Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-07-16

They were married before the end of
the summer and certainly it seemed as
though this good resolution of theirs
had brought them more happiness than
usually falls to the lot of even those
who love one another.
They did not settle down at Alders-
leigh. They spent the winter abroad
and then took a house in town and
enjoyed themselves. Col. Vanbrugh
also seemed to avoid his old home and
he, too, wandered in foreign lands for
many long day.
But it happened that when he was
exploring a remote old German town
which had considerable interest for the
archaeologist he came across a party
Of people whom he knew. One was
Lady Stevenage and with her was little
Lady Frances, looking unaccountabIy
worn and pale.
I'VE came abroad for Frances
health" said Lady Sewerage THE
child has not been we'll lately. l can't
think what is the matter with her"
But when she glanced at Frances
there was a bright color in that young
lady's cheek, which gave her look of
health and vigor which had not been
there for some time.
1t was quite natural that Col Van
brugh should join himself to the Ste
venages' party. He was looking strong
and well, though not very cheerful
when they came upon him first pos
sibly because he wanted little society,
for he seemed to grow younger every
day. Lady Sewerage wondered at the
change, puzzled over it and finally con-
suited little Lady Frances.
But, mother he is not DID," said
Frances, quite Indignantly.
ooh, well, old enough to be your
father, Frank"
HE is younger at heart than any
young man know" said Lady Fran
ces. 'And he is really not much over
40"
"Forty-fve, love. I know his age to
a day"
"Forty-fve?" said Frances, thought
fully. 81 think that is such nice age
fer a man"
"Do your said Lady Stevenage. But
she was astonished by something in
the girls manner and she said no
n ore.
There was good deal of picturesque
scenery in the vicinity and Lady Fran
ces and Col. Vanbrugh took a good
many walks together for he was "old
enough to be her father; nobody
n M ~ oh n
chaperon. And the walks were pleas
ant, but all good things come to an
end at last.
I'VE are going away tomorrow" said
little Lady Frances, as they stood and
watched the evening light over the
their feet
ITO England?"
yes; are you not coming back to
Aldersleigh?''
"Aldersleigh is very lonely now"
But Lancelot and Madeline?"
"They like a more active life; they
are fond of the town
How extraordinary said Frances.
there is nothing ike a country life
to me-"
And yet it did not seem to have
suited you. You were pale and thin
when | saw you first. I think you look
a little better now
/ For an answer Frances blushed sud
denly and wildly, and Roger Vanbrugh
wondered why. Then a thought came
to him-a thought which set his heart
: beating in tumuItuous way which he
could hardly understand.
Il have often wanted to thank you
for all your friendliness to me- he
said, after a long pause.
Have you? But you have not
thought much of my friendship lately"
Il have been away two years, that
is true, but did not forget it. I only
thought-you would soon forget. You
would form other ties and I should
never be remembered any more. In
fact, why should I be? I have no
claim
Il never forget" said Frances.
There was silence which seemed
. Iuli VI u1edulHS. hOSeT NduDruSn
turned at last and looked at her
Il am an old man compared with
you" he said.
Indeed, you are not. You are little
more than twenty years older-very
little more"
Il am gray and worm
You are exactly like the cavalier in
the gallery at Aldersleigh and I always
loved him." cried little Lady Frances.
Then she saw what an admission she
had made and blushed a furious scar
let. Roger smiled a little sadly.
+ Frances, you know all my troubles
--ou have helped me in some of them.
You know that I loved Venetia with
all my heart"
Il should be sorry if you had not
loved her"
And some people would say that
my battered affections were very poor
things to offer to one so young and
fresh as you, but no one can be to
me what you are and so that is why
I cannot come back 70 England"
why not?"
Child, I cannot live so near YOU
without loving you"
Then love me-" said little Lady
Frances.
And she held up her face to be
kissed.