Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-05-12

winged Peace once more settled down on
the field of action. The agent came up
and removed the bill.
The house is taken" said he.
who's took it?' demanded Dorcas.
who CHANGED just then to be securing the
brasses. But the agent eithe- did not
know or would not tell. Dorcass heayed
a deep sigh. Den, says she, we've got
to Tar out"
The landlord sent Selma polite note in
a day or two. He had concluded he
wrote, to accept her offer of the furniture
and belongings as an equivalent for GER
| tain portion of the unpaid rent
do?" - W. ~
Poor Mrs. Spencer was all in a hutter.
The Newport scheme delighted her and
was very busy looking over her ward robe
with reference to the coming visit. Selma
had written to the aunt of an old school.
mate of hers, who kept a boarding house
in the fair seaside city, asking her lowest
price for comforta bic room. Dorcas
was to go with Mrs. Spencer as attendant
and maid and Selma had resolved to hire a
loom in New York and board herself as
well as she could.
But this has been a dear old home"
ste murmured. Il wonder who will sleen
IN my room; wonder whose hands will
strike the yellow keys of mamma's piano.
and dust my lowered blue china, and ar
range the old fiddle backed chairs"
The purple sunlight shone softly in. the
scent or stalk of hyacinths in glass ON
the mantei brought back "reminiscences of
the old southern flower gardens, and all of
suCd~n Il Voice which she hal last heard
in those very gardens struck on her ear.
Selma have | startled you?'
Mr.. Berkely!"
He extended a cordial hand.
Perhaps you tancied that could not
trace you OUT" said he. But am better
at hide and seek than you thought.
She courtesied haughtily. His handsome
countenance fell. Evidently he was deeply
disappointed.
Are you not glad to see me, Selina?"
he exclaimed. "Ah, Selma! | had counted
SO much upon this interview. | had
planned to renew my suite ask you once
more to be my wife. "
She drew her slight figure up.
gu are presumlng COO much On my
very evident poverty, Mr.. Berkeley" said
she. Il refused you when | was Miss
Spencer or Spencer Vale. What scrt of a
woman should be if | were now to accept
you-.sidmpy as protection against ad
verSity ?"
But, Selma
Pray excuse me from any further dis
cussIon on the question, said Selma.
May | not hope to see your mother2'
he persisted.
Il should prrfer not.
DO you know, Selma, he said, after a
brief silence, that this is very bitter
luort fcaiion to me p
1T Is? Then what must it be to me?'
she Tetorted, almost f rely loo King up at
him.
He stood second OF two gazing sadly
at her. Stung by the scrutiny, she swept
from the room like an angered princess.
Half minute later she came hurrying
But he was gone.
Il have let another opportunity slip by
SIZE murmured. "Oh, heavens Where
is my life Griftil g TOP
At that moment Aunt D0rcas ushered
IN the landlord, fussy, baldheade2 old
gentleman. with a for collar to his coat.
Good evening, Miss Spencer, said he.
| expected to meet the new party here"
The beg your pardon!' said Selma.
"The gentleman who has purchased this
house and furniture" explained Mr.. Beas-
ley, ''and settled it on yourself and your
mother. A friend of yours, suppose
Mr.. Berkeley.
Standing sadly in the shadow of the
rustling poplar boughs outside, George
Berkely felt the magnetic Influence Of an
others presence. a soft voice stirred the
| twilight air. like the far off music of for
gotten days.
Mr.. Berkeley" il said-"George!-
please will you forgive me?''
A dead silence ensued
Won't you George?" with little sob
in the voice. IL didn' mean to speak
SO harshly to you. didn't know then
| what know now Of your noble generos-
ity."
Silence-only silence still.
''If | accept it for dear mammals sake
you surely will not misinterpret me- Oh,
| George! how can you be so cruel2 Why
| don't you answer me? What are you wait
ing for me to say ?"
And still no word broke that haunting
silence!
George" in low voice. 1--WE changed
my mind. will be your wife
| He took her in his arms
| Dear sweechearti' he murmured,
Dear little melting snow wreath, | kew
that love would cor quer you at last!''
Whan Mrs. Spencer heard Of the ED.
gagement she said quietly:
Il always thought that they Car, for
each other; but since your master died
Dorcas, my poUr head has scarcely been
itself. But make haste AM finish Tie
packing. We are going to Newport are
| we not?''
And 50 tie wedding trip was to New
mort -TOrrnta Moil