Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-12-03
CHAPTER VIII.

THE BROKEN LILY.
Pauline Darrell was keen, shrewd OBJ
server Of character. She judged more by
small actions than by great ones; it was a
characteristic OF hers. When women have
that gift, it is more to be dreaded than the
cool, calm, matuTed judgment Of men. Men
err sometimes III their estimate of character,
but it is very seldom that woman makes
similar mistake.
The garden path widened where the tall
white lilies grew i'll rich prOfusiOn, and there
Pauline and Captain Langton walked side
by side. The rich, sweet perfume seemed to
gather round them, and the dainty flowers,
with their shining leaves and golden bracts,
looked like great white stars.
Captain Langton carried small cane in
his hand. He had begun to talk to Pauline
with great animation. Her proud indiffer-
ence piQued him. He was accustomed to
something more like rapture when he de-
voted himself 70 any fair lady. He vowed
to himself that he would vanquish her pride,
that he would make her care for him, that
the proud, dark eyes should soften and
brighten for him; and he gave his whole
mind to the conquest. As he walked along,
one of the tall, white lilies bent over the
path; with one touch of the cane he beat 1t
down, and Pauline gave little cry, as
though the blow had panied her. She stop
ped, and taking the slender green stem In
her hand, Strengthened it; but the blow had
broken one Of the white leaves.
"Why did you do that?" she asked, in a
panied voice.
at is only flower" he replied with a
laugh.
only flower! You have killed it. You
cannot make it live again. Why need you
have cut its sweet life short?'
ut will not be missed from among SO
many" he said.
You might say the same thing of your
SELF" she retorted. 1.-THE world is full of
men and you would hardly be missed from
so many; yet you would not like"
''There is some little difference between
man and flower, Miss Darrell" he inter-
rupted, stiff1y.
There is, indeed; and the flowers have
the advantage" she retorted.
The captain solaced himself by twisting
his mustache and relieved his feelings by
some few muttered words, which Miss Oar
rell did not hear. In her quick, impulsive
way, she judged him at once.
HE is cruel and selfish" she thought; she
would not even stoop to save the life of the
sweetest flower that blows. He shall not
forget killing that lily" she continued, as she
gathered the broken chalice, and placed it in
her belt. Every time he looks at me-" she
said, she shall remember what he has done"
The captain evidently understood her ami
able intention, and liked her accordingly.
They walked on for some minutes in perfect
silence; then Pauline turned to him sud-
denly.
"Have you been long in the army, Captain
Langton?'
Flattered by question that seemed to
evince some personal interest, he fastened
to reply:
More than eight years. 1 Joined when I
was twenty"
Shave you seen any service?" she asked
NO" he replied. MY regiment had been
for many years in active service just before !
joined, so that we have been at home since
then"
'1n inglorious ease" she said.
1--WE are ready for work" he returned,
''when work comes"
''How do you employ your timer she ask
ed; and again he was fattered by the inter-
est that the question showed His face flush