The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1898-03-05
CHAPTER ii.

CHAPTER H.
Tom was a trial to his mother the Hon
orable Mrs. Ellesmere. If Tom had been
n brilliant. dashing scapegrace, she would
have idolized him, and could have forgiv
en- him anything: but Tom was honest and
mediocre, and she had nothing to forgive
He was not in any way what she wanted
him to be- not even in appearance. He
was a fine young fellow, with frank blue
eyes a tritie blunt of feature; he looked
like gentleman, but a country gentle
man. He made n capital squire, but
among the gilded youth of the cities he
did not shine.
On the day after his return from town
Tom came to call at the Rose Cottage
punctually at the time appointed. But
June was not there. She had been sent
for to the rectory, as the singing master
had unexpectedly changed his day, and
came over on the chance of its being con
yenient to his pupils.
June was educated with her cousins.
Mrs. Bryan Ellesmere, wife of Toms un-
Gle, the Reverend Bryan Ellesmere, was
sister to Mrs. Rivers and when Captain
Rivers died, leaving his widow indffer
emily provided for, Mrs. Bryan at once
suggested that her sister should come to
the Rose Cottage, then vacant, and that
June should have the benefit of her cous-
ms governess and masters. And for five
wears the programme had been success
fully carried out with fewer differences,
iealonsies and heart buruings than might
have been expected, considering that
June so far outshone her companions in
beauty and talent. But Mrs. Bryan was
a pa cid, easy tempered woman, and Mrs.
Rivers had an immense amount of tact,
and was, besides, thoroughly conscious of
and grateful for the advantages which
her sisters kindness gave June. Tom
might have been a stumbling block but
that Mrs. Bryan had a rooted aversion to
marriages between first cousins-a feeling
which, as we know, was not shared by her
eldest daughter.
Tom arrived at the Rose Cottage, and,
finding Mrs. Rivers alone, was for a mo-
ment conscious of pang of dlsappolnt-
meut. when he suddenly bethought him
self how a tete-a-tete might be turned to
advantage.
Il want TO say something to you-may
II" he asked; and Mrs. Rivers looked up
Mt him with the sweet smile which made
her sad face ten years younger all at once.
You may say anything you like"
/
.'You know-I'm sure you know how l
love June Going away. and seeing all
these other women of whom my mother
thinks so much. has only made me love
and admire her ten times more; she is as
far bevond them as-as anything can be.
That is indeed praise" said Mrs. Riv
ers. who. in her heart of hearts, thought
il no more than her darlng's due.
- firm. iaT
with energy. Then he faltered bit, but,
fighting with his diffidence, half conquered
il. and went on Il am getting so unset
tied. | did not feel it so much before |
went away. but now | feel as if must
have something To go upon. Do you--do
YOU imploringly, think she cares at ali
for me: do you think she will marry me
some day.
Tom had the most sympathetic listener.
Mrs Rivers felt for him, and knew what
he felt. but she would not say a word
more than she conscientiously could.
My dear boy" she answered him. not
without n certain amount of hesitation III
her tone Il know exactly how you feel.
What you say is perfectly just and fair.
don't think | need tell you how glad l
should he to have you for son; there Is
no man III the world to "hom L NoulH so
gladly give my darling. You have not
said anything to June since you came
back, have YOU:
Il tried to last night. but she wouldn't
have it: she stopped me at once"
Mrs. Rivers paused a moment, then,
looking up At him. said:
viii Won leave IL 70 re? Shall | try
and hnl ont what her feelings for you
are: You know girls, especially girls who
have been brought up quietly in the coun-
try like June, require rather delicate
treatment il the nature Of their aztec
tioDs."
Yes" replied Tom, ruefully.
Then take my advice, and 90 not
breathe q word TO her on the subject this
Afternoon. l will talk 10 her tonight.
and you viii COME I'D see me to-Do:.ow