Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-05-07


seated himself beside her and clasped
one small, unwilling hand.
There is no need for a discussion
that pains and surprises me beyond
measure.
You knew of my first marriage when
you consented to make me the happiest
Of men. Nothing has occurred, could
occur, to lessen your confidence in the
depth Of my feeling. 1t is wrong, 1t
is unfair, to reproach me with a re-
membrane I would Willingly have
held in silence had you not forced the
subject on me. But promise it shall
trouble you no more. Come, seal the
compact with a kiss
But Cynthia was obdurate; her red
lips closed forbiddingly. All her pretty
look of mature resolution on her face
that betrayed unsupported depths OF
character. He waited expectantly, but
she did not move.
This is beyond me- he began at
last, impatiently. What more can l
say? What would you have me do?"
She raised her fearful eyes beseech-
ingly.
You know there is nothing consist
ent with my ideas of honor and duty
that I would not grant you, dear"
With an effort she resumed her old
charm of manner, and bestowed kiss
that savored more of appeal than re-
cancellation.
1t is little thing and cannot hurt
anyone. I have set my heart on it.
sent
He held her face caressingly to his
own.
well, my dearest?"
She whispered so softly that he bent
down to hear
Don't wear that ring"
1t needed great control to repress
the angry remonstrance that rose to
his lips.
4 thought we had argued that to a
satisfactory conclusion" he said. ct
you had any consideration for me, you
would not desire such a thing"
And, if you were really fond of me,
you would not refuse it," replied Gym
thia, rising II don't want to be re-
minded every day of her whose place
am taking. Ny married life must
not be hampered with phantoms In
short, that ring yexes me, and l will
not be veXed."
He had risen too, and faced her,
pale and frowning.
Il gave my word; cannot break it. -
Then l must break mine"
She spoke with quiet determination
though her heart throbbed as she drew
his betrothed gift deliberately from
her finger and held it out to l.m.
Cynthia! so lightly, for a whimn'
IF so earnest a wish may be termed
a whim, yes
But you can't mean it," he said
breathlessly, and ignoring the out
stretched jewel. Give me little time
to consider it; it is impossible that
this can part u.s."
ut seems impossible that you can
fail me in so small sacrifice" she re-
Joined, with a bitter, little laugh; still,
you see, such things may happen"
Her calm air Of resolution was mad
dening, yet he felt instinctively that
no word of reproach or anger would
help. Assent was dishonorable. denial
was difficult; there was nc way out of
the dilemma
"A little time he pleaded
The sound of an approaching voice
terminated the trying interview. They
recognized the suave and gentle tones
MY dear Cynthia" said her mother,
entering, II have only just returned.
Have you any idea of the time?" she
broke off, smiling "Ah. of course not;
l did not know who was there"
The cordial greeting was followed by
desultory conversation, to which
Cynthia contributed mOnosyllables, till
her tormented lover rose and took
leave. She let him reach the conserva-
tory, then flew to him, relenting, he
hoped.
Till tonight" she said, hurriedly.
You must let me know your decision
by then. Remember, nothing can alter
mine. I only claim my right But"
she added, persuasively, you can cas-
lily decide now. Let me have my way
All, do, and end our first and last
quarrelr'
There was a subtle fondness in her
tone, an undefnable power in her
swift, upward glance, that swayed his
wavering heart, but the golden token
on his finger pressed him under her
clinging hand, and he shook his head
mo, dear, such a VOW is not to be
lightly broken. I must earnestly con-
slider your request. I wish you had
asked me anything but this" he went
on, wistfully, seeking sympathy in her
soft, dark eyes.
But Cynthia's tenderness had van
ished. She drew back, piqued, i'll at
ease, in her suppliant attitude; an
ominous frown darkening her fair fore
head as she turned away.
CAS- you will" she said cody.
Memories that Cynthia's presence
had chased away for many months
came wildly into the widower's mind
as he strolled on, needless of din and
traffic or the direction to be pursued.
Her words Of anger and opposition had
invested the ring he had almost grown
to regard with the minimizing gaze of
CT ,,t1i p< clio