Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-06-20
knew T was coming nv this train -

IL
and not 1? Why was he the chosen ones
l concealed my modification, however,
and expressed my delight at seeing him.
He nodded, and nodded-he was a little
spare man, with not an ounce of super
fuous flesh on his bones, and his head
seemed to be set on springs-and shook
hands with me cordially, and greeted my
wife and kissed her, and then. holding
Eunice's two hands in his, kissed her also.
1.-THE privilege of old age, my DEAR" he
said. "And you are Eunice. You have
grown into very lovely young woman.
We shall be the best of friends-the best
of friends. You have pretty place here,
nephew Richard, and it is well looked af-
ter That is what l like to see. 1 beg
your pardon"
These last words were in reference to
MdlIe Rosalie, who stood a little IN the
background. introduced her.
''How do you do-how do you do?" he
said, nodding at her as he had nodded at
us. Once set going, it seemed difficult for
him to stop. "Lenormand-Lenor
I know family of that name in Versailles.
Any relation?'
81 have no relations, SIR" said Mdlle.
Rosalie, adding, with glance at me, "out
of England"
Indeed indeed" he said, "no relation
out of England? Nephew Richard, I want
to walk through your grounds, but first
wish to place this in safety" He mOtioned
to Mr.. Mortlock, who came forward with
dispatch-box, which L had observed he
was carrying. There is money in it,
nephew Richard. 1 never travel without
money. 1t is the open sesame everywhere.
even among savages, my dear"-this to
Eunice, Il have seen many, and it is sur
prising how quickly they learn the value
of money"
''Your rooms are ready, sir" 1 said.
''WilI you see them now?"
"At once-at once. Garry the box foI
me. No, do not trouble, my dears. Nephew
Richard and L will go alone; we will rejoir
you presently"
We went up to his rooms together, and
I was glad to hear him say that they were
pleasantly situated.
81 hope you will make long stay with
US" said.
''That depends-that depends. Let me
thank you now for your courtesy to my
friend Mortlock. He is full of your praises,
of yours and your good family's. A charm
ing gentleman-an exceptionally charming
gentleman. Do you not think sop
To please him replied, in as cheerful a
voice as I could command, that Mr.. Mort
lock was a charming gentleman.
THAT is as it should be-as it should be,
have great regard for him, the greatest
regard l knew that you would be great
friends-great friends. Place the box there
there, by the side of my bed, at the head.
That is the spot. Thank you! Now we
will go down to the ladies'"
With polished politeness he offered my
wife and Eunice each an arm, and we all
strolled through the grounds, at the beauty
of which he expressed himself much graf
flied. Samuel Fleetwood approached US.
Here is a faithful servant, SIR" I said,
reckoning to Fleetwood, "who will wait
upon you and attend to your wishes while
you remain with us. We thought it likely
you might come without valet"
I have-I have" said Mr.. Wilmot. 81
discharged my scoundrel only yesterday;
he had been with me fifteen years, and |
discharged him at a moments notice.
Disregarded my orders, the scoundrel!
Away he went-to the right about. Had
he not disobeyed me, | should have pro-
vided for him. L am not the best-tempered
man in the world; know my feelngs-I
must have my way; l lDiJJ have my way.
All! know what is in your mind Right
or wrong? Yes, right or wrong? l must
have my way. Too old to learn. l am
fixed-fxed-fiXed, like an ancient tree.
Ladies, you must not be displeased to
learn that 1 am very wilful, hot-headed,
old gentleman. That is why | never mar
ried; should have made my wife misera-
BILE, so one woman was spared. 1t was
very thoughtful of you, nephew Richard,
to give me a new valet. Fleetwood-is
that your name?"
Eyes, sir" said Samuel Fleetwood.
"Good name-good name; ] shall not for
get it. 1 never forget anything. Two
trunks and valise of mine have by this
time arrived at the house; l told the
scoundrels if they used despatch they
should have half-a-sovereign. Here it is.
give it to them, and take my belongings to
my rooms and arrange things. Here are
the keys; don't touch my papers, only my
clothes and printed books"
Fleetwood sped off, and my uncle fol-
lowed him with his eyes.
Seems a willing scoundrel," he said.
''Had him long, nephew Richard2'
ga great many years. sir"
Faithful, you say?"
GAS faithful man as breathes."
'Good characters"
1.-THE best"
He nodded and kept on nodding, till Eu-
nice, selecting a small white rose, put it in
his buttonhole.
"Thank you, my dear; like attention.
But why not one to your father?"
Smilingly she picked flower, and put
1t in my coat.
"And why not one for friend Mortlockf'
said my uncle.
With heightened color and biting her
lip. Eunice gave Mr.. Mortlock rose. He
made no demur that she did not fasten it
in his coat as she had fastened my uncle's
and mine; but he took his revenge by
placing the rose to his lips before he put it
in his buttonhole.
Mr.. Wilmot laughed.
80, youth youthl' he exclaimed; sin
estimable, priceless treasure, that can so
invest with magic qualities simple rosel
Will science ever lead to the discovery OF
the elixir Nephew Richard, have in my
| despatch-box five thousand pounds.
would give it cheerfuIly for year of life;
1 would give all my wealth, and stand q
beggar in naked feet, if 1 were twenty
once more My dear niece"-and it was a
mark of graciousness on his part to so ad
dress my wife-''I am, as you see, fond OF
life; it is all we have"
"Not all,'' said my wife. raising her eyes
| to the bright heavens.
Eyes, yes, yes" he responded, nodding
and nodding; "but some believe one way
| some another. 1 quarrel with no man:
| opinions on politics or theology, nor will
| be quarreled with. My time is too short,
and I would enjoy every minute left tt