The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1888-11-22
PROUD OF HIS CHOICE.

L hUUD VI HID OuUlOL.
The romantic looking ivy-covered
cottage which nestled at the foot of
Beech Hill had been taken for the sea-
son by young couple in whom the
villagers took an interest unusual even
in that gossip loving community.
There was mystery lingering about
them, evidently, for the gentleman had
an air of high-breeding which was
wanting in the wife, although her
dark gypsy face had piquant and rare
loveliness both of feature and express
sion.
Each day as the train steamed into
the station Elsie would be awaiting
her husbands arrival. her brilliant
eyes oblivious to ali sights but that of
the handsome eager face of him she
loved. Even the indolent loungers,
who spent their time in half-somnol-
ent state, rousing to feeble appear
ance of interest only at each new in
tlux of passengers. grew animated at
the sight of that bright lissom young
figure dressed in the rich fabrics which
made her look like some gay tropical
bird that had alighted in the sombre
place.
In the morning it was her great de-
light to take long, solitary rambles,
and to return laden with woodland
spoils of rare ferns and MOSES. Then
she would transform her rooms into
bowers, amid which she roamed like a
new Flora until her Gerald's arrival.
The farmers wives had learned to
steal for moment from their work at
their golden butter. or creamy cheese,
to watch for her. 1t seemed to brighten
the remainder of the day to catch a
smile from such a pair of rosy lips,
and many murmured "God bless the
sweet young face" followed her as she
passed.
SO it went on until the summer
waned and faded, and October came.
The sun had passed the meridian, and
was sailing in a sea of cloudless blue.
Rarely had the genial rays shone upon
4 lovelier picture than that made by
Elsie, seated upon lichen-covered
rock by the road. Above waved the
graceful branches of stately elm
At one end purled 4 limpid brook over
and listened to its musical ripping
flow, gradually an expression of in-
tense peace came into the beautiful
face. which was usually too instinct
with a subtle inner current of unrest
to convey an impression that the girl
was as thoroughly happy as one would
expect to be.
But her revere was not to be unin-
terrupted.
Suddenly man approached from
out the shadow of the wood. Silently
and stealthily he came. He had seen
the motionless figure, and it suited
with the habits of his life, thus to
draw near and reconnoitre unobserved,
although as yet he had not recognized
Elsie.
But as he came close enough to gain
view of her, he gave n surprised
start, and an evil smile curved the full
red lips. half hidden by his long droop-
ing moustache.
He did not speak, but waited until
the sense of enjoyment which tiger
must feel when his unconscious prey
is within reach of his fatal spring,
though as yet uninjured.
Soon Elsie turned her head and met
his baleful glance.
y
Her warm coloring changed to dull
pallor. Even her lips grew white as
She said. shudderingly:
"Eben! What has brought you here?
l thought"
yes" he interrupted harshly, II
know. You did not expect, neither
long for the sight of me. But one
never knows what may happen. 1t is
good chance for me, though. You
know my heart is very tender one.
Well, how does the young springald
who stole you away treat his treasure?
Is he tired of it yetp"
With every sneering word Elsie's
great dark eyes grew wider and gloom
ier with horror.
Oh, that she could sink away through
the green turf and ddie!-anything-s as
TO be relieved of this tantalising, ILL
omened spectre from the past she had
hoped never again to be confronted
| with.
The man bent and whispered few
| words in her ear. But he had miScal-
culated his influence over her. She
drew her slight form up to its full
height, and pointed towards the road.
.-Gow she said. Il will not do rs you
say. though you should strike me dead
| at your feet"
II viii do worse than that" was the
answer, in low savage tone. Il will
scatter broadcast through this village
who you are and the relations between
| u.s.
Elsie grew as pale as the white flow-
| ers she had fastened in her belt. But
| her voice did not falter.
.'Do your worst" she said resolutely.
| at is possible for you to destroy my
happiness, but you cannot make me a
| traitor to him / love-
Then she took up the leghorn hat
| which lay at her feet, and with bitter
impulse tore from it the wild flowers