Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-01-14
IN INTERCOLLEGIATE.

The morning was piece of perfection;
so, any onlooker might have considered,
was the young lady riding slowly along
the bridle-path just where it entered the
park-the pretty girl III dark gray habit
and silk hat, who sal her horse we'll and
hsld the reins and whip with near correct.
ness.
It was early yet. Ida Edison and her
groom-some rods behind her-were al
most the first riders, though the eafy,
breezy place was charmingly inviting just
now.
When cantering horse was pulled up
beside Der therefore, and hat was lifted
high. Ida raised her handsome eyes in
pleased inquiry.
"Mr. Grantc!" she smiled.
"Delighted at this meefing!" said Mr.
CRANKY, heartily, and went on beside her
at amore moderate pace.
He was putting little, being rather
short and stout gentleman, some years be-
yond his early manhood.
He had a pleasant and Intelligent, II
somewhat forid face, and a cordial man.
ner He was rich and nsiderably sought
after.
Ida Edison, liked nim for himself,
and now her fine face which had been
distinctly serious-all but sad bright
ened.
Il, Also" she returned I've been feel
ing little lonesome. One wants compaa
ionshlp on such day, to discuss the lovely
weather if nothing else"
She spoke careessly, cher whip handle
touching her smiling lips, but Mr.. CRANKY
looked at her sharply.
He was good friend of her father,
and took muca interest III the bright and
handsome girl. And Ida Edson's aff airs
were no more of a secret thar those Of
pretty and popular girs are usually.
He regarded her keenly.
at is decidedly disagreeabie being lone
some," he answered, with apparent heed
iassness
But Ida flushed little, and thought
best to change the supi act.
DO you mind my opening up the great
topic, Mr.. Granby?" she said, coyly. No,
you must be hardened by this time |
want to congratulate you Mrs. Campbell
is lovely simply lovely. We are all so
glad You are going to marry her-papa
and all of us!' she ayewed with girlish
warmth.
Mr. CRANKY bowed and smiled
81 thank you, my dear Miss Edison! |
congratulate myself every day. j am
happy man since the affair has been firmly
settled"
He looked it.
Ida rather wanted to continue the agree.
able subject, out gentle shyness forbade
her. And possibly Mr.. CRANKY was shy
The topic changed 10 the general news,
| the last new play, the prospect of the city
| being socially empty IN week or SO.
MIR. Cranky chatted with an entertain
ing liveliness, for which he was noted.
But he seemed oddly preocoupied-scarce
attentive, after all to their Swimming
small talk. Nov and again he glanced
at Ida scrutinizingly; once or twice he
smiled rather peculiarly. And from a
silence of Some length he emerged of a
sudden with a sigh of sentimental pro 2or
ton.
Il don't know" he declared, what
| makes me think so rongiy of that case.
Can seem to get it out of my head. Per-
! haps my recent happiness has made me
| sentimental don't know. Would you
| care to hear it? A mere everyday STORY,
it is but"
You know am dying tor his pretty
companion answered
Mr.. CRANKY set his hat or more arnly
and cleared his throat.
"a mere every day story" he reiterat-
| ed. gazing up at the leaves above them
"We have read such a hundred times
! Yet, when such things come within eur
experience, I'VE"
His manner was curlous'y hesltatiag,
! and Ida bright eyes were wide open,
her face latent.
st was "a friend of mine l'ge been
th mixing Of, said Mr.. Cranky slowly
And the tragedy took place twenty years
ago. | call it a tragedy. You shall hear
it, my dear girl, and Judge for yourself. .
He took out his handkerchief 20 rub his
fore read, and his eyes still roved the up
per air. But Ida was inattentive to all
save tle coming story.
de was good young felow-every
body said so-warm hearted aud affection
ate. And he fell desperately In love. The
girl was sweet and charming one. II
saw her. She was all that could lie de-
sired, ard more She loved him in return
she had cared for him before he mus
tered courage to speak to her, think
And 1t was looked upon as the match OF
the sea on, the lovers being so well known
| and So well liked. having 30 much money
anu fOSAtAoA bGlA. aux UStHS % SicGtIy
and unaffectedly In love with each other. I"
Mr.. CRANKY paused, stroking his horses
head, and looking down. And lda's lips
softly parted.
.'Ale YOU waiting for description Of
heir happy marriage and deeper joy?'
Mr.. CRANKY demanded dryly. That is
the sequent | cannot giye-that is the
tragedy"
He seemed to faier.
Ibid she dep Ida murmured-"or
hep"
Yet she knew better Almost certain
she was that it was of himself Mr.. Gran
by was eravely talking.
mo. | think almost he might better
have. No! the engagement was b,oks n
and for nothing" His voice was hard
Broken for some trivial cause which I
understt Cd at the time. The lapse Of
years had made contemplate that which
was UNIV orthy at its best. 1t Wis nothing,
nothing-a caprice on her part. an mad
yertence On his. What matter? 1t should