Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-07-08
LOVE IS BLIND.

ealnefy palm trees, banks OF MOWERS,
softly-hued fairy lamps and delicious
strains of ever-changlng music, all these
go to make up enchantment!
SO, at least, thought Lord Ronald
d'Esterre.
He had but just returned from two
years sOjOurn in the heart of Africa,
Il sojourn filled with dangers and priva-
tons; his years numbered but five-and-
twenty, he was possessed of Well-knit,
Springy frame and a keen, clear eye;
and he had come back from his travels
with fame, courage and endurance, but
without penny that he could call his
own.
What was next to be done? This was
the problem that filed all his spare
thoughts. His elder brother had fitted
him out for his expedition with the po-
lite intimation that the act was a virtual
washing of his hands of the superfiuOus
cadet; his auntS had kissed him so warm
ly at parting that he was amazed to find
them mot at home" when he returned
to London; his godfather had given him
a EGO note and such Il hearty farewell
that it was bewildering to be cut by
him when they met once more in the
club smoking room. 1T really seems
as if they wish l had never come back"
said the young man to himself, with a
smile at the incredible idea; but as time
passed on his smiles died away and he
ground his teeth sayagely as he realized
that his relations had thought it a good
investment TO lay out $500 and an in
fnity of farewell in the hope of get
ting quit of a troublesome encumbrance
The thought was a bitter one, and in
his first fury he vowed to leave his ma
tive shores by the next ship, and never
return to them again. But upon the heat
of his passion there fell a cooling breath
from nd Enp
was straightway changed into a lamb
Lord Ronald d'Esterre had been accus-
toned SO long to be looked upon as a
"detrimentaP that at first he scarcely
dared to show the attraction that lay
for him in Violet Harvey's appealing
gray eyes and soft, shining hair. To
his amaZement, however, he found that
obstacles melted away miraculously at
his approach. Violet herself was shy
and retiring, it is true. but her mother
smiled sweetly upon him and her father
shook him warmly by the hand.
Was ever man so blessed before?
True love does run smooth some
times, after all!' he said to himself on
this bright June evening, as he walked
hOmeWaTd after meeting with Mrs
Harvey in the park.
Shall you be at Lady Chesterford's
party tonight?' she had said. ''Violet
and [ are going, and we shall be SO dis
appointed if we do not see you
His honest face had glowed with de-
light as she spoke, and ne seemed 20 be
treading on air as he walked away
Even Aunt Maria has taken me back
into favor again." he thought; "she was
horribly cross when | first came home.
but now she is sugared' satin whenever
| come near her. | dare say it was all
my fault, though. l know that 1 was an
ill-conditioned brute until Violet came to
soften mer'
Lady Maria's Powered head-dress was
the first object that met Lord Ronald's
eyes when he entered his hostess crowd
ed drawing rooms that evening and
somewhat to his surprise it was in close
proximity to Mrs. Harvey's frizzled gray
head.
II should not have thought that Aunt
Maria would have anything to do with
herv' he reflected. "She always says
that she can detect the faintest tincture
of trade, and she must know perfectly
we'll that Mr.. Harvey made his money
in malt
At this moment, however. he caught
sight of Violet, and forgetting all else,
he elbowed his way eagerly through the
crowd, until he reached her side.
1t might have been only fancy, but at
any rate it seemed to him that her wei
come was a warmer one than she had
ever given him before, and his heart beat
faster as he bent over her.
w Ill you not come INTO the cOnSGrVa-
tory?' he said pleadingly, cit is so hot
here
She rose without word and they
walked away together.
DO you know that it is only six weeks
since l first saw your" he said. Il can
hardly believe it myself, for it seems as
it l had known you all my life.
He had an idea even as he spoke that
he had seen the remark in almost every
love story that he had ever read. but he
could not refrain from uttering it, for
it seemed 50 exact an expression OF his
feelings. Violet, too, had probably heard
it before, but from Rolands lips it sound
ed absolutely new, and her long eye
lashes dropped lower upon her cheek
as she listened.
They were walking between banks of
flower and fern, and the silence between
them was too sweet to be broken at
once; but Roland knew that their soli-
tude might be disturbed at any moment,
and rousing himself from his dream he
had just opened his lips to speak, when
a voice from some hidden speaker came
plainly to their ears.
1T is almost certain to come off to-
night. | think. l got him an invitation
on purpose
Roland started: it was Lady Maria's
voice. but he had not the remotest idea
to what she was abiding. In another
moment, however, she received her an
swer and it was Violet's turn to start,
for it came IN her mothers accents:
I'VE shall be only too grateful to you
if it does come off, for her papa and /
have always set our hearts on her mar
rying lord. The very minute that Vio-
let tells me he has proposed, the check
shall be sent YOU
Roland drew back a step. his cheek
growing white beneath its bronze; his
hands clenched involuntarily. and for
moment Violet expected to see him dash
out upon the conspirators; but their
voices were already receding in the dis
lance, and as he looked around he saw
the anguish in her face.
Violet Violet" he cried. Selling her
hands in his. you knew nothing of this.
l swear it with my dying BREATH