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

ing him steadily, Twill Miss Morland -
LET her wonder. Besides, she has for
gotten US by this time in the delight of
Lord Tottenham s society. wonder what
she sees in that old fossil? For my part,
I'm always thinking when with him
of what don t see-hair, teeth, etc. .
She is very kind to him, poor. old man.
''And amiability is her strong point.
How many charms you have discovered In
her of late -
II don't think you ought to speak of
her like that, says the girl, turning up
on him with little fash in her lovely
eyes. ''You shouldn't criticize her
''Why not? certainly shan't be able
to criticize her next month, so / may as
well make the most of my time now. Next
month slowly, and almost defantly, Il
shall be the blest proprietor of Mrs.
Brooke; and it is not permissible to criti-
CHE ones own wife, whatever you may do
with regard to your friends. =
He has spoken deliberately, and with
seeming unconcern, though IN truth his
heart is torn in two by very passion of
despair and regret. They are both stand
ing. but she has turned sharply aside, and
so placed herself that he cannot see her
face He had meant to provoke some
word from her, and her silence maddens
him.
What are you thinking OFF," asks he,
angrily, going up to her and compelling
her to return his gaze.
She has grown very pale, but she meets
his eyes without flinching.
Nothing, says she, In tone out OF
which all her courage cannot keep the
sound of desolation.
"A woman answer. / know what you
were thinking of for all that; that there
is no more despicable thing on earth than
a man who marries a woman for her
money Yet, what was to do? Was the
old name to be forever lowered? A title
and 500 pounds a year-how do they go
together? Money felt that must have,
and when it came my way | took it. Do
you think | don't care-now? But the
think is done! And my uncle-that old
mamie is a perfect devil; he will do
nothing for me. | am tied-am bound y"
Yes" says she simply. She has taught
OF very old family herself, the demands of
race seem natural to her. To give up all
for the sake of the old name-that has rea-
son in it-but that it should be they two
who must give up, that seems hard.
why don't you speak?" says he
Il think nothing but what is kind of
YOU says she, her voice trembling, but
her face full of a gentle dignity. Il do
not despige you. Why should I? think
you are doing right-when an old title
comes to one, it should be regarded as a
sacred charge; and you-you meant to do
4l,a I,nc+ O,,lI fOr - III 1o ol,l
in spite of your uncle, to keep up the old
name"
"Oh, damn the old name!'' interrupts
he, passionatels, with deep groan. He
has spoken very low, certainly, and GER
tainly it seems as though the word had
been forced from him against his will,
but Dorothy, hearing this terrible speech,
grows dumb. To so denounce the ''old
name" She pauses, gazing at him as if
thunderstruck
4 beg your pardon, said he, moodily.
Why has she taken it all so much for
granted? Is there no loophole of escape
If she had cared as much as he does, would
she have been so ready to acknowledge the
claims or the ''old name?" do you never
think Dorothy, says he, slowly, ''of how
it might have been if-if-''
With a little swift, imperative gesture
she puts up her hand and checks him.
Her very lips are white; her eyes grow
suddenly larger as cruel smarting tears
filed them. Even as Brooke gazes at her,
two bright drops overflow hel lids and run
quickly down her pale cheeks.
Dorothy says he, making move
ment toward her.
mo. no. Don't mind me- saws she.
bravely, repulsing him with eager hands.
~ on are doing what is best for you,
indeed; and-afterwards you will be glad
Yes" nervously, land besides
''Oh. that will do says he bitterly
"Why should you trouble yourself to try
and reconcile me to my fate? | dare say
there are worse that might befall man
than having to accept fortune
Il wish, said she in heartbroken
voice, 'that you would try to be little
happy about it..
us there anything else you wish ?" says
he, pushing off his arm the little friendly
hand she had placed upon it. Happy!
after all, " throwing up his head, with a
short laugh, why not?"
why not, indeed?" sadly. This is
only moment folly on your part; every
other day you are as merry as therest of US
tomorrow you will be yourself again.
How well you have studied me! You
are right; | am the most frivolous, the most
light hearted of my SEX Sometimes, >
says he, laughing again, Il m so happy
that wish" He pauses.
"Yes?''
THAT l was dead!'' says he-with such
a sudden, vehement change from affected
70 hp,,nct hot hao,.4
dies within her. Fear takes possession OF
her.
"Oh, no! Oh, no!'' cries she, her voice
moves toward him-his arms open-in a
moment she is lying on his breast.
'Oh! don't wish yourself dead" sobbed
she, crying bitterly.
Il don 'tnow, whispers he, Tightening
his arms around the slender, beloved little
FORM
ought not to be here. l oughtn't, In
deed, says she, making, however, no eff.
fort to redeem her position. There is
Miss Morland to think Of -
There is, indeed" says he, ruefllly
1t is cheerful ruefulness, however. With
his world in his arms, he can afford to fight
with outsiders. And he was not wrong,
after ALL She does love him.
"Couldn't you" began Miss Dene,
and then breaks off.
"Couldn t l what. darling?''
''Couldn' you break it off with her?'
whispers she in the right side of his
coat
All that was what he wanted.
Il could, says he, laughing softly, an6
pressing the pretty head against his heart
with his hand, land | will "
Il wouldn' t say word-not syllable, >
says Dorothy, with awful determination
If she loved you--but she doesn't!' This