Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-06-20

Hyacinth were here.
Perhaps in this softer mood a woman
might have done so much more than a
man.
Gerald was much too cynical TO be-
Heve that any expression Of sympathy
from him could excite more than an
emotional repentance for the moment,
and yet it seemed to the man, who
had such a quick tenderness for every
creature in trouble, SO terribly unkind
to offer neither word nor touch to
soothe her.
"You mustn't think" he said, very
quietly, that | don't understand low
terribly hard it is for you to give up
life to which you have been used. But
you are young still; you cannot have
become crystalliZed into hardness. Will
you, at least, think over the offer we
make your"
The unhappy woman struggled with
the sobs that shook her for some min
utes; then, as if tina gentle touch, that
gentle voice, had some strange power
over her, she grew quieter and moved
her head aside a little
Il should wish I could be like
her." she said in a smothered voice.
when | saw her in court yesterday
stood so close, and, OH my God! we
are SO like. and she looks like an angel
She must be an angel to forgive me all
I've cone to her. [ suppose it's easy
to be good when you're happy: wonder
If I could be-"
She rose as she spoke, and dried iper
tears, and half laughed, but kept her
face turned from Egerton.
''Pm in a sort of soft humor tonight"
she said. Il hated her the other day
and now-I was a devil to try End
hurt her, she looked sad didn't hate
her so much. After all, she couldn't
help the wrong her fhther did"
'She is only wishful, as far as in
Der lies, to atone for that wrong" said
Gerald. You are going to give me
that promise | asked for just now?"
'sTo think over your offer? Yes, I'll
do that. Do you believe [ should live
straight if | went out to Australia say,
or some such placer
''That must depend finally on your
own strength of will answered Eyer
ton. I'VE can but give you the means
10 an end. / think you will try, and [
think if you try, you must gain the VIC
tory in the end. One thing more. you
mustn't suppose that you would be
friendless. If you liked to try your
luck, for instance, in Sydney, my wife
knows some people there who went
out from Rougemont estate"
Good people who'd preach" the
woman interrupted, with darkening
brow. IF everyone talked like you
wouldn't mind; you talk as if | was a
woman still all the time, and you don't
think it SO jolly easy to turn round,
and so wicked if one doesn't see it all
at bound.
We'll, but these people wouldn't
preach Gerald said, with a half
smile ''They would only be willing to-
be friendly with anyone Lady Hya-
cinth recommended to their good will;
and you might be happy-and-' he
half paused, and dropped his eyes
with a slight flush, TRY and be-like
her-that would make her-very
happy" he said, in a low voice.
She looked up then with flash. and
bit her lip again hard.
4 don't make YOU two out, any
how" she said. 'Ah, Heaven! how
happy YOU must both be-"
And Gerald smiled a little, and held
out his hand.
She gave hers with a quick flush.
Nov | must leave you" he said
quietly; perhaps you will allow me
to call tomorrow afternoon?"
Eyes, III be in; you've been very
gooG," Mrs. Lathrop said, in a low
voice, ANY way, I'll not forget it, and
thank you. | wonder''-tshe stopped,
and turned her face aside-''wodld
YOU" she said falteringly; Just say toI
her-rm sorry hurt her. Do you
mind?''
NAY, why should | mfnd?" asked
Egerton. with his bright sweet smile.
''She will like to hear that-of course
| will tell her. Once more good bye
And when he was gone the Woman
flung herself down in the armchair,
and buried her face in her hands, and
Wept bitterly.