Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-01-23

and did not return for some time. His
father died, and the step-mother who
reigned at home was grief-stricken, and
! Henry was called upon to see to every
| thing.
Then the will was read, and the
young man found himself much richer
| than he had expected to be, and on
this his first thought was of Claretta.
He could offer her a luxurious home,
and all that, in his opinion, she de-
served. And after decent interval
he returned to -, not guessing what
had happened, and intending to make
/ his offer at once, now that he had
something to say for himself.
1t was by this time early spring, but
Claretta had insisted on her engage
ment remaining a secret from every
one. And Arthur had agreed that it
would be great fun to surprise their
friends with the wedding cards. So no
hint was given to Henry, and he APP
peared at the door of Claretta's home
one evening, with little futtered air
about him that betrayed his intention
to that young lady's experienced eye,
as she had peeped at him through the
hall door.
"Oh, mother" she whispered, to that
matron, who was about leaving the
room, "oh, mother, don't 60. [ know
he intends TO propose, and | shall be
obliged to refuse him, and there will
be such a scene"
'Best have it over, then, my DEAR"
replied her mother, vanishing beyond
the portiere just as the hopeful swain
made his entrance at another.
Ii was warm weather, the windows
were open behind their lace drapery;
and lamp, with a ruby shade, was
the only light in the room. Henry,
full of his dream of love, looked very
charming as he held her hand in his,
and looked into her eyes.
Claretta felt that she liked him more
than she had guessed.
Had she made mistake in choosing
Arthur" she asked herself.
She sat in great Turkish chair, its
back turned to the window, and Henry
Wynne drew footstool to its side,
and timidly took her hand. Just as he
did so, Arthur Dare came up the gar
den path, stepped upon the porch, and
stood only foot or two away looking
at them. He saw that Henry was
about to make an offer of his heart, and
he fancied that he should enjoy hear
ing him refused, knowing, as he did,
his own position.
Dear little hand" said Henry, soft
ly, darling little hand. But every
thing about you is so lovely, Claretta
your eyes, your hair, your voice, your
figure. You are the loveliest girl /
ever saw, and I adore you.''
ooh, no" sighed Claretta, "oh, no!
1t is only fancy of yours-a momen-
tary fancy"
mo, Claretta, said Henry, tender
ly. Il cannot tell you how long and
fondly have loved you, how dear you
are to me. And now | am a rich man,
dearest, and can ask you to share my
life. will be so tender of you, my
love, the wind shall not blow too
rough on you when you are mine. [
never dared ask you when [ was a poor
man. On, Claretta, look at me, read
in my face all that [ cannot utter.
Promise to be mine, dearest-promise
to be minen'
"Ah!'' said the listener at the win
dow; ''now she will tell him that she is
engaged to me-
But no such thing happened.
On the contrary, Claretta, impressed
by Henry's words and manner, began
to feel very, very sorry, first for him
and then for herself.
''Oh, Henry" she sighed, bursting
into tears. ooh, Henry, Henry; why
did you not say this beforeP 1t is too
late-too late"
Too later cried Henry.
Eyes" sobbed Claretta; II have Civ
en- my promise to another. You said
nothing; how did | know you meant to
ask me? yielded to an impulse; am
engaged to another"
''Engaged!' cried Henry. Engaged;
but, darling. that does not matter if
you love me; you must be mine, you
can break the engagement, you shall.
Oh my love. my darling"
But at this moment his speech was
interrupted by the discharge of a pistol
and shrek from Claretta.
Arthur Dare always carried a pistol,
and when this unexpected termination
to the little scene he had expected to
enjoy flashed upon him, rage oyercame
him. and he drew it and fired.
His intention was to kill Henry
Wynne, but agitation made his aim I'M
certain; the ball missed Henry and en-
tered Claretta's shoulder.
When he saw what he had done Ar
thur dropped the revolver and fled,
and Henry-who did not know that
Claretta had been shot-few to the
window, found the revolver smoking
there, took it in his hand, and was
about to step out in pursuit of its own
er, when Claretta recalled him.
Il am wounded:' she gasped. 'Look
at the blood
Footsteps were flying through the
house. Her mother caught her in her
arms just as she turned faint A po-
liceman appeared at the window.
Seize that manr' cried Mrs. Bur-
ney, pointing to Henry Wynne. He
has murdered my daughter because she
refused to marry him."
And despite his asseverations of in
nocence, the unfortunate young man
was led away, followed by a little
crowd of idlers while young brother
ran wildly down the street to call DIR.
Romer, to see what mischief had been
done, for Claretta had quite lost con-
seriousness, and, for all her mother
knew, was dying.
The next day the town rang with the
news that Miss Claretta Burney was
lying very i'll, having been shot by
young Henry Wynne, whom she refused
to marry, and the gossips enjoyed
themselves.
DR.. Romer was in close attendance
upon the wounded girl, and if she died,