Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-26
HOW do you know''' she asked with a

my tenants said, as we passed into
the hall
Sir Wren, Annie and Colonel Haynes
were our guests at Ravens Park, and
were to accompany US home to Waverland.
CHAPTER XXIv.-THE BRIDES HOME COMING.
The next morning we babe goodbye to
the happy friends with whom we had
shared so many happy hours. With many
promises for exchange of letters and visits
in the near future we left Ravens Park
and started for Wayerland. Sir Wren,
Annie and Colonel Haynes were still with
Us. The Colonel had accepted an invita-
ton to spend a month or two with us in
Ireland to learn something Of the true
state of things there. l suspect certain
pair of blue eyes had a charm for him,
greater even than the troubles of the coun-
try, judging from the attention he paid
their owner.
Ravens Park we left in the care of the
servants who had lived there in the days
of Sir Edward, Stella's grandfather. 1t
was arranged that we were to return there
to spend the Winter.
80, this is our stationr' exclaimed Myr-
tie, as our train rolled up to the platform.
We were met by delegation of our peo-
pie; and such throng!
"Why, did not know there were so
many people in the county," said Sir
Wren as we stood contemplating the situa-
ton and waiting for the train to move on.
1t was indeed sight to behold Women
in their blue cloaks with happy, smiling
faces; men in their smart Sunday jackets
and children of all sizes, eager for a
glimpse of our party. AS the train moved
on, so that they could see us, cheer after
cheer made the air ring with shouts of
"Hurrah for the 'swate lady!'' Long life
to young masther!''
'ThiS is your home coming, darling"
said, helping Stella to place in the car
riage.
When at little distance from the depot
we were net by carriages full of people; it
seemed as though all the country had put
on its holiday garments and were having a
jubilee.
AS we were passing through the gate
way Stella said:
20, Lloyd! you have copied that poem of
a gateway from one we saw in Glen
Eyrie!'
eyes, l tried to make it like that, as a
memorial of the love [ found awaiting me
in that far away land. And may it ever be
pleasant reminder of the happy hours we
passed there" [ said.
Myrtle was in an ecstacy of delight at
being home again, and seeing SO many-peO-
pie about.
''Sister Stella" said Myrtle, nesting in
her arms, you will never go away again
will you?''
''No, darling, I am at home to stay with
you now" she said.
'And Lloyd too? asked Myrtle.
"This is our home, all together now, lit
tie sister," l said, as we drove up to the
doorway.
The old butler and his wife met us as we
entered the great hall. He was more pomp-
Gus than ever in his enormous wig, high
coat collar and cravat, while his wife, who
was the housekeeper, looked smart in a
new cotton gown and fancy cap.
"And it's welcome home, We are, Lord
Waverland: and long life to yes, and my
Lady" said the butler, making a most
profound bow, Us we entered the house.
Sir Wren, Annie and the Colonel were
soon with Us, and friends from every direc-
ton came to offer their congratulations.
The broad beautiful lawn was full of peo-
pie. Soon Stella and | were in their midst
shaking hands with them, and receiving
their God bless ye'sp'
1t was merry company that gathered
at the long tables to partake of the sump-
tuous feast that afternoon; and, as we
passed here and there we heard these re-
marks:
81 thought it was great lady coming to
Waverland, but it is the swate angel who
came to me when I was sick!" or. IT'S
the swate Teddy who told me how to make
bread!' and. otis the governess who was
here ana came With her little Dox OF med1-
cine and docktored my Jammie when he
had the measels, so it is!''
All united in calling her the "swate
Teddy" The children gathered round
Lady Waverland for kind word. No one
was overlooked. Most of them Stella
knew and remembered their names She
had peculiar faculty of gaining children's
love. l had often noticed when in room
full Of strangers, the children would soon
find their way to Stella's side.
While we were busy seeing that our peo-
pie were having good cheer, the invited
guests were enjoying themselves according
to their own tastes and inclinatiOns. Some
were busy with ball and mallet at croquet
Others with bow and arrow were sending
forth joyous peals of laughter at the mis-
takes or good hits of their companions.
one and all were having a good time. Sir
Wren was in an ecstacy of delight, and
seemed the youngest of the party, giving
passing joke and friendly greeting to every
one he met. AS he and l were standing
together and Stella was engaged with the
little Ones [ said:
you see, Sir Wren, that there is no dan
ger but that Lady Waverland will be pop
ular with our people. She has won their
love and trust as she has won mine, by the
goodness OF her heart. have no fear but
that it will continue"
''You are very fortunate Lloyd, in secur-
ing such lovely wife. [ congratulate you
with a warmer heart since [ have seen her
among the people. Her gentle influence
will have great force for their good"
In the evening Lady Waverland was no
less a favorite than among the humber
classes. The rich and naughty were glad
to claim her for an acquaintance on &C
count of her noble birth and great wealth.
l thought as [ saw some of the grand la
dies and gentlemen who had formerly
Stung her sensitive heart with cruel words,
now trying to win more than a passing
greeting from her, how different their con-
duct would have been had she returned as
simply governess! But wealth and posi-
ton are powerful agents with those who
have no higher aims in life than show and
fc.sii1iui.
Lady Waverland was equally favorite
with rich and poor and made every one
who came into her presence feel at ease.
A few days after our return the people
gathered to hear Mr.. Parneu and to choose
a candidate to stand from our district for