Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-02-09

the salle, was group, one of which at.
tracted universal attention. This was 9
very young girl, dressed entirely IN cream
white who leaned on the arm Of a man
somewhere between six-and-thirty and
forty-an almost ludicrous contrast in
every respect to his beautiful companion;
for whereas she was tall, slender, and del
icate to fragility in appearance, with that
wonderful purity of skin and clear brill
fancy of eye which is the lot of some favor
ed few of Ewes daughters, he was barely
above the medium height, of robust build
and somewhat heavy in feature-a gentle
man-there could be no doubt on that
point-but of the type which is peculiarly
one had almost said obstreperously-
English
The other members of the group were
two ladies: one middle-aged. rather prim
in carriage and dress, and bearing strong
resemblance to the gentleman; and the
other older, but not looking so handsome,
stylish, and richly attired.
"sBeauty and the Beast" whispered
witty and merciless Frenchman to another,
as they both stared hard at the girl. ''HeI
father. eh?''
''Betei fathers do not look at their daugh-
moisellep'
''Ciel is that goddess destined for such
man? Oh, the irony of fate!''
Man and girl passed on the latter, scarce
ly noticing now-she was so used to it'll
the attention she excited, said, archly:
''Mr. Lawford, you promised me you
would do me service-which l would not
name then-when we left the box'
bat hac &c T Will do
Miss Herbert" replied Aston Lawford.
''Then please try and get me London
evening paper. You will be able to find
one surely in one of the kj0sQltes near here"
"Oh, yes. Is that the only service can
do you?"
For the present, yes returned Valerie
smiling. 'Stay, get me all the English
evening papers they have. Am not greedy
for war news?"
''You are soldiers daughter. Besides,
you know so many out there, don't you?''
GA good many. Now 60 please, or you
will miss the opening of the third act"
"That would not matter, If L were doing
your bidding"
"Well. the papers might be gone, and
that would be worse"
She slipped her hand from his arm, ant.
Aston Lawford hurried away
"What errand have you sent Mr. Law
ford about, Valerie?" asked her aunt
"To get some evening papers," replied
mademoiselle, playing with her fan.
Mrs. Langley smiled to herself Aston
Lawford, reputed millionaire, and certain
ly immensely rich, was clearly epris with
the portionless beauty; and she, whether
she perceived this or not, made him do her
bidding.
The party had returned to their lOge, and
the curtain had risen on the third act,
when Lawford, with an Eyening Standard,
Globe, and an early Telegraph special"
came back.
Valerie's eyes flashed as she saw his
trophies.
ooh, thanks!" she said, in an eager I'm
dertone; that is feast! hope you had
not to take much trouble?"
eff had would not grudge it,' he an
swered, taking his place beside her.
You ought notr' retorted the girl, sauci-
ly. ''Chut We must not talk; but nl1tSt
look at the kilograms"
LET mel'' said Lawford, taking the pa
pers from her and opening them at the
centre pages.
The girls heart beat fast as she looked
at the Standard kilograms. There had
been no fighting where Max Beauregard
was, but some skirmishing elsewhere The
Telegraph and the Globe told the same
tale, and she drew silent breath OF relief
She could put aside fuller reading for Che
present, until she was alone; and feeling
secure that he, at any rate, was safe, she
gave her undivided attention to the OPERA
while Lawford, who did not care much for
any music, thought great deal more about
the beautiful girl at his side than about
the sorrows of Margherita
Mrs. Langley and her niece were leaving
Paris for Rome the next day; and as the
party drove back to the Louvre, where
Mrs. Langley was staying, Lawford turned
to the lady and said:
81 hope 1 may have the pleasure of see-
ing you off tomorrow"
To be continued