Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-05-23

L
what she had just read.
"How very lovely she is!' I said.
"Oh yes; but I never like to see her
looking as now. Do you know, feel
now-I always feel-when she looks
blushed, and stopped for an instant
swami to put my arms around her. and
hold her to earth. She seems nearer
to heaven, and almost fear the angels
will win her from me-frOm u.s. he
said, his handsome face flushing again,
and with half doubtful look in his
eyes he asked: "Have [ your best
wishes and prayers? Yes, do pray for
me-" he said very earnestly-''for my
success. You are my friend, and I
came to talk to you of her."
.sYes, indeed, dear Frank; with my
whole heart [ wish you may be happy.
But you have many rivals" I said.
"Atridge-what of him? [ did not
think"
ooh no; you need not fear him at
all. You have his best wishes; he told
me so-or as much" replied.
"rm glad of that. l should fear
him. He would be a formidable RI
val" d.
"And PaulP What of himP" 1 asked.
paul! Why, do you think he"
cloves her." I supplied the word
he could not say. eyes. l think, if
not really now, he is coming to it rap
idly"
How like Paul he looked then, as he
said in tone of prayerful intensity:
ooh, God fOrbidr'
Then turning with a more hopeful
expression, he said;
paul loves to be with ladies more
than men always. He is so gentle,
and almost wOmanly himself. I do
not think he cares more for my-Miss
Reyburn than others he has known.
Dear Paul! I hope not. But I must
know all soon," he said.
A few days after this Frank left us,
on business to fort several miles dis.
tant.
Ada and myself babe him goodbye,
and stood watching his handsome
martial bearing as he rode beyond out
of sight.
ga noble fellow" I said.
"Indeed he u.s." she replied; adding:
"What should we do here without himP
VIII he return tonight"
AZ think not. He never has hereto
fore. It is quite long ride-rather
too much to return the same day." /
replied; and might have added: '.Un-
less on the wings of love he comes"
There was no moon that night-only
the glimmering stars somewhat light
ening the dimness of the surrounding
objects.
Ada sat thinking of and waiting the
coming of someone.
Soon well known step sounded
near.
Another instant, and cam I well
Gomez" was asked in a voice almost as
CHEEKY as Franks she thought, but
with that deep, tender, mellow tone
that was only in Paul's vOice-the tone
she knew so we'll.
always welcome" she answered;
and slipping through the open French
window into the parlor, said:
sit was so warm, have not lighted
the lamp. VIII you?"
mo. no, please! Let us have only
the stars to guide our steps tonight.
And come; let us walk out here,' he
said, drawing her hand through his
arm and still retaining it with gentle
clasp.
''Thank you," he said earnestly. as
her hand remained INCREASINGLY in
his. And then, in the same well-known
and well-loved tone, he said:
May / call you Ada, and speak all
nv heart is eager to tell?'
Still the soft hand rested confidingly
in his, with only a SLIGHT trembling
motion, which gave him courage to
speak on, to say those words that give
great JOY and make proud the heart of
a true woman.
''Speak to me, Ada, darling! One
word! Can you-do You love me?"
Then, in tones so low that only
waiting lovers ear could catch, she
said:
Il love you PaulT
"God pity me!' in a voice of the
deepest agony, escaping the young
mans lips.
Paul, what is it? Are you'll? Speak
to me, PauI!' Ada cried, clinging to
his arm, and peering through the dark
ness into his face.
just then quick step drew near,
and very soon after, from lamp in
front of the colonel's headquarters,
flashed a bright light upon the pale
agopized features of Frank Lincoln.
"Frankr she cried. ''Oh, Frank! l
thought you were away! How could
have made this terrible mistake?n
And then, pale and trembling, her
beautiful head bowed in modification,
she said:
s'Be my friend, Frank! Keep my
secret, and forgive-oh, forgive the
pain | have caused YOU"
Il shall be your friend, Ada. God
bless you. and him whom you love!
I've nothing to forgive! All, Paul is
coming now. Good-night!'
An instant after he had stepped from
the portico, and was crossing the
grounds to meet Paul.
Back again!'' exclaimed Paul. put
ting his arm caressingly over Ffank's
shoulder. This is unusual. What
hurried you?' And then. in an earn
est, anxious voice. he said Frank,
| dear old fellow, tell me-tell me truly;
was it because-because you love her,
too?"
81 love Ada Reyburn, Paul! Yes,
! but"
Paul caught his arm.
No, no, Frank! Don't say that!
/ This must not come between US. ]
! love herr
"And you will win her, Paul. She
| does not love me. l came back to
/ know this tonight. Go to her. I will
be content in what love she can give
/ me for yOur sake -