Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
CHAPTER XXu.-BUSY DAYS.

We drove to the depot as arranged,
ready for visit to Ravens Park 1t was
a delightful day. Every blade and leaf
quivered with the gentle breeze, and in
the air was hazy light very different
from the wonderful blue of a Colorado
sky.
About noon we reached the mansion,
which through Melvorne's generosity, was
now the property of Miss Stella Everett,
granddaughter of the earl of York. 1t
had been built in the olden days when
British peers were fond of palatial man
sions. 1t stood in park surrounded by a
royal forest. AS we walked up the avenue
lined with majestic oaks and Hndens, Stel-
la said:
'"Then this was the childhood home of
my simple, loving father, who never gave
me hint that he belonged to the English
nobility. He was content to live life of
usefulness among the humble tenant peo-
pie" and tears rolled down her cheeks
from thinking of the past.
Yes, cousin, this was his childhood
home," said Melvorne. "It was almost
my home too. [ have passed many happy
hours here with my grandfather. He
never tired talking of Charlie. He was his
fathers pride and JOY until, in a moment
of passion, that father had disowned his
son and sent him away, henceforth to be a
stranger from his home. | was the only
one that my grandfather would permit to
mention Charities name in his presence.
/ was so small when Uncle Charlie left
home that / cannot remember anything
about him. But believe my grandfather
was always sorry for his hasty action, and
If it had not been for his ungovernable
pride, he would have called him back
Il fear you may regret your hasty action,
Cousin James," said Stella.
81 shall never regret that; but 1 would
like to add clause to the transfer" said
Melvorne.
"What would it be?" asked Stella.
"That this shall be your Winter home,
as it is near to Blue Ridge"
81 will grant your request" said Stella,
offering him her hand as a pledge for its
fulfillment. Then she turned to me, say
ing: "You agree with me in keeping this
promise?"
"Most surelyI could not help agreeing
to live in such a beautiful place." L said,
putting her hand upon my arm, as we
started to leave the fountain, where Lady
Irving had been watching the little fishes,
~
the hall Lady Irving said:
81 think Stella and l might command
quite large circle of friends who would
add much pleasure and enjoyment to all
these fine arrangements"
II am only too anxious to introduce the
Duchess of Melvorne to a large circle of
friends" said Melvorne.
Stella remained silent as we entered and
A. i i
place it is! Just the home for my darling,
thought. Pictures of ancestors for many
generations hung on the walls OF the long
gallery; and, as we were passing along
Melvorne stepped to one and paused.
"This," he said, with reverence, twas
Sir Edward our grandfather"
Stella looked for some moments at the
stately form with snow white hair and
beard and bright blue yes.
''My father had those clear blue eyes
and a broad smooth brow, but the express
sion of his mouth was not so hard and
proud" said Stella as she moved away
''This was my mothers room, ''said Mel
vorne, leading the way into another apart
ment. The room was trimmed in blue anC
white The ground work of the carpet
the curtains and all the drapery of the
room was blue, while delicate vines and
leaves We're traced in white. Every thing
about the room was in accord with the
most perfect taste.
"This was your fathers" said Mel
vorne, opening door down the hall.
Here, rich, dark tints gave a warm glow
to the room. And these were his books
when school-boy," he continued, opening
the doors of bookcase.
Stella went to the open case and with a
tnpder sadness on her face took one booE
AFTER /, L IrUm It's UIu ACCUSTOMED
place AHA read with an aching heart thu
dear name now forgotten save by few
Tears fell on the open page as she looked
upon the writing of the hand that haC
been her guide from infancy. l longed t,
comfort her, as she stood there with tn
memory of a fond fathers, kind, protect
ing love so fresh in her thoughts. Iwen
to her, and placing my arm about he
waist remained silent.
"To Think she said, 'that after a
these years they are here to give me we
come home. 1t seems like almost seein
my father to be among his books and Sc
his own writing!'
There is comfort in the silent mess
ges," said, as she stood reading from tn
margin of an old book. Then, as thong
speaking to herself alone she said: