Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-12-15


Of all she had been through she was
not much altered; it was the same
grayely-sweet face, only there seemed
greater depth in the eyes, and more
patient firmness about the mobile lips.
Frances had much to talk of, and
there was a sort of sadness about the
visit, Because it was probably the
last which Esperance would be able
TO make before the hustle and confu-
sion Of the wedding week began. But
Lady Worthington reminded them
cheerfully that Deyonshire was one of
the loYeliest counties, and prophesied
that before long Claude would have
commissions in the neighborhood Of
Frances's new home.
Esperance stayed as long as she
could well be spared from home. and
then, as Frances was tired, Mr.. Hen
derson drove her back to Rilchester in
the pony-carriage. She was glad to
have this opportunity of seeing him.
for although she had from the first
thought him very pleasant, she was
not quite sure that he was altogether
worthy of Frances. indeea, from her
very slight acquaintance it was i'm
possible for her TO judge. He talked
to her kindly, and quite in the way
she liked, of Claude's illness: then the
conversation turned to Nine. Lemer-
cier and her happiness at the prospect
of rejoining her husband; and finally
it drifted on naturally to recollections
Of their meeting in Wales, while Es-
perance was delighted to tell of all
Frances's kindness to her, and Mr..
Henderson was of course delighted IN
listen. By the end of the drive they
were firm friends, and Esperance felt
quite sure now that she liked Fran
cess future husband.
George and Bertha were expected on
the following day-the Thursday in
Holy Week. Every one a little
dreaded their arrival; even Cornelia,
though thankful that her father had
sent the invitation, half shrunk from
seeing her sister. All passed off, how
ever, better than she had feared. The
real joy Of having Bertha once more
at nome Overcame the painfulness of
the first meeting, and though they
were quiet and subdued, they were
none the less really glad and thankful
to be all together once more.
Esperance, fancying that the first
return would not be very pleasant to
Bertha, had planned the excitement of
Claude's first visit to the deanery for
the following day, and their coming
Snch q n1aa m bo
such an event, that it seemed to put
them all at their ease again. No one
quite understood why 1t was that on
the second day no more awkward ST
lences fell in the family circle, except
ing perhaps George; he could not help
letting Esperance know that he ap-
preciated her thoughtfulness.
From the first time | saw you years
ago in Paris, l knew that you were
blessed with that rarest gift of tact
Mrs. Magnay, but I did not imagine
how much | should be indebted to you
in future years. Your visit today has
thawed us all"
'Claude's visit, you mean," said Es-
perance. smiling 1T is the first time
lIC ilGtS UCCh mere SlnCe lie dctluGnl,
and the dean wants to show him all
the alterations and improvements"
Il hear the dean is not going toI
have his observatory rebuiIt-is thatI
true?"
He says he shall not at present,
replied Esperance, 'but he has en-
gagged first-rate lecturer to give a
course Of lessons on astronomy inI
Rilchester; and | believe if the people
take up the subject at all warmly, heI
will build another observatory, which
may be used by the public
Il must say he looks all the better
for being without his hobby. | sup
pose he geta out-of-doors more instead
of being shut up all day studying and
spending half the night in star-gaz-
ing"
Esperance glanced across at the
dean, and smiled. He certainly did
look much happier and much less in
firm than in former times, but she did
not think the change was altogether
owing TO the loss of the telescope.
yesterday was cold and unseason-
die Of April there was snow on the
ground. and the cold east wind blew
gustily round the walls of the cathe-
dral whislling through the lower
boards in the towers, and vainly seek
ing for an entrance at the closed doors
and windows But the hurricane with
out only made the calm within seem
more restful, and the titful CLEANS Of
sunshine streaming through the
stained-gla5s windows cast fieeting
radiance on the group gathered round
the massive old front.
Lady Worthington, standing rather
in the background, could watch the
faces OF those around; Claude, with
the gravely wistful expression which
his face often bore, stood close to the
font, his color rather high, his short:
newly hair fairer and more
bOyish-looking than ever. Esperance
was close beside him, looking serene
and happy, and with a beautiful light