Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-08-29
HIS NEIGHBOURS CHILD.


three days.
Previous to his coming he had been
travelling through the southern states,
but as warm weather advanced he
found himself thinking longingly of
his pretty villa among the elms,
where he could find both rest and SOL
itude.
Having written to his old house
keeper, Mrs. Martin, to open the house
and have everything in readiness, he
had gone thither expectant of two or
three months supreme enjoyment.
To his dismay he found that the adj
jacent villa, previously occupied by an
old French couple, had been relet.
He knew not how many comprised
the family, but there was child-an
awful boy-who never permitted his
presence to be forgotten.
A dozen times day Bertram poured
secret anathemas upon the head of the
disturbing power.
He had even demonstrated with him
from the open window, but the boy,
with timid look that belied his dispo-
sition, had faded from view, only to
reappear moment later with some
new ueNlC6 lOI nDOI
MRS. Martin, who are those people
next doorP" he asked, the third day
after his arrival. "a nice party they
must be to allow a young child to
run wild in that fashion. | cannot
stand it."
''Oh, sir, | think there's only his
mother-a widow, sir" said Mrs. Mar
tin. s'Leastwise, that's all I've seen
a tall, slim person, who wears a black
veil. It's hard for a woman to govern
a boy like that, sir"
"Humphr' said Lowell, expressively,
as he returned to his library.
His books had engrossed his atten-
ton, when suddenly there sounded a
series of war-whoops from the next
yard, a scurrying of feet, a fusilade of
stones upon the side of his house, and
then, through his open window bounded
huge gray cat, followed by a large
sized pebble that struck against a
choice paper-weight and demolished it
completely.
In the meantime, the feline, bound
ing about in fright, was making sad
havoc with whatever came in her way.
At last she leaped out into the gar
den.
Bertram arose in wrath-this was
quite too much! With last look at
his upset library, he stalked out into
the hall, caught up his hat, and mo-
ment later stood at his neighbours door.
The servant ushered him into a shad-
ed parlor and withdrew; moment lat
er his neighbor appeared.
MADAM, have called to make .
complaint against your boy" Bertram
began, the wrath that burned within
striking out in his tones. He has
made my life a burden since [ came to
occupy the next villa, and / think it is
time some one exerted control upon
him. You, as his mother, are the
person who should do this
81 am sorry Perry has troubled you, ="
said a sweet voice.
1t was so very sweet, so gracious,
that Bertram looked at the speakers
face; he had scarcely observed her be-
fore.
The winsome expression, the tender
red lips, the great, melting brown eyes,
scattered his wrath.
He glanced over the graceful figure
In its dress of mourning-the soft
white hands; the dropping heap. with
its wealth of auburn hair-he looked
into the eyes again with something like
a smile.
81 do not believe you know how an
noying he is" he said
HE is not a bad boy-only mis-
chievous," answered the pretty wo-
man, with deprecating gesture. But
/ will endeavor to make him mend
his ways and keep on the other side
Of the house. We have no neighbor
there"
''Great heavens! She speaks as if /
were the offender" thought Bertram.
Thank YOU" he said, and then he
retreated, feeling quite uncomfortable
when he recalled that last reproachful
look from his fair neighbor.
For day quiet reigned, then an
uproar under Bertram's window
brought that gentleman to the scene.
Little Perry, with his head secured be-
tween the palings of the separating
fence. was bowling Justify.
What are you doing there?" asked
Bertram.
Il was looking for my marble"
cried the child, ''and I'm caught!
Oh-hr'
"Well. stop that racket and I'll help
you. What kind of BOY are you,
anyway"
The instant he was released he
started off, but Bertram detained him.
'.If | give you a handful of mar
bles, will you go and play quietlyP" he
asked.
Perry consented. While Bertram
was binding the bargain with the
gift, the young ladyin mourning came
out.
''You see he is irrepressible," she
said, smiling. II bribed him with
jelly-cake and chocolates all day yes
terday. My stock was exhausted to-
day"
''What 4 mother!" thought Bertram
1.-The boy is too much for you," ht
said. He needs stronger hand K
rule
She turned her head away.
Bertram thought she was touched by
the mention of her late husband.
Il am sorry for you," he said, gent
ly. ''If | can help you IN any way
'.You can be kind to Perry she an
swered.
81 would like the opportunity t.
study his nature; he may not be such
bad boy after ALL" said Bertram, Will
a twinkle in his eye. ''If | saw him in