Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-09-02

name, and found himself looking into
the face of-Helen Section.
He collected himself as quickly as
possible, and after some minutes con-
versation. had to move away to make
room for Others
She was more beautiful even than
he had thought, and, yes, there was
no doubt of it. Tomorrow her success
would be secure She would be the
belle of the season.
That night Richard went home with
his brain in a whirI. But he had
found out something. Her mother and
herself were guests of the host and
hostess of the evening and would
probably remain there for one or two
months.
After that he met her often in
society, and, although at first he had
little opportunity to speak with her,
he was so constantly at the house, al
ways being invited and going in the
same social set, that she soon learned
to know him well, to even look for him.
OF course she had many admirers and
a great deal of devoted attention, but
she seemed to favor no one.
The weeks went by, and Richard was
now constant visitor. Helen was
always kind and treated him with
more consideration than she did any
Of her other suitors. For of course
she could not help knowing that he
loved her and it did not seem to make
her at all unhappy.
At length one day, when they were
alone in the conservatory, he told her
that he loved her, and begged of her
to tell him if he might hope, and if
would be contented and wait.
Smiling saucily, she answered.
DO you remember those old stories
of princesses who always imposed a
task for their lovers to perform,
which, accomplished successfully,
might win for them the hand of the
princess? To be sure, am not a prin-
cess, but I used to always imagine
myself one. These stories were my
constant delight when a child, and l
always promised myself that, should
[ ever have a lover [ would set him
just such a task. Now" she arose,
pointed tow ard the door, and con-
tinued-'' If you find my golden locket,
with my picture inside, and the word
Helen engraved upon the back, and
will bring it to me before the close
Of another day, you may win the
land Of the princess"
She paused and smiled, but Richard,
who had arisen with an amazed look,
now walked quickly toward the door
without a word in reply, and was gone
before Helen recovered from her sur
prise.
She stood still where he had left
her-then throwing herself into
chair, she burst into tears She wished
she had not been so foolish. She was
only joking and he probably thought
her in earnest, and had gone, perhaps
never to return. He would think it
was her way of refusing him. Why
had she been SO cruel as to say that
to the man she loved, Oh, so dearly
She had thought that when he recov-
cred from his surprise he would be
all the more delighted to know she
had meant to accept him after having
thought he was to lose her. Why had
he gone away before she had had time
to explain; but of course he was
angry.
The next afternoon Richard called
and was shown into the same room.
Helen came down, looking little pale
but happy. He arose, and walked over
to where she stood.
you see | am here again.
Then, striking an attitude, he went
on dramatically
Before the close Of this the second
day l return to you, my princess,
your lost locket; which, if you will
open, you will find to contain your
picture and upon the back, in gold
letters is engraved the name of Helen"
Helen started in surprise. "This is
my locket-my own lost locket Where
did you find it? I lost it nearly a
year ago when I was in a horrible
railroad wreck"
YES" Dick answered, 81 know all
about it and if you knew how long
1 had looked for you and how you have
haunted me ever since, you would be
more surprised. 1 will tell you all
about it, but first I wish to know if
I am to have my reward?"
Helen blushed. Oh, but that was
merely joke, you know. l was going
to explain but you didn't give me time.
I never supposed you could find my
lCcket."
Never mind,'' replied Dick, eff you
are not a princess you are as capri
lous as one, and l demand an answer.
Your word is given and l await your
highness' answer. Is it yes or no?"
Here he changed his tone, and added
tenderly, "come, dear, you know I love
you. Won't you please say yes?"
Helen smiled
AS you have brought me my locket
l suppose I must keep my word so
you see I cannot say no."