Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-08-22
A SLIGHT MISTAKE.

WAS pouring IN torrents. Leona OoWns
stood at the small window IN her small
room, gazing out upon the dreary scene.
She was 9 tell, frail girl Of sixteen with
golden curis and sad blue eyes; she was
only q young girl without friends, but
she wac very lovely, and had soul full
of poetry and tenderness. Lsft an or
phan a an early ege, she had been bound
to farmer Green and mis- wife. Mr.. Green
was not a bad man, but his wife ruled
sternly under her roof, aud when Leona
received harsh words, and even blows,
there was no one to speak word In her
behalf.
Mrs. Green was a protesting Christian,
yet every Sunday when the weather pre-
vented them from attending church, she
was certain TO have some kind of work
planned for the day. Leona had always
abhorred this, but she had lately given
her heart TO the Saviour, and on that
rainy November morning she had made
her decision and resolved to abide by it.
She had often tried TO viii Mrs. Green's
heart by gentle words and little acts of
kindness, but had long since discovered
that her efforts were in vain.
"Leona!'
Mrs. Green's shrill voice sounded
through the room from below, and
seemed to penetrate Leona's very soul.
A cold chill swept over the unfortunate
girl, as che clasped her hands and silently
prayed for help.
''Leona, | want you"
eyes, ma'am."
The voice was low and sweet, but
very tremulous. Her steps were steady,
however, as she descended the steep
stairs and entered the small, gloomy
kitchen.
at is rainy, and we cannot attend
church," said Mrs. Green in a matter-of-
fact tone, go we will work on this com
Portable; it needs repairing, VIC will take
IL IN my room"
oMrs. Green, | cannot work today"
"Why not?"
think that we should keep the Sabbath
day holy, and | cannot sew until tomor-
row."
Ten minutes before Leopa would not
have believed that she could have spoken
so firmly; her voice had ceased to tremble,
and Tor a moment Mrs. Green was SO
astonished that she could not speak. A.
length she said in voice that fairly
shook with anger:
"Am to understand that you refuse to
assist me on this comfortablef"
81 am willing TO do all in my power for
you, but / cannot work today"
Mrs. Green could not control her
wrath and she struck the poor girl on
the cheak with q force which sent her
reeling across the floor. As soon as she
could recover from the shook, Leona
meekly turned her other cheek to the
Infatuated woman and this act seemed to
calm her.
go on to your ROOM" she said in low,
hoarse voice, "and do not come down
uatil give you permission"
''With slight bow, Leona left the
apartment, and went up to the low, disma
chamber, where she gave free vent to the
tears which che could no longer repress.
She knew that che would be a prisoner for
several days, perhaps week, and
bread and water would be her only food.
Her low sobs continued to break the
silence, and without, the rain descended
in torrents.
If there was one person in whose
opinion Mrs. Green desired to stand well,
it was the Rev. Mr.. Greeley, pastor of the
church vhich she attended. He was a
young man of medium height, with a
frank, open countenance, and heavy,
brown mustache. He WIS unmarried and
was the possessor of a pleasant, election
ate disposition. Nearly all the mammas
who had manageable daughters had
planued and plotted, hut the young
minister was still bachelor.
1t was the second day poor Leons
had been sent to her room prisoner, and
Mrs. Green was in her parlor busily
engaged IN sewing, when loud rap
sounded at the front door, and she opened
it TO admit the minister.
"Mhy, how do you do? Do come in!
Take this easy chair, please"
THANK yen. How Is your health?"
"Quite good at present, thank you"
"And your husbandf"
"Oh, you know be is always well. He
has gone 70 she village, and will not get
back Un'ii late"
1T j. charming day."
"Oh, splendid. 1t was so rainy last
Sabhafh than we could not attend church
and / do so regret it. told my husband
this morning that | greatly missed the
benefit Of your interesting sermon"
"Thank you. Is Miss Leona at home ~
"Yes, she hes slight headache, and
has gone to her room"
Mrs. Green told this falsehood so de-
liberavels that she almost believed it Ter
self.
"Mrs. Green, l have been interested
in Miss Downs for some time, but l sell
dom see her. | called today TO ask for
your permission TO win her hand in mar
rage"
It wac his abrupt way, and it almost
took Mrs. Green's breath away.
MY souir' she elected, as soon as she
ould speak.
The young man smiled.
Il love her dearly he said, ''but I dc
not know as she cares for me in the
least. She is an earnest Christian, and
have no doubt but she will make good
wife"
Mrs Green hardly knew what TO say
If she answered favorably nearly two
years. hard labor WOULD be lost, but, then
Leona would probably never have such g
chance again. At length her decision was
made.
"You have my consent" she said in her
sweetest tones, but I shall not want the
wedding to take place for three or four
MONTHS
u shall abide with your decision, OF
course"
aIf Won would like TO see Leona today
/ will speak TO her. No doubt her head
ache Is better by this time"
stYou can speak TO her if you please"
Mrs. Green went up stairs in a state OF
great excitement.
"Leona. my dear, put on your brown
dress and go down 70 the parlor. Tks
minister desires to see YOU"
s.Leona looked at Mrs. Green In HnfeIgn
ed sur prise.
DO as tell you, and you need no
come back here. | was little hasty las
Sunday, and you must excuse me-
almost aprs hQf