused, perpleEed.
What is the matter?" asked the Gen
erals wife. rs the other bouquet a gift,
too2n
yes" said Valerie, glanciug at Louis
bouquet-beautiful but not comparable
with Max Beauregard's. Yet it was not
for this reason her eyes came beck visit
fully to the flowers she held. "And-ahd
1 don't know what | ought TO do"
Rather crux But il You prefer TO
carry the bouquet you brought. Captain
Baauregard couldn't be offended, and l
know he wouldn't be; he's far too noble
hearted a man for that. Soyou must make
your choice freely, my child
But / would like to take these,' said
Valerie, still perpleXed. Captain Beaure-
gard has been so good to me. Only it is
my old playmate who gave me the other
bouquet, and he might be offended if
Alas, for Louis. If Valerie had been
really in love with him she could hardly
hesitate between his gift and that of a
comparative stranger!
Z should think" SAID Mrs. Fanshawe,
that an old friend would not mind being
set aside in such case, understanding how
You might feel about it. Still, Captain
Beauregard would understand why you
declined his offering, if you prefer that of
your old playmate. You know the latter
best, and can answer for my favorite."
A half-smile fitted over the girls mouth.
She 1.-dst make the choice, then, herself.
she walked slowly across the room, and
laid half-penitent touch on the holder of
Louis bouquet. Would he mind very
much? BE would surely understand that
she WOULD like to accept a courtesy from
one who had been so kind to her; Captain
Beauregard might be-not veXed, but
panied if she did not carry his flowers.
Valerie was perfectly honest in employing
this argument, and this argument only;
she was q self-deceiver-bu an uncon-
scious one.
Yes, she would carry Captain Beaure-
CARDS bouquet. and explain to Louis--he
would not be angry. Yet her eyes filled
with tears and her throat swelled; it seem
ed unkind, ungrateful to Louis, but she
had made her decision; she must not vacil-
late any more.
Perhaps Valerie did wrong; but she was
too young. and was of too strong and COM
pick a character to always choose the right
as a matter Of course when a difficult CUES
ton presented itself; and she was. in truth,
obeying q power within her and which,
undeveloped though it yet was, and wholly
unsupported Of having existence, was far
more potent than any pros and cons of
ethics.
Mrs. Fanshawe smiled to herself as she