Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-03-21
BEAUTIFUL MISS GRANDSON.


BEAUTIFUL MISS GRANDSON.
She came to rs IN the full glory of
autumn's richest coloring, when "Octo-
Der" was written on every hill and vale
in the red ard yellow tints OF fallen leaves,
and the deepened richness of the Indian
summer atmosphere bathing all in golden
splendor.
Brother Ralph and I stood on the YER
anda to welcome her and as she came
up The broad white steps the mellow
autumn sunlight dasLing back from her
golden hair and seeming TO hide itself IL
the dark depths of wondrous brown eyes
she became associated IN my mind with
the rich, dusky beauty, the still glowing
splendor OF that incompatible month
October; so I always thought of her, and
SO I think of her TO day.
took her small gIoved hand in mine
moment with a few pleasant words of
welcome, then Ralph did the same.
And, ere he released it, which was not
quite AS soon g. he should have done, l
noticed an unusual flush mount TO his
handsome, fair face, AM feared that he
WIS IN danger of losing his heart at the
outset to our fair goVerness.
Yes, this rare creature was to be our
goyerness. Not mine nor Ralph's for
we were long past our school days, but
ge had two troublesome young sisters,
to take charge of whom Miss Grandson
had travelled a long way. Hers was a
singular beauty, the like of which had
never seen before Her mplexion, one
would think, should be fair to match the
bright, dazzling gold of her hair, but it
was not; instead, II suited her deep brown
u ~. Y T.
a creamy olive, with a spot of richest
crimson is either cheek.
She was tall and graceful, with an air
that was half comm anding and a look,
something about her, as / have said be-
fore, which reminded me of all the Geep
passion of intensity of October's warmth
yelled under her stillest haze.
Such was Flora Grandson when she
came to us, and 1t was not sur prising that
Ralph's eyes fingered on her lovely face
until he was comp PEELED to turn them away
for shame's sake. Time passed very
pleasantly. We lived in the country, or
rather, just outside of stirring town,
and we could therefore combine the
pleasures of both city and country life.
How Miss Grandson enjoyed her out
door rambles with the children in the
brilliantly tinted autumn woods! Ralph
frequently accompanied them much TO her
annoyance, it seemed to me, who watched
with Jealous eyes every movement that
indicated his growing interest in the
charming stranger.
We know nothing of her save that she
was from q Southern city, and was thrown
upon her own resources for support. But
her beauty spoke for itself, and l felt
convinced the moment that Ralph first
set his eyes upon that sooner or later she
would break his heart, | wonder why
the thought never struck me that she, a
poor governess, would be glad to win him
for husband. But it never did.
There was not the least sign of coquet-
~ about her, nor did she seem TO care at
all for his attentions. She accepted them
quietly, smilingiy, when she could not
evade them, yet always felt she would
rather he did not offer them. liked her for
it though | couldn't get over the idea that
she would be his fate.
One day very late in November, the
sun shone radiantly and almost q summer
warmth prevailed the atmosphere.
Tempted by the beauty of the scene l
donned my hat and cloak and went for
stroll in the leafless woods. / had not
gone far when the sound of Ralph's voice
struck my ear. It was strained and
despairing, and he was saying, oh! how
earnestly:
For Gods sake, Flora, give me a little
HOPPER
"Have | not told you there is none?" /
heard her answer, almost desperately;
II desire that you never mention this
subject again, Mr. Percival.
Not caring to play the eavesdropper,
walked away and Joined the children who
were playing some distance further on.
Miss Grandson and Ralph had not seen
me. But my blood was boiling at the
thought of Ralph suffering through her.
When | saw him again the poor boy look
ed white and miserable as any ghost.
The next day he left us for an indefinite
time pleading some business ezcase, but
| knew well what had driven him away. l
loved him dearly and could hardly bear
the loneliness of the hour after he had
gone.
At last, exasperated at her calm,
queenly loneliness, when my own heart
YVES aching so, I vented my sorrow and
displeasure upon Miss Gradison. She
was sitting by the window reading, and
she just raised her eyes to give me one
long, steady look, slightly mingled with
surprise, ana then dropped them TO her
book again without q word. / then TOLD
her wha. had overheard, and repeated
angrily that it was her fault that Ralph
had gone away.
i am sorry. she said quietly, "thst
you heard what you did. No one would
ever have known of your brothers dis
appointment from me. But surely, Miss
Percival, you cannot say that have ever
encouraged his unfortunate love either
by word or look"
was forced to acknowledge that she
had not.
sBat since he did love, you in spite of
all, why should you have refused him,
Miss Grandson? Is not Ralph young.
rich, handsome and good enough for any
WON an on earth?'
HE is all that, Miss Perc!val," she re-
piled sadly.
"Then why
II have no love TO give," she interrupt
ed hastily; ssand even could / love any
one, have not the right"
Not the right?' | repeated. "Then
you are engaged to some otherfh
No." she said quietly, but | saw the
crimson IN her cheeks begin to deepen.
Because | am already wife,"
"A wifew I cried in amazement.
"You?o
s'Yes, Miss Percival, II"
Already angry with her before this ad-