River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1893-05-25

" sad circumstances of his early life.
He had been an orphan since he was
four years of age, and scarcely had any
remembrance of the tragic events
which left him both fatherless and
motherless. His father had been a
young lawyer in Elmwood, and was
Just beginning TO work into a good
practice when terrible disaster de-
prived him of life. One night his home
caught fire. He was in town attending
some meeting when word was brought
him that his house was burning. He
sacrificed himself in the attempt to
save wife and child. The former was
injured 50 she died in few hours. but
the boy was saved.
Little fourear-old MILFORD found
many kind friends to care for him. An
investigation of his fathers estate
showed that a small income would be
forthcoming sufficient to pay for the
young orphans care and early school
ing. MILFORD proved to be an ambitious
boy. and not only studied diligently.
but managed to earn and save money
enough TO take him through college.
He determined To adopt his fathers
profession, and after graduating secured
a. position in the Office of prominent
law firm, and when twenty-five years
old was admitted to the bar. lie opened
an Office, and before two years had sped
lac realized, as did the clients whom he
served. that he had not mistaken his
vocation.
II was during this two years of bud
ding SUCCESS that MILFORD Orrnsby and
Margie Wheaton were thrown together
in the social swim and became the cyno-
sure Of all the matchmaking eyes of
ElmwOOd.
Thus 20 the good people of Elmwood
it appeared that these two young peo-
pie were exactly fitted for each other,
and it was confidently hoped and ex-
pected that Hargie would cease her
coquctries and become the true woman
they knew she I'D be.
When Margi5 Wheaton parted from
MILFORD after iivering her sarcastic
refusal IF his suit, the young man bi,
his lips with vexation as he looked after
her retreating form.
%, Margic, Margie; I have read your
heart too well he said To himself
with all your caprice my own heart
tells me that you love me: how utterly
wretched / would be. did not feel this
assurance just now! ] shall surely see
Margie tomorrow night ut the ball,
and must have an answer then
MILFORD concluded rightly when he
said he would see Margie AZ the ball.
She was there, glOriOuslv radiant in
her beauty, and even those who had
known her longest had never seen her
so vivacious before. To MILFORD she act
ed with free and unaffected cordially
which entirely precluded any pos ible
chance of a serious conversation. Along
toward the close. however, they did
meet for a few brief moments, and
were alone.
.'Margie, dear" said MILFORD, Il was
I 90 much in earnest yesterday as / am
tonight for YOU to treat me so fiippant-
": for heavens sake. Margie, listen to
me. l am going away and want you
TO promise 10 be my wife If ever come
back
Il think, sIr. it must be unnecessary
for me TO eply TO that very vague
proposition AGAIN. as have just now a
very definite one To dance in the set
just forming with the gentleman you
50 much object to. | must beg you TO
excuse me"
As Margie was hurrying away. VIII
ford caught her passionately by the
hand and cried: Listen TO me, Margie;
do listen to me for a moment; don't let
me think you are heartless; | may never
come back alive"
But Margie had released herself ,leav-
Ing a portion of her bouquet, which
MILFORD had passionately clutched in
his hand. Tossing the rest of the flow
ers toward him as she sped away, she
said, with a half laugh: well, sir, il
you come back dead will promise 10
decorate your grave with flowers"