Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-11-17
Continued.


He had spoken hesitatingly, hi
color had risen, and he began to wisl
most heartily that he had written Il
her. How was she to guess from hi
foundering speech that he loved her
Why had he begun with such an I'm
answerable question? Esperanct
looked up at him with her gravely
sweet eyes, her heart was beating
fast, but she saw his embarrassment
and said, gently, Tell me-"
Those two words, and the sweet
truthful upward glance gave him
fresh strength; he stood up ana drew
nearer to her, leaning against the
windoW-frame.
Il wrote to your brother" he began
in low voice, because l had favor
to ask him. | wrote to ask him if
morning l heard from him-he said
/ might"
There was a pause-Esperance S
eyes were cast down now, her cheeks
were glowing; little tabby kitten
.1ole in through the French window
and PLAYED about at her feet, but she
did not notice it.
DO you remember" Claude began
again-"do you remember that snowy
Christmas eve when you were in the
hall decorating? You thought I did
not recognize you then, but it was at
that moment, really, that I first
saw
He broke off abruptly Why did
that wretched little kitten distract her
attention just then by springing on to
her knee? She took it in her arms,
rose from her chair and came to the
window. Claude stroked the little
intruder in silence, then Esperance
look 1 up, and somehow their eyes
met; he knew that she understood
him then, and spoke with sudden con-
fdence.
'Esperance! | have no words with
me, but love you with my Iole
heart and soul! Tell me, darling,
could you love me a little too, some
day."
he had taken her hands in lis, and
could feel them trembling; her color
came and went, but she did not keep
him long in suspense; he knew his
answer by the rapturous light that
dawned in her eyes; and it was with
his arms round her that she sobbed
out, oh, Claude, now-always-wit
all the love | have!
Either the kitten was endowed in
The highest degree with tact, or else
she saw a bird in the garden, for
wnen Claude began to speak she sud
denly scrambled down and ran away
The lovers were left undisturbed for
at least an hour, then the cathedral
bells began to ring for afternoon SER
vice, and Claude rose to go, promis-
ing to call and see the dean after
ward. Esperance went up to her
room, feeling as if 1t were all Won
de~ful dream, and glad to have some
thing tangible in the shape of Gas
pard's letter of cOngratulation to as
sure her that this great, awe-inspir-
ing JOY was real and lasting. She was
glad to be alone for a few minutes;
then, hearing Cornelia pass along the
gallery, she opened her door and
called timidly.
Corneta came with inquiry in her
eyes, but one glance at Esperance
told her all.
so Claude Magnay has been here, -
she said, quietly.
Yes, he has been here long time, "
said Esperance, looking down. And
and | have something to tell you, dear
he has asked me to be his wife,
ha1 ho1f Foo
cousins shoulder as she said this;
then, treasured by Cornelias embrace,
she went on more eagerly:
And he loves me, Cornelia; he has
loved me, he says, ever since Christ
mas. 1t seems so strange, so wonder
full, He says | shall sit with him in
his studio while he paints, and we
shall have dear little coy house
think of having house of ones very
own! And you must come and stay
with us, Cornelia, and then you will
be able to hear all the great people
preach, and go to all the lectures
Dear Cornelia, he is so good! so won
derful! 1t seems almost too much
joy!"
COrnelia kissed her repeatedly, but
could not speak; then suddenly she
turned away, hurriedly took off hel
spectacles and wiped them. Will yor
like to come to the service or not?'
she asked, in an odd, choked voice
Esperance said she would go, ant
the cousins went down stairs hand il
hand.
Claude joined them as they wen
D the deanery pew, and somehow The
service that afternoon seemed on pur
pose for them. Nothing could have
suited them so well as those thirtieth
day psalms, with their praise anC
Thanksgiving, nor could the precento
have chosen a more fitting anthem
than Il waited for the Lord" Cor
nelia could not help glancing at Els
perance,s sweet tranquil face as tn
full chorus took up the words, "Oh
blessed are they that hope and trus
an the Lord" and when it was over
and she was on her knees once more
she did not restrain her tears.
Cl9"de sat in the stalls lust benin
out, and CorneHa spoke a few word
OF congratulation to him-kind. tru
words, with no effusion. He locke
50 radiantly happy that she hal
trembled to think of his interyie,
with the dean; but it passed off BET
ter than might have been expected
The dean had a great regard fo
Claude; he was f1attered that he ha
thousht OF MS niece, and there wa