Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-06-13
CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER ".
There arrived another letter from Mr..
Wilmot conveying the welcome intelli-
gence that he would be with us in the
course of the ensuing week.
snow" | said ioyfully TO my wife, "our
troubles are coming to an end.''
/ expected that she would respond in
like manner, and it surprised me to see a
grave look in her eyes. The dominant in
nuence in a household often proceeds from
the gentlest spirit therein. This was the
case in our home, of which my dear wife
was the sweet and peaceful ruler. To
such an extent did this influence prevail
that the sweet woman gave color some
times even to our moods and thoughts. 1t
was SO now; the grave look in my wife's
eyes was instantly reflected into my own.
81 am not one to meet troubles half
way" she said, in explanation. "but it is
as well to be prepared"
YES, my love- l said; "what are you
about to speak OPP
"Of your uncle and Mr.. Mortlock," re-
piled my wife. Il should like to say what
is in my mind concerning them.''
Speak freely" l said There have
never been any concealments between us,
and there should be none now when
happy event is approaching"
1T has been in my mind for some little
time past, but 1 was not sure and, indeed,
am not sure now. Your uncle says nothing
in either of his letters of Eunice's engage
ment"
He cannot be aware of it. My letter
to him, written on the day the engage
ment was entered into, remains, l am
afraid, unopened in his lawyers office in
London"
"There appears to be a close intimacy
between him and Mr.. MOrtlock.'
Yes. my dear, and | am sorry to think
So"
ct would not surprise me to learn that
It is an affectionate intimacy His first
letter and the terms in which Mr.. Mort
lock speaks of him are almost an assur-
ance Of this. Whether l am right or
wrong in my surmise your uncle GER
tainly has a very high opinion of Mr..
Mortlock"
(Which now," said, sis not shared by
me-"
Nor by me, regret to say" I knew
it panied her to make the admission; it
was grief to her to think i'll of any per
son. Does it occur to you, Richard, that
your uncle had any special object in ask
ing us SO strongly to make friend OF Mr..
Mortlock?"
Mo- l replied.
Il am glad to hear you say that; but
think Bring our dear Eunice into the
question"
/ OWNED her trouble Immediately.
''You think that ne had her in view
when he asked us to make Mr.. Mortlock
welcome in our home"
"It is my fear" said my wife.
/ reflected. The suggestion had never
occurred to me, but with every passing
moment Of time it gathered weight now
that my wife had mentioned it.
1T is possible" | said, gloomily.
1T is more than possible Richard; it is
probable. and Mr.. Mortlock's behavior
seems to favor it..
''Supposing that to have been my uncle's
intention, " said. you think that Mr..
Mortlock must be aware of it?"
81 think SO, Richard"
''But would not my uncle have men
toned it in his first letter to me?" asked,
casting about for an escape,
Scarcely. He would say to himself
Let the young people meet and know
each other If they are mutually attract
ed, everything shall be arranged when
reach home F."
But they are not mutually attracted"
"
but discomfort for some weeks past. l
wish Mr.. Mortlock had never entered our
doors 1t has been as much as I could do
to prevent an open quarrel between him
and Harry. Having been told of the en-
gagement, having seen for himself how
truly Eunice and Harry love each other,
his conduct has been base-base and un-
genuIemaniy. Eunice's bearing toWaTuo
him should surely have convinced him
that he has no hope"
ITO persevere as he has persevered,"
said my wife, with somewhat more en-
phasis than it was her habit to import into
her speech, 'seems to me proof that he
places reliance upon some promise which
Mr.. Wilmot has made to him; otherwise
he would hardly have prolonged his visit.
1t Is ungracious to say so, but he could
not fail to see how unhappy he has made
US; and he would have hidden us farewell
ii ohere was not something behind of
which we are ignorant, and for which we
were not prepared. Richard, l have in
fected you with my apprehensions because
it viii be best for you. and for all of US. to