The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1891-10-08

his abodeat Moonl axe cottage he would
make very good husband for Ella; that
is, if she liked him, and it is very proba-
BILE she would, Judging from all | have
heard of his fine appearance and prepos-
sessing manner"
Mr.. Forester laughed good-naturedly
at his wife's Imaginative turn of mind,
and having lighted cigar he went out to
take his usual walk after breakfast, per-
fectly satisfied to leave the care of the
house to his wife.
The suspicious Mr.. Forester enter
tanned in respect to Gerald Mansfield s
attentions to- Ella were, indeed, well
founded, as close observer might
imagine, seeing them together on this
particular morning.
They had gone out for a row on the
lake, and seemed to be enjoying the So
ciety of each other very much.
Looking at them now, as they are I'M
der the shade Of the large trees which
skirted the lake, it would be hard to find
more perfect type Of physical beauty
than each possessed.
Mr.. Mansfield was man of fine per-
sonal appearance, and had all the Gull
ture and refinement of true gentle
man.
Miss Forester was decidedly good
looking; blonde in every sense of the
term, but not what is vulgarly called "a
washed-out blonde" for she had all the
bloom and freshness of q country girl
accustomed 10 plenty of fresh air and
exercise.
THAT is a decidedly old-fashioned
cottage" said Mr.. MANSFIELD, as they
came in sight of Mr.. Walpole's place;
edo you know the history oft, Miss For
rester?"
"Oh, yes said she, ''but don't sup
pose it would be of much interest to you.
| belive the man who built it was All old
English gentleman who took a fancy to
the situation and bought the place. 1t
was said that he lived rather reckless
life and killed himself by high living.
The property then descended from one
to another, and now it belongs to young
gentleman whose name is Walpole. 1t
has been vacant for some time, and no
body seems to know anything about the
present owner"
"That is rather a strange history"
said he, "and it has aroused my curiosi-
ty. / would like to have a look at the
old place some day if you will act as
companion and guide
[ think would make poor guide, =
said Ella, q but will go, nevertheless, if
it is any pleasure to you"
Thank YOU he replied " anything
in which you are concerned cannot fail to
have an interest and pleasure for me
therefore if it is convenient for you we
will go tomorrow afternoon"
This arrangement, and few others of
similar nature being amicably settled
they returned to the house, and were sur
prised to find the family waiting supper
for them, as it was long past their tea
hour.
That evening was rather an unpleasant
one for Mr.. Mansfield, as there was no
opportunity for him to spend it with Ella.
Company had arrived, and she was
obliged to entertain them, although if the
truth must be told she would much rather
have been otherwise employed.
Mr.. Mansfield being thus thrown upon
his own resources went out for a quiet
stroll. The night was fine and bright,
and as he walked along his thoughts were
of the beautiful girl who had been the
bright star of his life since he came to
MoOnlake.
"Ah!" he thought, ''what if it be but
pleasant dream after all? Perhaps she
entertains nothing for me more than
mere friendship, and then all my bright
visions of future happiness will be gone.
The air castle which fancy has built for
me may be dashed to the ground by
cruel reality"
After walking some distance in quiet
thoughtfulness he came to some definite
understanding with himself, and being
tolerably we'll satisfied with his plans for
the future returned to the house and
soon retired for the night
Next day Mr.. Mansfield reminded Ella
of her promise to visit Moonlake cottage,
and shortly after lunch they set out to
storm Mrs. Jones CASTLE as it was
called since the old housekeeper had taken
up her abode there.
Il think we shall have some difficulty
to convince Mrs. Jones that we are not
going to carry off the house." said Ella,
as they carSe in sight of Moonlake.
eff so, he replied, Eve must soften
her anxiety by rewarding the old lady
for her trouble. 1t is quite possible
that Mrs. Jones has little of the weak
ness which most housekeepers have un-
der similar circumstances.
In answer to q loud knock at the door
Mrs. Jones made her appearance, and
greeted the strangers very cordially.
Mrs. JONES' said Mr. Mansfield,
''have you any objection to allowing us
the privilege of spending an hour in your
cottage? We have quite curiosity to
see the place"
"Oh, sure We are heartily welcome. sir,
and the young lady, too. Indade | am
only sorry that the house is not cleaner
than it is, but such as it is We are thruly
welcome TO it from top to bottom, and
don't be at all unaisy about the throuble
Sure it's glad am to be able to give We
liberty to go wherever We phase, sir.
"Thank you, Mrs. Jones; | am sure
your kindness is all we could wish. =
Mrs. Jones was as good as her word,
and they had ample opportunity to see
the honSe under her SunpryiS;on The