Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-06-17
LOVE is BLIND.

lamb. Lord Ronald d'Esterra had
d Esterre
He had just returned from a two
years sojourn in the heart of Africa,
sojourn filled with dangers and pri-
VatiOns; his years numbered but five
and twenty, he had a Well-knit springy
frame and clear, keen eye. lie had
come back from his travels with fame,
courage and endurance, but without a
penny that he could call his own.
What was next to be done? This
was the problem that filled all his
spare thoughts. His elder brother had
fitted him out for the expedition with
the polite intimatiOn that the act was
q virtual washing of his hands of the
superfluous cadet; his aunts had kissed
him so warmly at parting that he was
amazed to find them mot at home"
when he returned to London; his god
father had given him a 20-pound note
and such a hearty farewell that it was
beWildering to be cut by him when
they met again in the club smoking
room
L
mad not returned" said the young
man to himself with a smile at the in
credible idea
But as time passed on his smiles
died away and he ground his teeth
saVagely as he realized that his rela-
tiOns had thought it a good invest
ment to lay out 500 pounds and an
infinity of farewell in the hope of
getting quit of a troublesome incum-
brance. The thought was a bitter one
and in his first fury he vowed to
leave his native shores by the next
ship and never return. But upon the
heat of his passion there fell a cooling
lion was quickly changed into the
lamb. Lord ROnold d'Esterre had
been accustomed so long to be looked
upon as a detrimental that at first he
scarcely dared to show the attraction
that lay for him in Violet Harvey's
gray eyes and silky hair. To his
amazement, however, he found that
obstacles melted away miraculously
at his approach.
Violet was shy and retiring, but her
mother smiled sweetiy upon the young
man. Her father gave him a hearty
welcome
True love does run smooth some
times, after AN" unused Lord Ronald
on this bright June evening as he
walked home after a meeting with
Mrs. Harvey in the park
Shall you be at Lord Chesterford's
party tonight?" she said, Violet and
| are going and we shall be disap-
pointed if we do not see you"
His honest face had glowed with
delight as she spoke and he seemed to
be treading on air as he walked
away.
| seem to be in the way of drifting
back into favor again." he thought.
She was horribly cross when I first
came home, but now she is sugared
satin whenever l come near her. l
dare say it was all my fault, though.
| know that | was an ill-2OnditiOned
brute until Violet came to soften me-"
Lady Mary's Powered headdress was
the first object that net Lord Ronald's
eyes when he entered his hostess
crowded drawing rooms that night
and somewhat to his surprise it was
close to Mrs. Haryeys frizzled gray
head.
Il should not have thought Aunt
Mary would have anything to do with
her" he reflected. She always says
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 he caught sight o
Violet and, forgetting all else, h
elbowed his way eagerly through the
crowd until he reached her.
1t might have been only fancy, but
it seemed to him that her welcome
was a warmer one than she had ever
given him before and his heart beat
faster as he bent over her.
viii you not come into the con
servatory?" he said. 1T is too hot
here"
She rose without a word and they
walked away together
DO you know it is only six weeks
since | first saw you?" he said 4
can hardly believe it myself, for it
seems as if 1 had known you all my
life.
He had an idea even as he spoke
TT at he had seen the remark in al
most every love story that he had
ever read, but he could not refrain
from uttering it, for it seemed so eX-
act an expression Of his feelings
Violet, too, had probably heard it be.
fore, but from Ronalds lips it sounded
new and her long eyelashes dropped
low as she listened.
They were walking between bank:
of flowers and ferns and the silence
between them was too sweet to b,
broken at once, but Ronald knew tina
their solitude might be disturbed a
any moment, and arousing himsel
from mis- dream he had just opened hi
lips to speak when voice from som
hidden speaker came plainly to thei
ears
1T is almost certain to come OF
tonight. l got him an invitation OF
purpose"