Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-01-30

not seen her.
He drew his chair a little closer
you have kept yourself cooped up all day, "
he said in his old tone of affpctionate
solicitude Are you as fond of riding as
you used to be- IL have not been riding
for year" she answered, in low tone
and with a quick rising of color IN her
face But you have not forgotten how, |
am sure persisted Tracy ''And | hap
pen to know that there is a lady's horse In
the stable here. Will you take a ride with
me this afternoon ?"-''I don't know
hardly think Dora drew back in some
confusion. | am afraid aunt would not
- Tracy saw his advantage. and if he
availed himself of it who can blame him?
1T is our first meeting for year, and we
may never have another. Dora-Miss
Murray" he said wistfully, will you
take a ride with me In memory of the old
time-that happy old time-will you,
Dora, Just for the old loves sake?" His
earnest eyes bent upon her, met and held
her own. There was brief hesitatiOn-a
culver in the fair throat, rush of color to
the rosy cheeks; then her eyes dropped and
she answered in a tone strangely COM
pounded with Joy and apprehensions:- -
will ride with you, Mr.. Waldron. have
my habit In my trunk. Put it on. then,
and let US enjoy this lovely afternoon while
we may, said Tracy, rising and offering
her his hand. He held her as far as the
door, bowed as she passed through, and
then with an eager light irradiatlng his
countenance, went on towards the stable.
Twenty minutes later they were canter-
ing over the road. They went on for some
time In silence for strange restraint had
4, I'LL III " Ia
out nervously: 1--WE must be back by 5
o'clock, because auntie will be there with
-" with whom?" asked Tracy, as
she paused abruptly, with the gentle
man whom she went over to Shelterville to
reply.-''The gentleman she intends you
shall marry?' exclaimed Tracy, with sud
den comprehension eyes, the word was
low, almost inarticulate, and the girls
face was averted as she uttered it-"Who
is hep asked Tracy quietly. name
is Ralph Cole. about As years of age, and
said to be fabulously rich. :" faltered Dora.
''Have you seen him PA few times last
winter, and then with an expression of
relief which she could not conceal-'I I'M
derstood he had gone abroad. But aunt
learned yesterday afternoon that he was
stopping at Shelterville, and she went
straight over to find him and have him
come back with her "
And you love bin Piracy was look
ing at her now with all his soul in his
eyes, and, with the reckless boldness of one
brought to bay, Dora raised her head and
returned his gaze. NO" she exclaimed
with sudden passion and burst of tears,
81 hate him! | would rather be dead
than marry him! | wish sometimes |
could be dead and end it all" SIS there
not a better way to end it, Dora?" asked
Tracy, once more in his old tender tone.
Il can read in your eyes that this year has
brought you no happiness, and | know
why-because you have been trying I'M
successfully to be false to the dictates of
your own heart. You are in no way bound
to your aunt neither legally nor morally
why will you let her rule longer? In
stead of returning to yield at last, perhaps,
to hated bondage, why not end it in a
far better, happier and truer way?'
What do you mean?" asked
Dora, looking at him with tears
still shining in her eyes.-''Do you need
to ask?" said Tracy, fervently. do you
not know what is in my heart, and has
been through this weary year-what |
know is still yours-the love we once
plighted and that will not die! Come
with me at once, this very day, Dora
let us link our lives together for the sake
and by the right of that love, which we
hold for each other and which no one has
right to forbid or interdict. A few
miles will take US to the next town-we
can visit a minister, and tomorrow return
as man and wife" He stopped and once
more bent to look into her face. 1t was
very pale, but irradiated with a look of
great joy, 1--WE must go either backward
or forward, Dora, >" he said gently. ut is
nearly time to return, if you decide to do
so. Will you go back to your aunt, and
the mercenary bondage she would
impose, or forward with me to the freedom
of perfect love?" Just for moment Dora
hesitated; then riding little closer to
him; she held out her hand.-'I will go
forward With you," she said simply
Consider a moment. Dora, he said res
training her hand. 81 have nothing more
brilliant or alluring to offer you than
had year ago, only the love that will be
yours as long as we both live. If you go
with me it is not to wealth and grandeur,
but simply -" For the old loves
sake, she interrupted, as she laid her
hand lightly over his mouth. II ask no
! better, dearer lot from henceforth than to
follow where you lead" Tracy lifted the
little hand tohis lips, then releasing it they
set out togrther-
cover the hills and far away,
Beyond their utmost purple rim,
Beyond the night, across the day,
Through all the world she followed him.
Aunt Martha was furious when she learn
ed the complete overthrow fo her ambitious
plans; but Tracy never ceased to bless the
day that enabled him to reclaim the bride
who came back to him for the old love- s
Chicago Journal.