Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-10-07

She rose from her seat and gave me
a compassionate look.
You are really a great sufferer
them" she inquired tenderly. Il an
sorryi But perhaps careful nursing
will quite restore you. l shall be so
proud If / can help you to secure bet
ter health
Rest and happiness will no doubt
do much for me-" I answered, still l
warn you, cara mia, that in accepting
me as your husband you take a broken
down man, one whose whims are
legion and whose chronic state Of in
yalidism may in time prove to be a
burden on your young life. Are you
sure your decision is a wise oDe?''
'Quite sure," she replied firmly. do
I not love you! And you will not al
ways be ailing-you look so strong
81 am strong to certain extent, |
said unconsciously Strengthening my
self as I stood. I have plenty Of mus
Gle as far as that goes. but my nervous
system is completely disorganized. /
why, what is the matter? Are you
ill.,"
For she had turned deathly pale, and
her eyes looked stal tied and terrified.
Thinking she would faint, l extended
my arms to save her from falling, but
she put them aside with an alarmed
yet appealing gesture.
cit is nothing" she murmured fee
bly, "a sudden giddiness-I thought
no matter what! Tell me, are you not
related to the Romani family? When
you drew yourself UP just now you
were SO like-like Fabio! I fancied, -
and she shuddered, that I saw his
ghosti'
[ supported her to q chair near the
window, which [ threw open for air,
though the evening was cold.
you are fatigued and overexcited, -
said. calmly, your nature is too
imaginative. No; I am not related to
the Romans, though possibly I may
have some Of their mannerisms. Many
men are alike in these things. But
you must not give way to such fancies.
Rest perfectly quiet, you will soon re-
cover"
And pouring out a glass of water
handed it to her. She slipped it slowly
leaning back in the fauteuil where
had placed her, and in silence we both
looked out on the November night
There was a moon, but she was yelled
by driving clouds, which ever and
To oh Io ole
ing palIidly white, like the restless
spirit of a deceived and murdered
lady A rising wind moaned dismally
among the fading creepers and rustlec
the heavy branches Of a giant cypress
that stood on the lawn like huge
spectral mourner draped in black, ap
parently waiting for a forest funeral
Now and then a few big drops of rair
fell-sudden tears wrung as though by
force from the black heart of the sky
My wife shivered.
"Shut the window" she said, glanc
ing back at me where I stood behind
her chair 81 am much better now.
was very silly. l do not know wha
came over me, but for the moment
felt afraid-horribly afraid!-of you!
"That was not complimentary Z
your future husband I remarked
quietly, as I closed and fastened tn
window in obedience to her request
Should I not insist upon an Apology
She laughed nervously, and PLAYED
with her ring of rose-brilliants.
cit is not yet too late" I resumed
eff on second thoughts you woult
rather not marry me, you have only t.
say so. | shall accept my fate will
euuanimity and shall not blame you.
At this she seemed quite alarmed
and rising, laid her hand pleadingly OF
my arm.
Surely you are not offended?" sh
said. 81 was not really afraid Of you
you know-it was a stupid fancy
cannot explain it. But I am quit,
we'll now, and l am only too happy
Why, would not lose your love for al
the world-you must believe me-"
And she touched my hand caressingl,
with her lips. I withdrew it gently
and stroked her hair with an aImOs
parental tenderness; then I said
quietly:
eff so, we are agreed, and all is well
Let me advise you to take a Ions
nights rest; your nerves are veal
and somewhat shaken. You wish m
t. keep our engagement secret?"
She thought for a moment, then an
! swered musingly:
"For the present perhaps it would b.
best. Though" and she laughed, 81
would be delightful to see all thu
-'""0en Jealous and enviOus of m,
good fortune! Still, if the news wer,
told to any of our friends-wht
knows?-it might accidentally reacl
Guido, and
Il understand! You may rely upo1
my discretion. Goodnight, contessal'
You may call me Nina she muir
INJURED, softly.
Nina then" I said, with some effort
as l lightly kissed her Goodnight
may your dreams be of mel" Sh
responded to this with a gratifeC
smile, and as | left the room she waves
her hand in a parting salute lily dia
m0nds flashed on it like a small circle
Of fire; the light shed through the rose
colored lamps that hung from TIL
painted ceiling fell full on her exquis
tie loneliness, softening it into etherea
radiance and delicacy, and when
strobe forth from the house into the
night air heavy with the threatening
glccm Of coming tempest, the picture
of that fair face and form fitted before