Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-03-10

AS the sunlight fell through the green
leaves and rested on her, the change In her
was wonderful to see. The beautiful, noble
face had lost all its pride, all its defiance
the play OF the lips was tremulous. sensitive
and gentle; the light in the dark eyes was of
love and kindness. Time had added to her
loneliness; the grand, statuesque figure had
deleloped more perfectly; the graceful atti-
tudes, the unconscious harmony, the indie
Unable grace and fascination were more ap-
parent than ever. But she no longer carried
her grand beauty as protest, but made it
rather the crown Of a pure and perfect wO-
manhood.
Something dimmed the brightness of her
face, for Sir Vane had come to her with
strange news and strange prayer. His arm
was clasped round her as they walked under
the lines where lovers footsteps had SO oft
en- strayed.
''Yes, Pauline, it has come so unexpected
ly at last" spoke Sir Vane. Ever since
Graveton has been in Office, my dear mother
has been unWearied in asking t. all appoint
ment for me. You know the story of our
impoverished fortunes and how anxious my
dear mother is to retrieve Them
Her hand seemed to tighten its clasp On
his, as she answered:
Eyes, know"
Now an opportunity has come. Grave
ton, in answer to my mothers continued re-
quests, has found for me most lucrative
office; but, alas, my love, it is in India, and
must shortly set out"
I'm India!' repeats Pauline; land you
must set out shortly, Vane? How soon?'
''In fortnight from now" he answered.
ut is an office that requires filing up at
once, Pauline. [ have come to ask if you
will accompany me? Win you pardon the
short notice, and let me take my wife with
me to that far-off land? Do not let me go
alone into exile--come with me, darling"
The color and light died out of her beauti-
full face, her lips quivered, and her eyes
grew diGl as with unshed tears.
Il cannot" she replied; and there was
silence between them that seemed full of
pain.
You cannot, Pauliner' he cried, and the
sadness and disappointment in his voice
made her lips culver again. surely you
will not allow any feminine nonsense about
dress and preparations, any scruple about the
shortneSS of time, to come between us? My
mother babe me say that if you will consent
she will busy herself night and day to help
us to prepare. She babe me add her prayer
to mine. Oh, Pauline, why do you say you
cannot accompany me"
The first shock had passed for her, and she
raised her noble face to his.
From no nonsense, Vane," she said.
you should know me better, dear, than
that. Nothing can part us but one thing.
Were it not for that, l would go with you to
the very end of the world would work for
you and with you
But what is it, Paulnc?'' he asked.
";Yhat is it, my daring?''
She chung to him L.Ore closely still.
"l cannot leave her Fane,-I cannot leave
Lady Darrell. She is dying slowly, hour by
hour, day by day-and cannot leave her."
But my darling Pauline, there are others
beside sou to attend to the lady-Lady
Hampton and Miss Hastings. Why should
you give up your life thus"
'Why? she repeated. "You know why,
Vane. 1t is tn only atonemenS can offer
her. Heaven knows how gladly, how hap
PLY, | would this moment place my hand in
yours and accompany you; my heart longs
to do So. You are all have in the world,
and how [ love you You know, Vane. But
it seems to me that | owe Lady Darrell this
reparatiOn, and at the price o. my who,e
life's happiness [ must make it."
He drew her nearer to him, and kissed the
trembling lips.
''She has suffered so much, Vane, through
NEAL through me. If l had bat foregone
my cruel vengeance, and when she came to
me with doubt in her heart if [ had but
spoken one word, the chances are that by
this time She would have been Lady Ayns-
ley, and | should have been free to accom-
p1ny you, my beloved; but must suffer for
my sin. [ ought to suffer, AMI / ought to
atone to h"r."