Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-06-06
laughter. There were reasons for this

and daughter. There were reasons for this
discomfort
First, it appeared to me that Mr. Mort
lock was too strongly attached towards
Eunice. His attentions to her were marked
Dy tenderness which was not agreeable
20 her or US. There had been nothing con-
cealed from him. He knew that Eunice
and Harry Clanronald were engaged, and
ne could not but see that they were de-
votedly attached to each other Was it,
then, the conduct of an honorable man to
introduce discordant element into this
engagement? True, Mr.. Mortlock might
plead his growing love for Eunice az an
excuse; but it would have been nobler in
him TO have accepted the situation. and to
have hidden US farewell. Instead Of tbis
he allowed himself to be unconsciousIv
beguiled by his feelings into paving her
| attentions, the meaning of which could
scarcely be mistaken. Or was it premed.
itated on his parts Whichever was the
right construction, this unexpected and
unforeseen demonstration was the cause
of something more than embarrassment.
Should | speak and demonstrate with Mr..
Mortlocks Even in the event of my so
deciding, I should have been at loss how
to approach the subject; my duties as host
added to the difficulty, and my uncle's let
ter seemed to effectually stop the way. 1
read this letter over and over again, and
each time it impressed itself more strongly
upon me that if I offended Mr. Leonard
Mortlock, or wounded his feelings, my
uncle would take it as personal to himself
The interests at stake were too important
TO run the risk; and, in elaboration with
my wife, we could arrive at but one con-
IL
presence to solve the difficulty.
This was our attitude; but we could not
control the attitude of Eunice and Harry.
Eunice took every pains to avoid Mr..
Mortlock; and had he been either an OBJ
servant or a fair-minded man it would
have been impossible for him to mistake
her meaning. But he exhibited no con-
seriousness of it, and her avoidance of him
did not cause him to abandon those marks
of attention which were so distasteful to
her. Harry Clanronald's jealousy was
openly demonstrated, and the two men,
who, during the early part of Mr.. Mort
locks visit, were in frequent friendly as
ISOLATION, now seldom exchanged word
/ must say that Mr.. Mortlock took this in
good part and that, so far as outward ap-
pearances went, his demeanor continued
to be cheerful and well-bred, while Harry
was sullen and occasionally offensive; and
as nothing seemed to disturb Mr.. Mort
locks equanimity, Harry was placed at
conspicuous disadvantage in this antagon.
ism. / cautioned Harry.
81 cannot help it, SIR" said the young
fellow, "and cannot you see how it dis
tresses Eunice? If he were not your guest
I would teach him lesson he would not
easily forget"
violence is always to be deplored," /
said; land avoided if possible If he wers
not my guest this would not continue"
"Wen, SIR" said Harry, ingenuously.
"why not give him a plain hint to go2'
There are circumstances" replied,
switch render this impossible. Mr.. Mort
lock is partaking of my hospitality at an
Others bidding, and grave consequences
might ensue if I offended him"
"Grave consequencesr' exclaimed Harry,
''To whom?"
ITO me-to Eunice-to your
''Not to meI' said Harry, holly. 81 re-
pudiate him and his acts at such q cost as
this"
"Be patient, my boy" I demonstrated;
''you do not know what depends upon the
friend of whom speak. He will soon be
here, and then everything will be set
right"
1T seems as if everything depended upon
him." observed Harry, whom my endeav-
ors were powerless to soothe; "your future
-Eunice's-mineP'
"To great extent you are right. Now,
Harry, say no more; there are matters
which cannot at present explain to YOU"