Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-10-14


Nj D., closed ana stamped 1t and took
t. home.
Nora, IRE you aWake?'
Come III, please l replied.
Mamma opened the DOR OF my room
and, drawing a chair near to the fire,
sat down beside me-
There was silence for moment or
SO. twisted the buttons OF my dress
ing gown and mamma toyed with her
rings at last she said:
My darling have something to tell
you. Sir George called to see me to-
day"
"Yes?' l tried to look unconcerned.
Must l tel you Or do you think you
can guess?'
i think l can guess l answered,
calmly.
Il hope you are not cross with me
for receiving him, Gear. You have
always liked him, haven't you? He is
such a thorough gentleman, so true
hearted and kind" said mamma with
warmth. I've been thinking how nice
it will be for you; l am able to take
you about so little that it will be very
delightful to haze someone TO look
after you in future "
Just what Lydia says" l remarked.
"Lydia!" said my mother in surprise,
Why, you don't mean to say that Lyd-
Iia--I had no idea that anyone had the
least suspicion. We wished to keep 1t
SO very quiet"
Il don't see why" L interrupted.
Perhaps not, dear. Well, Sir George
was so vexed to find he had missed you
when he called, but he is coming again
tomorrow morning; you will see him
then, will you not, my darling?" said
mamma, anXiOusly.
She was twisting her fingers ner-
vously. She is very pretty, rather
dainty figure, and with clear pink and
white complexion. Though she is Al
she looks much younger than many a
girl of 25.
"On, yes, certainly" l replied.
And you quite approve of it? You
are not vexed with me for what | have
done?"
81 don't see how you could do any
thing else," said echoing Lydia. do
you think he is very much in love?' L
asked
What do you Think" she asked.
do you think when | see him tOmOr-
row he will want to kiss me?" | stam-
mered
81 should think So" said mamma.
when must it be-the ceremony" /
asked.
ooh, l don't know! You are rather
premature, my dear"
What shall choose for my dress?''
l asked, presently.
Il am sure | don't know, dear. l
haven't given it a thought as yet
HIN! white corded silk would look
nice!'' I said, musingly.
What did you say?"asked mamma
abstractedly white? Yes, white
always suits you admirably. My dear
girl just look at the time!" she exclatm-
ed the next moment, as she rose to go.
Il had no idea it was so late
Upon her leaving the room | arose
and f1inging myself ON the hearth rug,
sobbed for an hour. ooh, Tom-Tom!
| don't think | can bear it." | cried.
In time l grew calmer. "A pretty
object l shall lock tomorrow" l
thought, as l caught sight of my re-
flec,-on in the mirror.
/ bathed my eyes and felt better.
Then | thought of what Lydia had said
"a the bills.
After ALL" | reflected, sooner or
later, should have had to choose some
one. l can't teach or write, or do any
thing to earn my living; and it would
have been very selfish of me to have
married Tom. One must face facts.
Mamma can't live forever, and when
she dies | shall be alone in the world,
without enough to live on. Oh
why wasn't / taught to do sOme----ng
like other girls are! Unless I marry
someone | must starVe. Well, it is all
their fault; they have driven me to it. y
eff you please, miss, Sir George is IN
the QraWln2-fOOn..
"Ntry well; | shall be down present
1y," I replied.
won't hurt him to wait a bit,
thought, "anl ! won't try to look bit
nice!" S, changed my pretty morn
ing gown for y I ain black dress.
On my way &c WI l met mamma COM
ing up stairs; she looked rather fur
ried, and her cheeks were red.
Mora, --4g," she said hesita ing
II, you'll be nice to HIM, won't you ?
Are you quite sure tht,I---"
All right l sau, brushing pas. and
entering e drawing-rocm,
Sir George came forward hastily to
meet me-
Your mother TOLD you thai
yes"
q am indeed a ,~cky GLOW said
Sir George, laughing, selling my hana
and gently drawing me INTO a chair be
size him.
80 you are not going to be angly
" me for
of course not. ~ look at that
naughty puppy-he is tearing UP tne
hyacinth beds"
Sir Ge3r,ge came up and looked over
my shoulder, and taking Tny hand he
stroked it lf1Cctionatcly.
do you know, Nora he said, 'y,yt
are the dearest little girl I've evel
~, OF