Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-02-21

and equal footing, and SO far from be-
inc dazzled by his projections. and
painting for his notice, she could now
coolly rejoice IN any opportunity which
offered for discOncerting and perplex-
inc her childish hero.
She had hardly hoped to have met
with one at her aunt's. It had been a
surprise to her when he had walked
in. and astill greater one when he had
offered her his arm. Oh, what that
offer would once have meant!
Now she had risen, as self-possessed
as any woman there, and had rippled
forward across the room, and down the
broad staircase, looking her prettiest,
and smiling her gayest, and laughing
within herself at the merry time she
meant to have of it.
For she could see that he was grave
and rather anxious. That meant that
he would be sure to stumble on to
dangerous ground presently, and then
and then she would lead him gailv
on, willy, witching Will-o' -the-wispt that
she was!-until she had got him fast in
to a quagmire, hopelessly fast and
bound. when she would mock him to
his face, leaving nothing but darkness
behind
She could blde her time, she would
not hurry anybody.
Very aemurely passed the first
courSes.A
Miss Campbell was engaged with her
soup, her fish, the pretty flowers on
the table, the heat OF the evening,
the Forthcoming reception at the for
eign embassy, the concert she had
been to in the afternoon.
Sir Frederick was quietly listening,
and when necessary responding. So
far he had not afforded any sport
Nor did he by any means seek to en-
gross her, as she had somehow fancied
he would have done; on the contrary,
he allowed long intervals to elapse
without speaking at all, and when
these were sized upon and made use of
by Geraldine garrulous neighbor on
the other side, she was provoked to
find how Indifferent he seemed to be
towards taking up the reins again.
But one thing he neglected utterly,
and this. of which he himself seemed
absolutely unconscious. was taken no.
tice by her at once-he entirely omit
ted the necessary civilties towards the
lady on his other hand. If addressed
by her, he would rouse himself with a
start. as though unaware OF the pres
once OF any one so near, and when he
had replied to her overture, he would
drop the subject At length she gave
over taking notice of him, and Geral-
dine marked this also.
II WONDER | very much wonder what
he is thinking about?" quote the little
cat to herself at last.
Now perhaps Bellenden hardly knew
himself.
Almost from the first moment, from
his first sight of her on her presenta-
ton day he had been conscious OF a
new feeling about this lovely girl.
There had been burst Of recollection,
of tenderness, and of resolve.
He would renew the old friendship,
make up for the past, and make his
way in the future.
Then he had been thrown back on
the very threshold of the pretty castle
in the air, and had found himself shut
out from entering at every point. Had
she been one whit less beautiful, less
charming, less tantaiizing, he would
have turned his back and been Off.
shuggino his shoulders: but Geraldine
had played and was still playing her
part too we'll. She was never quite
cold enough to drive him from her.
She never was gentler than when she
was loveliest. and most sought after.
And. at times, now and again it had so
happened that when with velvet hand
she had delt the little stab, the wound
which had been meant to rankle ana
tester presently. and had seen him
surn from her to bite his lip, and flush
with mingled shame and vexatlon, her
heart had so smote her for the light,
cruel est. that she had sought him
Out and set to work to undo what had
Il a riSff I'm 4 r.
tOr the moment he had almost Deen
happy enough to believe anything.
For he was now in love with Geral-
dine and knew it.
1T is because [ know that she is
as good and true as she is beautiful.
ne would sigh with regret all unavall-
ing. The woman whom l marry must
be unspoiIed by all the folly and heart.
lesSness of this miserable world Of
fashion, What is it to man that his
wife knows how to dress, and dine, and
parade herself from house to house, II
she cares nothing for him, nor her
home and children, and the things that
good women love? Who wants fash
ion plate for his daily companion and
the mother of his little ones? L am
sick CT seeing girl after girl brought
supporting out, and instructed how 10
dance. and chatter, and show OH her
points, and trot out her accomplish
Ments. One is exactly like announcer.
They all dote on country life, on gar
dening, and riding, and OLD women
cottages, and the next moment II
slips out that there in a dreadful frlght
lest papa should hurry them nome pc
fore the season is quite over, aud that
they thought it so cruel of him to stop
Gown in the shires so long at Easter
and Whitsuntide. Not one but would
exchange country home with glee
for Homburs. or Monte Carlo, OF
Brighton, or Scarborough. But |
knew once girl different to that,
Bellenden would say. with animation
when with some intimate ON Whom
such revllings had been vented, i
Knew one child she is woman now
who. if she be not utterly changed
would make any man, any home happy;
Pshaw. She is not for me. | shon'd
have but poor chance, even II !
meant to go in for one, tell you. Ana