Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-09-12

thompson, falling back IN his chair as
though he had been shot.
Yes, Mr. Thompson, | love her, | have
loved her almost ever since first came
here.' said Mr.. Blythe, in a tone which
was half pleading, half despairing.
You ought to have remembered your
promise, sir. You gave me your word of
honor, exclaimed Mr. Thompson, starting
up in sudden fury and beginning to pace
about the room.
Il know l did but-but l could not help
loving her. However, | have kept my
promise, and it is now that | feel | can
Keep it no longer that say | must leave.
''Ohi You ve-you've said nothing to
my daughter?" asked the old gentleman,
pausing abruptly from his agitated walk.
mo, have said nothing to forfeit your
good opinion. remembered the relative
positions Of your daughter and myself, she
a great heiress, "a beggar, said Mr..
Blythe, with matter-of-fact humility.
Very proper-yery proper, added Mr..
Thompson, approvingly, and gradually
settling dow to his favorite resting place
in the center of the hearthrug. your
conduct is exemplary.
1T was the remembrance of the difference
in our worldly circumstances which re-
conciled me to my promise and enabled
me to keep my secret. | schOoled my feel
ings, learnt to control my affections; and
so | stayed on. / stayed on, | confess, to
be near her, =" said Mr.. Blythe.
THAT was foolish, very unwise, ex-
claimed Mr.. Thompson, fdgeting again.
There would have been no danger if
if something had not happened, said Mr..
Blythe, speaking with obvious hesitation.
What do you mean?" inquired old Mr..
Thompson staring at him.
Mr. Thompson, feel it my duty to tell
you, both for your guidance and also for
my safety replied Mr. Blythe, eagerly
and earnestly, but it must be under a
solemn promise of confidence. You must
not repeat that am about to tell you to
any third person.
mo, won't repeat it. What is it?"
inquired Mr.. Thompson, impatiently.
Il have learned that my love is return
ed-that my secret is discovered. Mr..
Thompson, if | had not been a man of
honor | could have prevailed upon your
daughter to marry me, cried Mr.. Blythe,
a little wildly.
How did you discover that-that-
pooh sir-nonsense! 1t is your fancy!"
cried the old gentleman, firing up.
mo, it is not my fancy" said Mr..
Blythe, controlling his emotion by strong
effort but heaven forbid that | should
suggest for a single instant that there has
been anything in your daughter S demean-
or toward me but what has been modest
and maidenly. 1t was but word, few
words, a look, but-but spare me. Mr..
Thompson. | thought it best to tell you
all. Now you know everything every
thing: YOU know that | am leaving to-
night for her good, a broken-hearted man,
never to see her again.
The young man fairly broke down at
this point and walked abruptly to the win
dow, where he remained silent for few
moments with his back turned. Old Mr..
Thompson stood transfixed upon the hearth
rug, startled and bewildered by what he
had heard and inclined to be highly in
dignant. But he was an impulsive, and
at times, a generous-hearted man, and the
spectacle of young Blythe S emotion appeal
ed to his good nature. Atlength he broke
the embarrassing silence by saying, rough
ly but kindly:
Come, Mr. Blythe, sit down, and let US
talk the whole matter over quietly.
Il am afraid that there is not much to
be said, replied the young fellow, defect
edly as he appropriated the chair which
his employer indicated.
'Of course it is quite out of the question.
[ mean any notion of-of-of-pooh! l
mean, said Mr. Thompson uneasily.
Yes, know what you mean. My case
is hopeless. | fully realize that, and for
that reason | have decided to leave the
house at once. Indeed, think I had bet
ter go by the next train, said the young
man.
Yes, certainly. The less you and my
daughter meet now the better-the better
for both of you," acquiesced old Mr..
Thompson, with eagerness; and then, as
though by way of making amends for his.
sternness, he added: Il am sensible of
the discretion you have shown, Mr.. Blythe;
and although you are losing your
post, you will not suffer for it. What are
your plans?"
Il cannot expect you to enter into my
feelings, Mr. Thompson, or you would IN
derstand at this moment am utterly reck,
less about the future, said young Blythe,
with an unmirthful laugh Il shall go
up to London tonight, and then"
MY dear young man, - said Mr. Thomp-
son, as his companion made a gesture of
Indifference, you muslin t be
foolish The best antidote to disappoint-
ment of any kind is hard work. Shall you
take another tutorship?"
perhaps" answered Mr.. Blythe, care
lessly as he rose from his chair. May |
order the brougham to take me to the
station, Mr.. thompson"
Certainly, certainly" said the old
gentleman, looking at his watch. 'By
Jove! you haven any time to spare Good
by, he added, taking the young mans
hand. Il appreciate your behavior, and
and | shall be up In town on Thursday.
Could you call at my office? Between this
and then you might consider how | can
serve you
You are very good, sir. Will you make
an excuse to Miss Thompson for my sud-
den departure said young Blythe in a
low voice.
Certainly. I shall probably take my
daughter abroad, :, he said significantly.
on need not fear me, Mr.. Thompson
| will honorably keep away. If you want
to make your daughter forget me" said
the young man with sudden emotion. G
1T is the best, Mr. Blythe, it is the
best, " murmured Mr.. Thompson.
Yes, | see that it is the best for both
of u.s." Then breaking off abruptly, he
said: would you mind telling me, is
there any truth in the rumor I have
heard that your daughter was formerly at
tached to young fellow in this neighbor-
hood?"
Not that l am aware of" said Mr..
Thompson, frowning. Whom do you
mean?'
Perhaps it was instinct, a lovers in
stinct, said young Blythe, with a faint
smile: but have always imagined that
she liked Mr.. Travers."