Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-02-19
AN OLD MANS DARLING.

| rural OlSCrlcG or W1lQOn, LOT oeIIOn ddll,
one of the principal country seats, which
! had SO long been left a resort for lawless
| boys-not to speak of the bats nd owls
| who had found shelter amid its somber
| shades-was about to receive other denl-
| zens.
| First came troop of artists in the shape
! of architects, ornamental gardeners, etc.
The shrubbery, which had overgl own the
wall was carefully pruned and trimmed,
and parterres of choice plants appeared
where unsightIy weeds had before acaumu'
lated. Nor was the renovating process
visible only in the arrangements of the
grounds; for in the interior of the hall as
thorough a securing and cleaning had been
going on. The oaken galleries had been
polished to the las degree of brilliancy,
the mouldy tapestry aired and general de-
struction offered to the winged tribe that
for score of years, at least, had revelled
in peaceful security.
Many years ago, Squire Seton, with his
wife, two sons, an orphan niece, and a
goody number of faithful servants, had
dwelt at the Hall The Squire was known
among the country gentry for a genial
the old school, who had always a ready
|
ientIy with q. foe.
In disposition, at least, his younger son
resembled him, for more light-hearted,
generous lad than Harry Seton it would
have been hard to find; and while his
brother Ralph held himself aloof from his
neighhors, and treated even his near rela-
tives with chilling reserve. Harry's amia-
BILE disposition daily won for him new
friends.
We say Ralph held himself aloof from
his neighbors: ct there was one exec tion
to his general rule of conduct-hls cousin
Lucy, Squire Seton orphan niece, whom
we have before - antioned.
Lucy Dunn was gentle girl, who would
gladly have extended her hand of equal
friendship to each Of her cousins, yet she
could not help recolling from the saw
age watchfulness of Ralph, who regarded
with d Jealous eye the most trifng
attention which she bestowed On another.
1t was with feeling of >Teiief, rather
than any stronger emotion, that Lucy
turned from her gloonIy cousin to the
light hearted Harry, who, always ready to
assist her in her search for floral treasures,
was her chosen escort. Yet, alas!
1t was warm day IN August; yet, op-
pressive as was the heat, it did not pre-
vent the preparations for grand feast
which Squire Seton gave to his tenant1y
about this time of year. The baking and
brewing was completed, and naught re-
manned but to arrange the long table in q
shady COVE, the spot chosen for the feast
This arrangement with the assistance OF
her cousin, Lucy generally superintendent,
for her aunt had been an invalid for sew
eral years.
at seems to me, Harry" she said, as
they placed the dishes, 1--WE might have
more wresths. But as John says I've al
ready spoiled some of his choice plants,
shan't venture in the greenhouse. Sup.
pose we go to the woods and look for some
laurel. Won't you come with us Raj pip
she added IN low tone.
His only answer was a deep scowl and he
turned away.
For a moment a panied expression rest
ed on Lncy S features; yet 1t soon vanish
ed and they pursued their walk gaily.
Look at these beautiful berries" she
exclaimed, passing suddenly and pointing
to a gnarted OAK, around which vine
with crimson clusters had twined itself
IF you like Harry, will wait here and
gather them while you get the laurel. You
will know where to find me"
''As you like Lucy" he returned, 81
shall not be gone long
Size seated herself at the foot of the tree
and began picking the berries. Presently
she heard footsteps, and looking up saw
Ralph hurrying along at rapid rate in an
opposite direction.
Wondering what object her gloom,
cousin could he in such hasty pursuit of
she continued her work until the berries
were all gathered, then it appeared to hel
that Harry had been gone long time
and she was preparing to go in search OF
him, when she was startled by his sud
den appearance and wild manner
Il am undone, Lucy?" he exclaimed in
an excited tone. "Yes, swear to you
am innoeent!'
Innocent of what p screamed the ter
ror stricken girl. of what are you limo
CENT?
"Of murder, suppose he would say
ma am" said man. coming up. ''1et
your fight, young man will tell against
you. An innocent man should never
run.
What murder?" asked Lucy, with
blanched lips.
"Od Hatherill, as lives in the little cot
tage at the extreme end of the forest, ha;
been toully murdered.
And they say Harry is his murderer ?
Impossible! gasped the terrified girl
WHO dare think OF such thing?'
why, you see miss, 1t just amounts t.
this:
Jim Varic was in the forest gather
ing wood for the old man, his father hac
the Squire's leave 10 gather what be need
ed. Jim said he had piled up heap Of
dry sticks, and he thought he'd 90 t.
HatherIll's and borrow barrow. Wher
he came near the cot he heard louC
scream, and going around to the door he
heard old Hatherill scream a second time
when be went in the old man was laying
on the floor and Harry Seton was bend
ing over him. What makes the matte,
still worse, his gun was found not dozen
yards off. His brother, who dropped IN
!. could not deny II: and as sure as L M llv
ing man. miss. :" continued the man exclt
eddy "a bullet from that gun killed ole
! HatheTill"
Lucy sat as one nailed to the earth; fol
that Harry. her light generous
; cousin who had always a good word fol
everyone. could he accused of such crime
was past belief
Yet she had no time to collect her scat
tered senses for already in the distance
was heard the sound Of voices. and soon
the suspected man was surrounded and
borne by the multitude to place OF conine'
ment
: We shall not linger over the long and
painful trial that followed. It's only
necessary to know that the Squire spared
no pains to clear his unfortunate son of The
dreadful crime of which he was accused
| vat oiao. oil I :, u.;no uere his time money