Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-04-26
TIE PERILOUS ORDEAL.

LIE PERlLOUS ONDLAL.
In the library of his stately mansion
sat the owner of Marchemont Hall,
while before him, with an eager light
in his handsome face, stood the young
artist, Victor Grant,
But, sir, it is not my happiness
alone that your answer will determine,
for your daughter loves me as fervent-
" as do her"
Mr.. Marche bent a naughty glance
upon the bold speaker.
Florence is but child. She does
not know her own mind. refuse my
permission for you to address her as a
sutton. | bear you 10 ill-will, Mr..
Grant; but have other views for my
daughter"
There was nothing for the young
man to do but to turn and leave the
room which he had entered so full of
hope.
lie had known Florence Marche
from her childhood, and rs the years
passed, had grown almost insensibly
to look upon her as the one woman in
the world to him.
VIctor's was not nature to stOOp
to deceit, and as soon Us the knowledge
had fully come to him that he had not
only loved, but that his love was re-
turned, lie had determined to speak to
her father, and thus he had been
answered.
A short time later, in secluded
part of the grounds, he stood before
Florence.
They made a striking and pleasing
picture, these young lovers; he with
his dark handsome face, and she with
her pure lily fair loneliness.
''lt IS as you feared, Florence; your
father has refused his consent, and
have sought you to tell you that | can
not stay where everything will remind
me of YOU.
AS her lover spoke thus in rapid
tones the girl had stood silently with
dropping head.
When he paused she raised her face,
and he could see that her eyes were
full of tears.
Involuntarilv he opened his arms,
and she sprang into his embrace, and
for an instant the two young beings
clung together in speechless misery.
At length, IN earnest tones, the girl
exclaimed:
81 was afraid it would be so, Victor,
and knNw papa too well to hope that
anyt ing that | might say would alter
his determination. But, oh, my love,
no matter where you may go, or how
lonc it may be before Fate is kind, and
re-u1ites us again. you know that my
heart is yours, and only yours"
Y ctOr pressed one long passionate
kiss upon her upturned face, and then
left her
lis tall form soon vanished from her
Sic and Florence was alone in the
spot where Victor had first told her oil
his love.
4 few days later in their trysting
place, the lovers said their s0rrowfu
farewell, and soon after an outgoing
steamer numbered Victor amongst its
passengers. He had determined to Gu
To that land where the poor artist had
:; chance to rise through his talents.
Several months went by, and Mr..
Marche was attacked by 4 sudden i'll
ness.
One afternoon when they were alone
together lie called his daughter to his
side with these words:
Florence, feel that am not going
live very long, and | want you tC
make my last days happy by granting
me a request.
The girl stopped and kissed the pale
lips.
What is it. father?"
Lord Helmsworth has asked me tC
allow him to address YOU. want you
to promise me that YOU will accept hi;
attentions. 1t has always been my
desire that you, with your beauty
and talents, should make q fine
match"
As her father spoke, Florence press
ed her hand to her heart that still
lhrobbed with love for her absent
Victor.
Father, do you require me to make
gou such promise! Though [ have
never rebelled against your will-no
even when you parted me from Victor
you know that | still love him."
Mr.. Marches face grew dark with
flush of anger.
Florence he said sterulv. 81 nav,
lavished everything upon you. and il
this the way you repay me? Lister
while | tell you something which til
IDlS IlOIuCnG fnGdub 10 CdTsN 10 III
grave secret. You are not m,
daughter. You start, but it is true
Years ago, just after my wife died
leaving me alone and sad in foreigl
land, rescued you, a tiny homeless
waif. from the life of poverty whic
would nave been yours, and took yo
to my home as my own child. Al
these years | have cared for you, an
in my will l have named you as N
heiress. Think before you answer m
again.
The girl had covered her face wit
her hands.
Could it be true-this strange stor
that she heard? One glance into tia
sick mans face convinced her that
was.
For 4 few moments she RENAME
silent. A struggle between her low
and her sense of duty VAS going on i