Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-03-31

very keenness Of the pain to value the
fcrgetfulness Of sleep.
Esperance had passed through it all,
when she awOke on that dreary LIST of
December Everything reminded her
Of her grief; the perpetual firing was
still going on, but one National
Guard would never again serve his
country; there was the tramp of a
battalion marching down the street.
but never more could she look from
the window to wave a farewell to her
father; within the house she could
hear Jayotte preparing the coffee
only two cups would be needed that
morning. And then with rush of
tears, Esperance for the first time
asked the question which we too often
allow to imbitter or grief-''Why?"
Why had this sorrow come to them
Why had her father fallen, when
hundreds OF others had escaped? Why
did God allow war at all? If she could
only see how good was to come out of
evil,
In the midst OF her questionings
Javotte ente ed, void of love and
tenderness in her wrinkled old face
Esperance, for the frs time. frlly
realized how great a comfort the
faithful old servant was.
And my child has slept?" she in
quired, anxiously, her harsh voice IN
usually softened.
Yes" sighed Espe, anCe, YEARLY.
kiss me, please, Jayotta. I am very
desolate''
The Old servant obeFed, murmuring
soft terms of eldearment over her,
hut Esperance suddenly started back.
'Javotte, how terribly thin you have
grown! your bones feel quiet sharp.
Javotte shrugged her shoulders con-
tentedly.
THAT may be, child. bu- then one
does not expect to grow IA; in
siege"
But you are thinner than any one
I have yet seen, much more even than
Madame Lemercier''
'Chut, Why, child, I am an cid
woman" replied Javog1e. shaking ler
head reprovingly; "oae can rot he
always young and unwrinkled. But
come! take our coffee, cherie, we lose
our time, and I must go quickly to
the market or We shall grow thin too
soon"
Esperance was satisfied for the
time, and Javotte left the room, glad
to end the discussion, and murmuring
under her breath, "Mv little blessed
one! dost think I would not rather
starve than see thee suffer-"
Esperance had just finished her
toilet when she heard Gaspard's step
on the staircase. She fastened to
meet him, surprised that he should
have been out so early.
Have you been to have your
wound dressed?" she asked. He did
not answer for a minute, and then
Espel ance understood that he had
been to their fathers interment.
You should have taken me, too
she said, her eyes filling. Why did
you go all alone?"
Il did think of you, but you were
sleeping, and | could not bear to wake
you; Desldes, it was long walk to the |
you shall go tomorrow,
and take some immortelles.'
She turned away and began to heat
Gaspard's coffee over a spirit-lamp.
Did you see the American lady"
she asked, presently; "the one who
was SO kind?'
Yes, saw her for a moment, and
she sent you this" He drew out a
little packet, which Esperance opened
eagerly. 1t contained a lock of her
fathers hair, and her mothers we'd
which he had always worn.
How good, how kind of her to send
them" she exclaimed, tears running
down her cheeks; 81 shall always love
the Americans, Gaspard."
She put on the slender ring rever-
emily. 1t comforted her a little on
that dark day, and through the darker
days that followed.