Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1892-08-11

LII IS very well 10 Say CnAU While v0ur
face is covered, my dear, but fortunately
know you don't mean it. My bird he's
been so coquettish and Knocked me w,
so many sweet songs, that am glad n
see her Gagged at last. Now, as she per.
sistently refuses to unclose her eyes to
the beauty of my countenance, shall
proceed to take matters in my own
hands"
This threat he promptly carried out.
Disregarding her resistance, he lifted
her blushing face until he could look
into her dropping eyes. Then, appar.
emily satisfied with his long, intent
gaze, he drew her closer to him, and
kissed her unresisting lips with a grave
tenderness.
Alice, was right; you do like me a
little.''
A half hour later, Alice suggested the
advisability of returning to the Colonel
BERTHE acquiesced reluctantly.
Come in" called the old gentleman,
as they hesitated at the door.
How many miles did you have to
travel to find Alice? You've been gone
just thirty-fve minutes, but Til forgive
you. Think you've gotten ahead of the
old man, Ell? Wouldn't have a wife Of
my choosing? Oh. no. Wanted an old
mare to your liking. Humph! You
empty pate, you've got the very girl
picked out for you. Think have taste
Ell? Well, she'll lead you dance. She's
got the DEVILS own temper, and you're
about her equal, sir.
Il am your son, was the imperturba-
BILE reply.
"Yes, yes. Nobody'd think it, though.
You'll never have your fathers sense
boy. Come here, you little coquette,
and kiss your uncle. And, BERTHE, you
scamp, if you don't give her everything
she wants, I'll shoot you. Now clear
out, both of you. You addle my Devil.
dered BRAIN"
An clear out they did, with alacrity.
During the days that followed Mar
garet and Alice saw a great deal of each
other, but this constant companionship
was fraught more Of pain than of pleas
ure to Margaret, for the happy content
ment which filled Alice's heart Knocked
her with the knowledge of something
wanting in her own life. The pain was
hidden in her own heart, but her doubts
and fears found outward expression in
nervous restlessness, a lack Of definite
purpose and lowness of spirits. Many
times did she reprOach herself severely
for allowing such feelings to Influence
her: but, do what she would, she could
not Danish the vague pain with which
she looked forward to the future. st is
not that I am unhappy" she told her
self, "but it is the possibility of what
lies before me"
One evening, during one OF Brians
periodical visits to Elmwood she went
80 ~ lob II Tho rn5orc
She found the evening thoroughly en-.
joyable, and for the time being she laid
aside her depression and was in bril-
liant spirits. The Colonel, whose vein
was particularly happy, kept her by his
tertaining.
you needn't be jealous" he said to
Brian, you'll enjoy all her sweetness
presently. No hope for us old fellows.
You young ones manage to shine us
down and the girls like your handsome
faces and forget your empty heads.
Brian joined in the laugh raised at his
expense, but when his eye met Margaret's
he was both surprised and perpleXed at
it's peculiar expression.
During the ride home he found her gay
spirits had given way to moody 81
break without much success.
Il was hoping for a nice talk with
you," he said at last rather desperately,
but you seem determined not to crafty
me. You know that I return to the city
tomorrow, too, and I won't see you
again until / come to claim you for my
own. My darling, if you could realize
with what unspeakable joy 1 look for
ward to that time But YOU are so cold
I can't understand you, Margaret.
Sometimes begin to fear you regret.
Don't begin to think anything SO de-
void of sense. Brian. If can't believe
in disinterested affection it isn't my
fault. Some one stole my faith from
me-"
She settled back in her corner with B
these words and wrapped her cloak :
more closely about her.
Il am very cross, Brian" she added I
after a moment of self-reproach. q Fl
don't want to be cross to you. Please u
remember that even when I forget it !
am sorry ever had heart"
Had, Margaret" he repeated, bright
ening at once at her gentle tones. "Oh,
don't let us be doleful, please. Talk Of
something else" Nh
After this outburst Margaret settled 81
still further back in her corner, and
Brian tried in vain to catch glimpse
of her face in the flick ering light of the
two carriage lamps. @
No further remark broke the silence
which lasted until they reached home
fro BE CONTINUED. l
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