Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-02-12

~, tucn tney were raised TuII or distress al
her predicament.
"Why, you shy little dove, would youstay
in your cot forever?" He laughed little
gently. and took her hand in his for mo-
ment while the other rested on the hall
dOOr-knob.
II must say your haste to speed the part
ing guest is anything butsoothing to wound
ed vanity"
In truth Kitty stood in constant fear OF
her Stepmother's appearance on the scene.
What an extraordinary lover was this,
scarcely mentioning Juliet, and refusing to
so much as bestow a glance OIL the work of
his lady's dainty fngers And o, why, why
did he linger, big, and straight, and fair
haired, looking down at her as composedly
as if the sword of DamocleS suspended over
her head did not affect him in the least. A
silvery stroke from the clock signaled the
half-hour.
''Why do you not tell me to go-Kitty?"
this daring young man Intercepted softly.
"YOur eyes are expressive enough however.
Are you sorry we have met; and you have
promised to come to my ball?" His tones
were sufficiently nonchalant, but his eyes
were dancing with fun. Half angry with
him, she blushed, and then felt wholly dis
pleased with herself.
Suddenly something soft, and warm, and
silky brushed her hand; whispered For
give me-good-byr' fell on her ears. The
door closed and she was standing by the
newel-poSt alone. She stared at her small,
brown hand a moment, went into the parlOr,
and selecting one from the great pile of
roses, flew upstairs to her little garret-rooel,
her heart beating furiously under her trim
blue bodice, and there she fell on her knees
by the window to turn her face, now one
rosy flush, towards "a new heaven and a
new earth"
ga most unfortunate thing, Juliet, Kitty's
receiving Mr.. Grahame Saturday" Mrs.
Coles voice indicated degree of irritability
which, when she heard it, made Kitty's
solitude in the adjoining room seem more
endurable. She was engaged in the trying
occupation of repairing a lace tlOunce OF
JulietS.
Nonsense, mamma" Juliet gave her
handsome head a naughty toss. ''As if he
would look twice at her-a perfect little
dowdy! She has not one atom of style. You
do not know Lester GrahameS taste as
thoroughly as do"
perhaps not, Juliet, but Kitty has pretty
eyes, and many would find her unSophiSti-
Gated ways charming. She is so young and
fresh. Her complexion, you must acknowl-
edge, is perfection"
The truth Of her mothers remarks sharp
ened Juliet's reply.
eff you think he would StoOp to admire
girl who dresses like nursemaid and acts
like one, very well. There is some reason
for alarm. But you will see. l mean tC
bring matters to crisis tomorrow night
One could not wish better opportunities than
a masquerade ball affords an experienced
hand at concluding a filtration. Rest assur
ed, your fears regarding Kitty are unbound.
ed. If he noticed the girl at all, it was sim
ply to amuSe himself, pour pGSScr Le Temps
These words sank little poisoned darts in
to Kitty's aching breast. Juliet of course
was right. That long delicious afternoon he
had been simply amusing himself at her ex-
pense. The tips of her ears burned, she was
enraged. He had the satisfaction of know
ing that he had succeeded admirably with
''the nursemaid." Many hearty laugh he
had INDUCED in since, no doubt. All, if he
knew how she had treasured upin her mem,
DRY every word and look-every tone and
expression. Her nails made deep prints in
the palms of her hands, and it was with a
feeling of relief she Obeyed orders to bring
Juliet'S ball-dress home from the dress
makers.
Don't dawdle, baby-face; want to try Il
on before dark" was Juliet's parting inj unc-
ton.
Kitty, glad to be out of the house, hurried
along through the softly-falling snow. She
was obliged to wait for the dress, and it was
nearly dusk when she started to return, with
the huge, acknowledgement box in her arms
With her head slightly bent to escape the
force of the wind, and mind absorbed in bit
ter reflections, she had not gone far before
she plunged, box and all, headlong into the
arms of man going the other way. He put
her on her feet and picked up her box
Dizzy, and half-blinded by the whirling
snow, she murmured word of thanks, and
held out her hands for the box without look
ing up. But instead of handing over her
property one of her little red-mittened hands
was drawn under his arm, and he was adj
vising her to put the other in her ulster
pocket. She knew then, without looking,
that it was Lester Grahame who was striv-
ing to shorten his long strides to keep pace
with her.
There are few decided objections, Miss
Cole, to your plan of converting the human
feelings [ refrain from enlarging On the sub,
ject. Now will keep still long enough for
you to express your delight at meeting me-
She remains silent.
'What, weren't you glad to see me?"
No response.
They have the deserted, darkening street
to themselves. The only sounds in the still
air are the tinkling Of passing sleigh-bells
and the crunching of the snow under their
feet.
''Do you wish I had been some other fell
low, Kitty?'
They are turning the corner, and the Cole
mansion will soon come in view. By some
means the arm holding the box lengthens to
an extent enabling a strong, firm hand to
grasp closely the red mitten nesting under
the other arm.
NO." says Kitty at last. II suppose
it might as well be you as anybody. I will
take the box now. Please do not insist on
coming any farther"
Il will not, indeed, if you do not wish it.
Kitty, has any one been putting ideas in
your curly head about? But no matter.
Why are you so afraid Juliet or your step,
mother will see us together? Or is it you
who dislike me?" He is facing her. speak.
ing impetuOusly enough.
Il thought" SAID Kitty, heSltatlng little,
as if her explanation might embrace too lit
tie or too much-'I thought you were
Juliet'S lOyer'
''Then you were mistaken. There is only
one little girl in the world for me, and her
name is--not Juliet"
He spoke in such matter of fact tone
that kitty's heart, which had just given a
great thrOb, sank at once. There are names
and names and Kitty is only one
81 would have sent a card for you with the
others, but knew what the consequences
would be. You would not be allowed tc