Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
LOST AND WON.
Eagle.

Then that is your final decision
Alice?"
1T is. will not be circumscribed in
my choice of acquaintance by any man s
appreciation or aversion, even though am
betrothed to him
Alice Thornton loved society, and, like
all its lovers. had strong propensity for
the admiration of its most popular devo-
tees of the opposite sex. Lawrence Gerald
a few weeks previous made his appear
ance in that town, and being reputed
wealthy, and possessing an elegant man
ner, with a handsome form and counte-
nance, gained an easy access to the fash
| ionable circle.
Henry Clifford, the lover of Alice, had
! marked the particular attention bestowed
on his betrothed by the newcomer, and
had made special inquiries inregard to his
character. He could learn nothing definite.
but was convinced that Lawrence Gerald
was not what he was represented to be-
A number Of times he had warned Alice to
be careful how she encouraged his atten-
tions.
Hayward and willful Alice had disre-
garded his caution, and now the willy temp
per began to wind his coils around her
heart-not that the love of Alice for Henry
Clifford was on the wane, but there was a
fascination about the other which seemed
irresistible.
Many of both sexes, even when united by
the band held sacred by the law of both
God and man, have come in contact at
some time with one who has charmed the
thoughts away, for a season, from loyalty
I to their companion and the attachment of
home
] ~
Alice. ''you would have no objection to
my accompanying Mr.. Gerald for ride to-
morrow You did not interpose any OBJ
| Jectlons last week, when | accompanied Mr..
Walsh In his drive. Besides, there is al
ways a man servant present
Alice, replied the lover, you do not
wish to trifle in this matter. If | should
permit you to receive the attentions of
| one whose character is, to say the least
suspicious, | should not be doing my
duty to either you or myself; and that
Mr.. Gerald's character is suspicious
have no doubt. From what | have heard
he is no companion for the lady of my
love"
''Only stratagem of yours, lightly
replied Alice, ito have me discard him
from my train. But it is of no avail. I
must have more than hearsay to convince
me.
Then you are going tomorrow"
Yes, was the pettish answer, land,
more than that, shall henceforth consider
myself free. | shall not be hampered by
a promise that confers right on any man
to dictate what shall or what | shall not
! do"
alice, said her lover ''think of what
you are doing. | do not wish you to de-
prive yourself of pleasure or confine your
self to my society. | have never been an
eXactlng lover, and have now only your
own welfare at heart. ="
You are very considerate, ;" was the re-
ply; but my intellect is not comprehensive
| enough to appreciate it. hope the next
time you call you will be in less contra
dictory mood.
/ Il imagine that is hint that my pres
ence is no longer endurable?'' answered
her companion, in return to the last SEN
tence.
eff you wish to interpret my meaning
so, > was the unfeeling rejoinder.
Good evening, Alice
Good evening, Henry; call the day
after tomorrow and | will give you a
description of to-morrow's entertain
ment.
He made no reply. but departed. Alice
saw him pass down the walk, returned to
the room. threw herself on the sofa, and
was lost In thought. She felt that she
had been hasty in dissolving her engage
ment; for, In truth, she really cared more
for her lover than she had been willing to
admit. Her feeling for the other man
she knew was similar to the emotion with
which we listen to a new piece of music
) charming while the novelty lasts, but no
sooner is that gone than the power of af-
lection Is over Her wilfulness had
caused little breaches between them be-
fore, but she had never failed when they
! met, to bring him to her side again and
effect a reconciliation. She trusted that
the present breach would terminate the
same way.
The next day Alice went with Mr. Ger
[ aid but did not enjoy herself as much as
, she anticipated. On returning home she
resolved that note should be sent to he1
discarded lover the next day Uniting him
: to call, when she would make clean
I breast of it and break off her connection
with Mr. Gerald. The note had been dis
patched but half an hour when the evening
paper arrived Opening it she ran hel
e eyes down the columns and came to the
|, following notice
Sailed this morning, at IL a. m, the
steamship Morning Light, for San Fran
r cisco. Several residents from this tow
V were among the passengers. Mr.. Henry
o Clifford, very Unexpectedly to his friends
resigned his position in the Custom HOUSE
and took passage. May fortune attend
r him in the Golconda of the west.
> Ten years passed. The spacions salons
of Mrs. Rexford were filed with the elit,
L of the town. The hostess was promenad
/ ing the room, leaning on the arm of a tai
f man with bronzed complexion. By he
. attention she appeared to be very mucl
n interested in the account he was givins
: of narrow escape from band of rob
+ bers while passing between one of tn,
mining districts and a city of California