Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-12
WAVERLAND
BY MARIE SARAH BRIGHAM.

eel sorry that you left?'
Il often thought of that place but was
st sorry for leaving. Though was near
Y tempted to advertise and sign my own
name, thinking if you wished to find me
you would in that way be able to do So"
81 thought you might do that, and from
the time you left Waverland until | found
you in Denver, never picked up a paper
without looking through the list of adver-
tisements. But I never found the name
longed to see."
81 have had very happy time with La
dy Irving. She has proved to be all that
anticipated on the first evening Of our &C
quaintance."
''But did you still hope to see me again?
Or give any thought to the lonely old
home that you had deserted?"
eyes, thought of You and Waverland
very often, but | always tried to crush the
thought you were engaged to Annie
Wrenr'
tAnnie! What made you think thatr
"Because you were fond of her. and then
your mother said you were to marry her"
"And did you think that could ever for
get my little sunbeam who had filed my
heart with warmth and gladness"
81 did not knowp'
"But you did know, or you would never
have fed from Waverland You know
the wicked flee when no one pursueth'
That one act made me sure that you loved
me. And the knowledge of that love gave
me courage to struggle out of the despair
] felt when | first found that you had
gone"
"When you came into the parlor at Den
yer my heart answered that question al
most uncOnscioualy and it was a hard
task to teach myself composure. I kept
saying over to myself your mothers words.
He is to marry Annie"
"But he is not to marry Annie! neverl
never! as told my mother on that even
ing. But darling, when will you become
my bride and bring joy and happiness to
the old home at Wayerland?"
'Not yet, Lloyd, not yet" she sad.
"But Stella dear, why need we waitl
You have no one to ask, | have no one to
care, we have none in all the world to
please but each other"
She only shook her head and remained
firm. AS we were returning to the hotel
we could hear Melvorne pleading earnest
ly with Lady Irving to set their wedding
day. But that lady was as obstinate as
Stella had been.
MelyOrne came to my room that evening
with a gloomy face. He gave vent to his
disappointment by saying:
81 always knew women were head
strong. Lady Irving has promised to be
my wife, yet she will not name our we'd
ding day"
81 tried to gain the same object this
evening myself! Do you think they have
made some arrangement to make us
waltz" | asked.
i don't know, but we seem fated. We
must wait the win and pleasure of our
self-willed angels" he said, as he babe me
goodnight with returning cheerfulness.
CHAPTER XX.-THE MYSTERY REVEALED.
The morning found our party ready for
new sights and scenes.
What have you on the programme fol
to-day, LOllard?" asked NIelvorne
The famous springs, six in number, are
among the frs Objects" he answered.
Either to-day or tomorrow [ want ouI
party to visit my ranch and see my fine
herd of cattle. The ladies have never
seen a cowboy yet" said Melvorne, in
good spirits at prospect of a change.
We started out to visit the far famed
boiling springs first Crossing little rus
tic bridge we came to the Manitou spring
Stella was first to reach it, as she was first
In everything, even in my thoughts.
Reaching down for Il cup of the sparkling
water she raised it high above her head.
AS she did so her hat fell TO the grOunu
and down Gene the coil of wayy rmglets.
She blushed as her hair fell round her
shoulders, but said in comical tone:
MAY the God of the medicine man send
health, wealth and long life to our little
party"
Amen" we shouted, laughing at her
comic attitude. How fairy like she looked
in her dress of woodland gray, surrounded
by those Silken locks made golden by the
sunlight.
Before we had time for thought Mel
vorne had grasped her hand and was say
ing:
''Stella Everett, was your fathers name
Charles Edward?"
Eyes SIR" said Stella, amazed ct his
words and manner
"Then you are my COUSIN" he exclaimed
SNOW can explain the charm your manner
has always had for me. Friends, congra,
tulate me OH the happy discovery"
Then came warm congratulations. Lady
Irving was the first, and, woman-like, she
found comfort in few glistening tears
Then Mrs Lollard greeted Stella in most
sisterly fashion. Mrs. Lollard took her
hand, saying:
Il am glad to know that such good fort
une has come to my little friend" AS for
myself | hardly knew what to say. But
the glad look that met my glance made
my heart beat double quick as | clasped
her hand il mine.
But" s2id Stella, as soon as the con-
gratuiatiOns were over, chow did YOU
make this happy discovery, for such it is
TO me. Cousin Melyorne?"
My mother died when l was but a
child said 3Ielvorne with emotion. But
/ remember one morning as [ went to her
room she was standing as you are now.
with her hair falling about her shoulders.
while the sunlight was streaming on it.
turning il to finest gold. l cried out in
Childish JOY, %, m1mma, your hair is all
aglowH just now your face, your form,
and, above all, these golden locks have
brought my mother to my mind.
'But that does not explain it all. Nv
mothers maiden name was Everett. She
had one brother who married against his
fathers wishes. The old gentleman, who
was imperiously proud and self-willed, dis
Inherited his son on that account. At his
death he left all his wealth to my mother
said Melvorne, still Watching Stella. who
by the aid of a few hair pins, was making
the unruly tresses into a closely twisted
coil.
cousin Stella" said Melvorne, with a
lingering tone, as if to catch the melody of
the new words, ''have you never heard
that your father was an English noble
manSn