Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-09-29

IS. Don't you think it would be very
nice if we could so together
Mr.. Henderson laughed.
"Children's thoughts run apace,"
he said, glancing at Frances.
We'll, Maggie dear, we must see
what Miss Neville says to this idea
OF yours. Run off now, and enjoy
yom play"
The little girl ran away obedien.ly,
Wen content to leave things in her ia
theirs hands, and Mr.. Henderson
turned to Frances with a smile.
They have already sworn an eter-
nal friendship. Poor Maggie so sci
dom sees any one of her own age, that
the enjoyment is all the greater. 1t
! is very hard to find amusements fer
an only child; but since Madame Lee
mercier has been with us, think she
has been much happier most in
valuable lady she is, and very cheer
full in spite of all her troubles"
There is wonderful elasticity
about the French said Frances,
however much they are crushed down
bv trouble, they always seem to rise
above it in time. l have noticed it
very much in my little friend Esper-
ance de Mabillon. / am so glad she
CHANGED to meet Madame Lemercier
to-day; it has been a great pleasure
to her I know"
Perhaps, after all, Maggie's wish
would give pleasure to some one be-
side herself" said Mr.. Henderson,
half hesitatingly. Would it be pos
sihle for us to join forces Miss Ne
vile and make the excursion to
Llanberis together"
ct is very good of you to think of
it." said Frances; but we are such
large patty we should only hamper
you, and, indeed, l am half afraid it
would be too firing for our invalid"
There would be no walking" ex-
planned Mr.. Henderson, "and Madame
Lemercier would so much enjoy hav-
ing her.
I'VE will talk it over with her."
suggested Frances. ct would be
very delightful, and I know the boys
are crazy to see Snowdon."
"Ah! and we might look for the
parsley fern" said Mr. Henderson,
returning to his pet subject con
the Capel Curig side think you said
it was to be found"
Both Nine. Lemercier and Esper-
ance were so delighted with the idea
of the Llanberis expedition that
Frances could hesitate no longer, and
indeed, Esperance was looking so
much better, and appeared so little
tired with her walk up the glen that
there seemed no reason against try
ing the longer day. The whole par
ty Joined in very merry tea drink
ing on the banks of the river. and in
the cool of the evening walked down
the glen, parting at the rest-house,
after having arranged to meet on the
following Monday at the Bangor sta
ton.
Esperance went about now with
a radiant expression; the sight of
Nine. Lemercier's home-1ilxe face had
made her feel much less forlorn and
she had greatly enjoyed their long
talk together Frances wrote glow
ing accounts to her sister of the very
satisfactory recovery of their invalid,
and Lady Worthington's prophecy
seemed to be coming true, that if
once they could give Esperance a
thorough rest and change, she would
pre- baby be stronger after this ILL
ness than she had been for years.
Now, for the first time since they
had left Mabillon, her mind was
really free from any pressing care;
troubles of course, she had and must
have, but Gaspard's privations were
at an end and she was away from the
frets and annoyances of the deanery,
among people who could love her and
sympathize with her Her strength
returned rapidly, her spirits rose
and all the old cheerful courage,
which had for a time seemed we'll
nigh crushed out of her, came back
once more. Frances felt quite happy
about her, for she knew that she was
taking the present happiness as a
preparation for the return to life at
Rilchester, and she bent all her eff
forts to make the month in Wales az
enjoyable as possible.
To be Continued.