Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-11-27

eff we could only see them meet, "
said Lottie.
1T would be dangerous, said Ida.
81 believe we have committed forgery"
Grace began to cry.
Il declare we have been too bad, -"
said she. Il don't mind about Peter,
but Miss Chesney will feel awfully."
Meanwhile that lady was waiting in
the grove, and shortly heard a step
upon the path which led to the road
She waited hardly daring to look up
until a figure stood before her; then she
lifted her eyes. She had expected to
see a squalid object in rags, or at least
patches; the neat appearance of the
musician relieved her mind. He spoke
at once:
ut is so good of you to meet me
here" he said. Il have known for some
time that you were teaching in this
school, but the painful circumstances
of our last meeting deferred me from
making myself known
1T is a long while ago." said Miss
Chesney, looking down. But | am
glad you still consider me your friend"
.My very dearest while live," said
D. CLCl L dlIlcI,
Il am glad you feel So" said
Prudence Chesney, signing, land that
you have proved your confidence in me
by-by what you have DONE"
Il always felt" said Peter, 'that
others were to blame"
They were," said Prudence "Some
falsehoods were uttered. No matter,
those who uttered them are now no
more.n
But we live," said Peter, with en-
phasis. Prudence was regaining her
composure which had been a little
disturbed by recognizing in the
musician an old friend, one indeed to
whom she had been engaged at the age
of eighteen, and whom she had never
quite forgotten.
I'VE will talk of present" said she.
Il desire to assure you of my sympathy
with your Distress"
1T changes, as you speak, to happi-
ness and hope" said Peter.
IF my power were equal to my will,
you would suffer no more," said
Prudence. But, unhappily, | am en-
tirely dependent on my own resources.
My poor father failed before he died,
and [ have only a limited salary; still,
L have saved something -enOugh, [
hope, to take you to London, and you
are very, very welcome to it."
Here she took from small reticule
upon her arm an envelope which she
handed to Peter. He, for his part,
stared at her in establishment. growing
crimson as he did so.
Ten pounds is not much" said
Prudence. But"
You are offering me ten pounds?"
asked Peter.
Yes, only that; but can't you 90 to
London with it?" asked Prudence. Il
believe the Tickets
~ on want me to 90 to London?"
asked Peter ''Whv?"
Unless misunderstood your note,
Mr. Palmer you hope for a position
under Government there" said Prud-
ence.
MY noter' repeated Peter. Have
l answered your kind letter and for
gotten that [ did SOP At all events,
never dreamed Of political situation
anywhere. Really, Miss Chesney, there
is some strange mistake"
My kind letter!'' cried Prudence.
"Mr. Palmer, | did not even know that
you were in the village until you wrote
to me asking-that is, abiding to our
old friendship and your ill-fortune "
Here is your note" said Mr.. Palmer.
talking the letter from his bosom.
And here is yours said Miss
Chesney, opening her reticule.
The girls of the first class are re-
sponsible for this" said she.
For this also, said Peter. Happily,
by good luck, and though leading a
quiet life | am rather we'll off than
otherwise; happy and content, but for
a memory of the past that will recur."
Il am deeply mortified!'' began Miss
Chesney.
Then Peter Palmer drew closer to her
and took her hand
You are the innocent victim of an
atrocious and idiotic trick" said he.
But, Prudence, [ shall thank Heaven
for it if it is but the cause of bringing
us together again. | have altered much
outwardly, but my heart is the same as
in my youth and you are just as sweet
rs ever!'
She did look so at that moment as the
memories of her youth came rushing
back upon her; and in her eyes Peter
Palmer was not at all the funny.
middle-aged bachelor that he was to
the laughing schoolgirls. but just her
own old sweetheart who still loved her.
just to think of it!' cried Lottie
Burns, Il month or so after this. Miss
Chesney is going to be married to Peter
Palmer, Professor of Music"
"What!' shrieked the other girls.
Honor brightG said Lottie. we
must have made the match!"
well. girls" said Grace for my
part am glad it has ended this way,
and | propose we take up collection
for a silver water-pitcher from the
class as a wedding present"
1t was Lottie who presented it, and
she never knew. nor did any of the
other girls, how forbearing Miss Ches-
ney had been in not exposing them.
hn 90 No