Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-08-18
Won by w aiting.
EDNA LYALL.

n on ourselves"
= ooh, indeed" said Gaspard, gravel!
! She detected sarcasm in his voice
r and WINGED; then thinking that lit
tie 1attery might be of use, she con
tinued more hopefully. And Esper
ance is such a help to us-such
, very great help-we should miss he
so much. l can not tell you how
, in particular, should miss her"
1T is very good of you, I am sure,
said Gaspard, in that grave mann
which made Mrs. Mortlake so uncom
Portable. Of all things she detestec
irony the most, and there was, be
sides, an angry light in the clea
brown eyes confronting her, whicl
baffied her even more. She would no
give up, however, without one more
attempt to win his good opinion.
Il am so vexed that we can not
give you a room here, it seems sc
very uncousinly, but I am sure you
will understand how it is. 1t just
happens to be one Of our full times
otherwise we should have been most
happy to have had you with u.s."
There was something so very
snake-like in her manner, that Gas
pard could not believe word of this;
he turned with relief to Cornelia's
straightforward GOODNESS.
Il am very sorry, too," she said,
gravely; but I hope it will not pre-
vent your seeing as much of Esper-
ance. You must come in here when.
ever you like; my study Shall be
quite at your disposal"
Gaspard thanked her warmly, and
rose to go. Mrs. Mortlake, in despair,
sent off her last arrow.
Yes, pray come in as often as you
like, and you will, hope, dine with
us tomorrow; we shall be delighted
to see you"
Thank you. 1 shall be very happy
to come" and Mrs. Mortlake trieo
not to look up, but felt once more
the searching look from those keen
eyes. Esperance watched with
amusement, while Gaspard shook
hands quite a Anglaise, and followed
him into the hall for a few last
words.
To her surprise, the door was
scarcely shut before he caught her in
his arms, kissing her again and
again.
"Cherie, you should have told me
before! Does that woman always
treat you so?"
'How?" asked Esperance surprised.
Mrs. Mortlake, do you mean? She
was only little cross. What do I
care, now that have your"
"And you never told me what you
had to put up with" said Gaspard,
reproachfully. ct is a hard world,
Esperance, very hard!"
But happy for this one week." she
said smiling. "This must be our
carnival How 1 do bless Mr.. Magnay
! for sending you here! There is
plenty of happiness in the world, after
all, and kindness also. Cornelia was
nice, too, this afternoon
Eyes, we will take advantage of
her study, l think. I shall come
tomorrow morning"
Tomorrow, yes; how we shall
| talk! and, Gaspard, do not forget to
send round all your socks; l must
| have a grand darning."
You forget my new outfit"
mo, but for the voyage, you ex-
| travagant boy; now don't forget, as
early as you can this evening. There!
| must go; some one is calling"
Bother them!" said Gaspard, i'm
patiently. Il won't have you run off
your legs; you are tired as you can
! be-
She let her head rest on his shout
der just for minute, then, as the
call came again more impatiently, she
started up
Il must 60. Enough tre~ts for one
day! Goodbye, mon ami, and prom
Use me to have a good dinner at the
Spread Eagle"
She hurried away, and was greeted
by eXpostulations ON her slowness, in
voice which Gaspard did not recog-
nize, but which he fancied must be-
long to Mrs. Mortlake. AS the speak
not avoid hearing the words, eff you
don't know how to behave in other
peoples houses, you must be taught.
No; don't quote Cornelia to me-.
While the house is full of VISITORS
He did not stay for more, but snatch
ed up his hat and strobe out of the
house, s1amming the door after him
To hear Esperance-his Esperance-
spoken to in that way! 1t was mad
dening-intolerable! This terrible
oppressive dependence-what was il
not costing her! How could he bear
to leave her in such a place, to b.
coldly treated snubbed, scolded!
This week of his so-called carnival
was too full of revelations to him tt
: be happy one.
He walked back to his hotel il
fierce anger. vowing impossible ven
geance upon Mrs. Mortlake; but b.
degrees he grew more retional, AM
consoled himself by thinking of tn
; time when he should be able to re
4 lease Esperance and bring her to
!. new home in CeyIon.
Later in the evening his mind wa
: set at rest by one more sight of her
e according to his promise. he carrie
Il to the deanery the work that was t
keep her hands full during the com
l. ing week, and she, being on tn
Y watch for him, ran to the door t
? take it herself. She was looking S
nd hot