Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-12-03

SUCH respects, aItflOu9n she was Dr0CSnl up
entirely among gentlemen"
"Among-pardon me, my dear madame,
not gentlemen-members, we will say, of a
gentlemanly profession"
Sir Oswald took from his gold snuff-box a
pinch of most delicately-davored snuff, and
looked rs though he thought the very exist
ence of such people mistake.
ANY little influence that you may possess
over my niece, Miss Hastings, will you kind
ly use in Captain Langton's favor? Of course,
if anything should come of my plan-as I
fervently hope there may-I shall stipulate
that the engagement last two years. During
that time shall trust to the influence of love
to change my niece's character"
1t was only fresh complication-one from
which Miss Hastings did not expect much.
That same day, during dinner, Sir Oswald
told his niece of the expected arrival of Cap
tain Langton.
Il have seen so few English gentlemen"
she remarked, that he will be subject of
some curiosity to me-"
''YOu will find him-that is, if he resem-
bles his father-a high-bred, noble gentle
man." said Sir Oswald, complacently.
us he clever?' she asked. ''What does
he do?''
Dol" repeated Sir Oswald Il do not I'M
deTstand YOU"
Does he paint pictures or write books?'
Heaven torbidr' cried Sir Oswald, proud
ly. "He is gentleman"
Her face flushed hotly for some minutes,
and then the flush died away, leaving her
paier than ever.
Il consider artists and writers gentlemen, %
she neutrality-suspicious. of far higher
stamp than those to whom fortu re has given
money and nature has denied brains"
Another time sharp argument would have
resulted from the throwing down of such a
gauntlet. Sir Oswald had something else in
view, so he allowed the speech to pass.
cit will be a great pleasure for me to see
my old friends son again." he said. II hope,
Pauline, you will help me to make his visit a
pleasant one"
What can [ do?' she asked, brusquely.
''What question: laughed Sir Oswald,
Say rather, what can you not do? Talk to
him, sing to him. Your voice is magnificent,
and would give any one the greatest pleas
ure. You can ride out with him."
"If he is clever, sensible man, [ can do
all that you mention; if not, l shall not troub-
lie myself about him. never could endure
either tiresome or stupid people,"
MY young friend is not likely to prove
either" said Sir Oswald, angrly; and Miss
Hastings wondered in her heart what the re-
suit of it all would be.
That same evening Miss Darrell talked of
Captain Langton, weaving many bright fan
cies concerning him.
81 suppose" she said, that it is not al
ways the most favorable specimens of the
English who visit Paris. We used to see
such droll caricatures. | like good carica-
ture above all things-do you, Miss Hast
ings?'
when it is good, and pains no one" was
the sensible reply.
The girl turned away with little impa-
tent sigh.
''Your ideas are all colorless," she said
sharply. 'In England it seems to me that
everybody is alike. You have no individu-
atty, no character"
''lf character means, in your sense of the
word, Immature SO much the better" rejOin-
ed Miss Hastings. ''Al goodhearted people
strive to save each other from pain"
Il WONDER" said Pauline thoughtfully,
''if l shall like Captain Langton, We have
been living here quietly enough; but [ feel
as though some great change were coming
You have no doubt experienced that peculiar
sensation which comes over one Just before
heavy thunderstorm? | have that strange,
half-neryous, half-restless sensation now"
you will try to be amiable, Pauline" put
in the governess, quietly. You see that Sir
Oswald evidently thinks great deal of this
young friend of his. You will try not to
shock your uncle in any way-not to violate
those little cOnventOnalities that he respects
so much"
Il will do my best; but | must be myself
always myself. l cannot assume false
character"
Then let it be your better SELF said the
goyeTncss, gently; and for one minute Pau
line Darrell was touched.
That sweet creature, Lady Hampton's
niece, will be here next week." she remark
ed, after 4 short pause. What changes will
be brought into our lives, | wOnd2r?"
OF all the changes possible, least of all she
expected the tragedy that afterwards hap
pened.