The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1892-02-20
CHAPTER If.

Mary Willard had no recollection of
either mother or father. The one early
event which had impressed itself upon
her memory was the death of her grand
mother.
She often recalled with painful vivid
ness her grandfather'S passionate grief,
and the bitter cry with which he had
clasped her to his heart:
You are all l have in the world,
Mary
She was but seven years old when
they came 10 live in the old house in the
quiet New York village.
Contentedly sclf-burird, Mr.. Willard
devoted himself to his books, and APP
parently cared nothing for the world
which circled round the changeless
habits Of his daily life. Mary's delight,
however, knew no bounds. The beauty
Of life is irrepressible and her heart was
open 10 its faintest impression.
we must call it Robins Rest, she
declared; the trees are literally alive
with robins. oh, grandpa, l shall be so
happy here"
And certainly she was happy as the
violet in the shadow Of the wildwood, OF
the birds who sang iii the trees around
here.
Her education. so far as books went,
was gained from her grandfather, though
the task of studying was not one 10
which she took kindly.
She learned more readily from nature
itself. Her powers Of observation were
quickened and sharpened, and the very
solitariness of her life gave warmer
tone 10 her imagination.
But what her grandfather regretted
most deeply was her lack OF friends, or
friends of her own age and condition,
South Weston being made up OF hard
working farmers and their families, none
OF whom were Interested i'll anythin
higher than their stock and crops.
Under such conditions the wears had
PASSED, and Mary was eighteen before
she herself realized the fact.
There was no change in her feelings
or views of life, but she was conscious
that her grandfather s eyes followed her
with q deeper sadness than formerly.
One day he said to her quite suddenly:
Mary. do you realize that YOU are a
woman Mary was decidedly startled
al this intelligence.
Indeed. / don't, grandpa, and don't
wish TO- 1t will seem like being some
one else.
They were together in the study; Mr..
Willard i'll his accustomed chair, and
Mary in her corner beside him.
Yes" he continued after seconds
silence, you are eighteen, and at that
age--
One is supposed 10 be a woman, put
III Mary rising from her stool and walk
ing across the room with half-serious,
half-cOmic air.
Ii is rather hard, grandpa, that one
must be, whether one wishes or not.
Now look at me, please. Am | taller
than | was Il month ago? Am ! the least
bit wrinklcd, or, has my hair turn
ed gray? No, no, She added with a
shake Of the head, 1t ism t any use. Let
~ talk of something else"
She was back in her place. her hand
upon his knee, her bright face raised
Ia his. He shook his head with a half
sigh.
Most young ladies" he began.
She raised her hands with protesting
gesture.
II YOU have any consideration for me,
grandpa. don't bring up most young
ladies. They ami l have nothing in
common. Let us drop the subject. Do
for one more interesting. Please tell
me what Jeanette means by her dark
/ ulljS ABOUT IL NIS1lti VIC ait
not going 10 indulge in anything SO
giddy.
She gave him half-laughing, half
questioning glance, and clasping her
hands about her knees, she rocked back
ward and forward, with sort of rhythmic
motion.
What has Jeanette told you?" he
asked, smiling at her expression.
oh, whole rismarole, in odd bits
and at odd times. I'm TO dress better
because he is rich and used TO fashion
able girls. I'm TO dispense with my I'M
couth manners because he is accustom
to lady-Ihe females. IN short, she
added, with fine scorn. I'm 10 be a per
feet little prig to suit his fastidious taste.
Now, grandpa, if You have invited a
man of that description TO visit US can
not help saving you've done most fool
ISL thing. Didn't you reflect how
dreadfully plain We'll seem in con-
trast to his people? and don't you
know that while l am perfectly content
ed with my life and everything here. I'd
feel like killing q man who d dare 10 lock
down On me or YOU. Men like him are