Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-02-02

the engagement as blnding-nor can I do
So"
'But dol' interposed the girl, impetu-
ously, her loyalty, rather than her heart,
speaking.
you have very strong will, Valerie, y
said her aunt, not in the least ruff1ed, land
1 only hope it viii not lead you into any
foolish act. I have no fear, however, that
it will induce you to marry man with an
income Of about one hundred and fifty
pounds year. But have no desire TO be
harsh: and if I were so, you would either
go off at tangent or be deceitful The
first would be more like you. I dare say
Mr.. Charters has written to you already?
Write to hin-hear from hin-as often as
you please; but, of course, cannot active
ly encourage a suit OF which your uncle
very rightly, disaPproves; and which 1 also
tell you plainly-consider foolish
It would be difficult to analyze Valerie's
feelings while her aunt spoke; she certain
" could not have analysed them herself
She saw both the justice and the wisdom
Of a refusal to recognize an engagement
between two very young and impecunious
persons; she was too inexperienced to per-
ceive the deeper wisdom Of an abstention
from active opposition.
But this was not all Was Valerie real
" deeply grieved by fat which was in
effect this: Correspond, if you choose,
with your lover, but I cannot ask him TO
my home" Did she wish to see Louis very
often-that is, if he came as a lover? Was
it q relief to find that they could only meet
occasionally? In truth, Valerie did not
know.
She answered confusedly, after pause:
But. aunt Constance, had 10 idea OF
marrying noW-not for years to come. l
knew that was impossible, even if uncle
VIII had no objection"
''Then, my dear" said her aunt, with a
real touch of kindness, Twill say no more.
I don't want to pain you il any way, but
it is best to speak with perfect frankness;
it prevents misunderstanding. I am sure
you win agree with me-"
It was q rather frigid way Of putting it;
but Valerie replied in low tone:
eyes, aunt Constance"
Then, in an altered manner:
But you don't mean that am never to
see LOUISE"
There was that in the tone, in the flash
of the gray eyes, in the slight movement of
the head, which warned Mrs. Langley.
She was far too good driver to put sharp
curb on a hfgh-spirited horse. Valerie she
had seen at first interview, was not q
girl to be treated in conventional fashion;
any attempt at downright coercion would
produce open rebellion. She must be
moulded and influenced by her surround
ings and associations; not driven or con
trolled.
So, after a short pause the lady said:
81 should have wished all personal inter
course to drop for the present But as Mr..
Charters is an old friend and playmate,
this may appear harsh. I will ask him
here sometimes-I do not say often-and
am convinced you will ask no more of me"
mo, indeed; you are very kind to relax
so MUCH" said the girl, stretching out her
hand.
Mrs. Langley clasped it in her own with
genuine cordiality. Who could resist the
witchery of such pathetic beauty, such
winning charm? But all the more, Mrs.
Langley said to herself:
''Imagine that glorious creature flung
away upon little Foreign Office clerkn'
At that moment the door opened, and q
footman announced:
Lady Elinor BeaUregardn'