Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-08-16
CHAPTER MI.

had extended for some miles, DE
found his guest had gone. he had re-
turned, the servants told him, packed
up his things, and driven away TO the
station in great haste, leaving a note
behind which would, they suggested,
probably explain his sudden depart
re
Expressing no surprise at TIE news.
he did not even open the letter which
was placed in his hands until he was
alone. Then he read as follows:
my Dear Colonel:-You will think
1t of d piece with the rest of my
strange conduct that, having come to
stay a week with you, 1 should 60 at
the expiration of a day. l believe
you will do me the justice to believe
that this is from necessity, not choice.
If lou wish to know more, perhaps
Miss Ellen Warde will tell you. 1t is
ON her account [ have gone.
MY own inclination would have
kept me here. From the first | was
attracted by your strength Of charac-
ter and unselfiShneSS, perhaps because
they were the attributes | lacked my
self |, who have ever been the sport
of the Winds the slave of every idle
fancy, and have never hesitated to
sacrifice another for myself, can yet
appreciate such virtues in others.
Then you saved my life-a worth
less life it is true, and valueleSS even
20 myself since. | had lost all that
makes life worth the living-still you
risked your own to save it, and / have
not forgotten that | never shall.
Don't believe what that morbid old
Australian said last night. 1T is not
true-I know it by my own feelings.
| would die sooner than work harm
to you; | would die-it would be only
paying debt-to secure you anything
on which your life depended Believe
that. and test me if occasion should
demand | am protesting wildly and
over-romantically you will say, but
1t Is from the bottom of whatever
heart L still possess 7 esteem and ad-
mire you more than any man [ ever
knew. | should like to prove that and
my gratitude some day.
The horses are waiting, and horses
must not be kept waiting, however
melodramic may be the situation.
Goodbye! We may never meet again.
but | hope you won't forget one who
will often remember your goodness,
who, cratic and good for nothing as
he may be, is still
your sincere well-wiSher,
Gerald Weare"
A strange letter, and characteristic
of The writer, who was always in
lined to take a theatrical attitude on
the smallest provOcation; yet Severn
recognized the real earneStneSS of the
feeling expressed. and believed some
thing of what he prOfeSsed, if not all.
The selfishnesS of which the young
fellow was himself conscious he had
also seen; but he knew he was good
natured, too, and had often traced to
him a generous deed of which the doer
seemed half ashamed.
Mrs. PriOlo hurried back after her
unexpected interview with the colonel,
congratulating herself upon her eS-
cape and the ingenuity with which
she had contrived it, How easily men
were hoodwinked, especially when in
cumvent the cleverest of them!
1t was therefore with no little Ella
ton that she entered the little room
where Mr.. Bowyer was seated.
What long time you have BEEN
he began ENORMOUSLY, looking up from
his newspaper.
Il thought Miss Ellen was with you,
or I'd have hurried. Have you beer
alone all the time? l am so Sorry"'
Ellen is not down yet. Perhaps
you had better go and see if she wants
anything. Poor child, l am afraid she
Is in weak state of health, or she
would not have gone off into such
deep swoon / am quite alarmed"
Il don't fancy there is much the
matter with her now, at all events"
why do you say that"'
Because I saw her, a couple of
miles from here talking to the young
gentleman who came last night"
"Ah, indeed said Mr.. Bowyer
He was veXed that Ellen had not
confided to him her intention of going
to meet Gerald Weare. OF course she
would tell him when she returned; but
to be consulted after action was taken
would be very poor compliment in
deed. He changed the subject quickly
to hide his annoyance.
Had you a successful visit to Great
haven? Did you get what you
wanted?"
Yes; they have coed shops. The
walk is really nothing-in this cold
weather it does one good. Nine miles
there and back, they call it; but, if
you take the short cuts. I fancy it is
barely six"
You will find the effects of it after
ward, I expect. If I make up my mind
TO stay here, must buy a little
phaeton and pair of ponies for Ellen
to drive"
THAT would be delightful! What a
lucky girl she is, to be sure! By the
bye, got that stuff she recommended
the poison, you know"
''Then I hope you will get some rest
now. You're looking quite tagged"
Il will have a good sleep this after
noon. l think perhaps I am a little
tired, after ALL she said.
"Of course you are; but you will
>eyer take my advice"-man-like
visiting the sins the absent on the
one at hand.
At ths moment the door opened anG
u, A,,Is ooN,.-,