Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-07-12

was serious enough, was forced to
smile
You must also remember" he went
on, presently, that we know nothing
of the antecedents Of either Mr.. Bow
yer himself or his niece. They have
evidently some strong reason for the
strict seclusion they insist on; and you
must ask yourself whether, in case
anything uanspired to-to Miss
Warde's disadvantage, your love is
strong enough TO stand the shock.
If she is in trouble. there is the
more reason why she should have some
one to help and protect her." answered
Charlie, simply.
The colonel laid his hand affection
ately on his sons shoulder in mute ap-
prevail.
Then you do not object to my ask,
ing her to become my wife, sir?''
Ny dear boy, have told you before
that in my opinion fathers should have
no authority in the matter of sons
marriage said the colonel.
And you won't even give your
opinion? At least you might offer
your advice" grumbled Charlie.
What would my advice be worth?
1t is your affair entirely-it is you who
have to live with her, not |, he con-
Guided, with a short laugh.
1T strikes me-" said the young fell
low, after a pause, that we have been
taking rather a one-sided' view of the
question. Suppose" with sudden
catch in his voice-'suppose she won't
have me?" said Charlie.
The colonel remained silent. Much
as he loved his son and wished for his
happiness, he could not, even to COM
fort him, express his conviction that
Ellen Warde would become his wife.
1T seems such presumption in me to
ask for her love-" went on Charlie,
dolefully; ''she is so beautiful and so
clever, while i
DO you think one stops to weigh the
pros and cons in love?"
| But Charles fears once aroused,
would not be so easily allayed. Moth
ing would satisfy him but that his
father should accompany him; and
! Colonel Severn, who had never refused
i him anything, reluctantly consented.
| Not that l shall be of the least use,'
! he observed, resignedly. I'm an old
! fOgy now, and have forgotten all about
! such things"
You old? Why. you are in the
prime of life. l say, dad"-linking his
arm affectionately through his fathers
isn't it lucky you did not fall in
love with her yourself?"
The necessity for any reply was OBJ
waited by Ellen's coming forward TO
meet them as they passed through the
gate-the entrance into Mr.. Bowers.
Il am glad you have come again at
last" said she, giving her hand to the
colonel; land Mr.. Bowyer will be very
| glad to see you too, [ know"
She stood with downcast eyes, nerv-
ously lingering her flowers, as he
| quietly spoke his excuses for his past
neglect of them and expressed his
pleasure at being there then.
/ When he had finished speaking,
Charlie broke in impulsively with some
question about herself, and, as she
answered him. Colonel Severn walked
y
ting outside the house.
You are better. / hope" he said.
civilly, when the old lawyer had
shaken hands with him and reproached
him for his long absence.
well, yes, perhaps l am. You know
there is nothing radically wrong-it is
merely nervous weakness: and, upon
my soul, I'd rather have the most
| deadly disease that science ever COM
| bated.'
What does DR.. Armstrong adviser
The usual things, of courSe-nOur-
] fishing diet, cheerful society, and eXer-
else"
Mrs. Priolo came from the house
with a small tray on which were a
| bottle and also a wine-glass.
ut is time for your medicine, sir"
! she said. respectfully, and poured it
! out.
! He swallowed it obediently.
THE gallons of it l have takenr' he
! said, making a wry face, as the house
keeper resettled his cushions and
/ pushed his footstool nearer him.
Indeed, sir, so you have; it's to be
hoped it'll do you good soon,' said the
! houSekeeper, Sympathetically.
/ Colonel Severn scanned her curiously.
! He did not like the weman's voice,
and the smile she had summoned up
seemed unnatural and forced.
I'D stake my life upon it that the
woman is decaitfulr' thought the colo
! mel to himself, as he watched Mrs.
| PriOle re-enter the house.
Then Mr.. Bowyer spoke again.
Yes, I suppose it is the change Of
climate. My niece has also been IN
| we'll. She comes down in the morning
looking as though she had not slept
all night and she eats simply nothing
at all I can't think what it is
! Perhaps" began Severn, and then
suddenly stepped. He had been about
to say, Perhaps she is unhappy, "but
it struck him that the remark might
SAVIOR of impertinence, and on the spur
of the moment he could not think Of
anything to say instead Of it.
Il know what you were going TO
say finished Mr.. Bowyer, quickly
the idea striking him now for the first
time. Perhaps she is in love. She is
a good girl-a really good girl; and
as the other did not answer-"she will
have twenty thousand pounds either
on her wedding day or at my death"
She is fair enough and sweet
anOr1Uh RI hp welcome for her own