Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-07-07
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| quite happy, conscious that her Tetort
had not been in good taste, and sure
! that her faher would have disap-
proved Of the little piece of ostenta-
ton.
It was q relief when they reached
! Worthington, passed the green gates
and unpretentious lodge, and drove
| through the pleasant well-timbered
{ grounds.
How beautiful it isl" said Esper-
ance, breaking the silence rather, as
she glanced at the sunny slopes.
"A very poor approach, said Mrs.
Mortlake, they might have made it
! at least half a mile longer by a little
arrangement.
After this nothing more was said
and Esperance gave sigh Of relief
when the carriage drew up before
the large, plain, substantial house,
more comfortable within than artis-
tic without.
In the drawing-room they found
Lady Worthington and her little girl.
Esperance looked eagerly for Frances
4NCFillS, Jul sic W do AOL IuCEN'
Frances has such bad neuralgia
to-day" explained Lady WorthingtOn,
as soon as the greetings were over.
Il wonder whether you would mind
going up to her little sitting-room,
Esperance; it is the only warm room
in the house, and she is rather afraid
to leave it.
This was a delightful arrangement,
and Esperance gave a glad consent,
while little Kathie, at a word from
her mother, ran on before her to
show the way.
Francess sitting-rOOm was the
most coy of retreats; the bay-win-
dow facing south was filled with ferns
and brOad-leaved plants, the fire
seemed to throw out more heat than
ordinary fires, miniature easy-chairs
stood exactly where they were wanted,
and books and pictures filed every
available space on the walls. Fran
ces herself was lying on q couch
drawn close to the fire, looking very
white and exhausted. She did not
get up when Esperance came in.
Il shall not treat you as visitor"
she said in French, looking up with
her peculiarly winning smile. This
is quite an unceremonious visit, I
consider. Kathie dear, bring Esper-
ance the little Spanish chair, will
you?"
Then after the double kiss-a little
consideration Of her nationality which
was greatly appreciated-Espe
found herself comfortably installed
beside Frances.
us your head no better?" she
asked, half timidly, for Frances real
Iy looked very i'll.
We'll, it is bad just now, but you
will talk and make me forget it
The womanly instinct was strong
in Esperance, and in a second her
dainty little gloves were off, and she
was stroking Frances's burning fore
head with that soothing, half-mes-
meric touch in her cool fnger-tips
which seems the only remedy for
neuralgia.
Where did you learn this delicious
spell?" asked Frances, 'it makes the
pain almost unfelt."
Esperance laughed a little.
Il don't think there is anything to
learn. I did it once or twice to Soeur
Angelique When she was i'll, and she
used to like it.
who is Soeur Angelique?'
"One of the sisters in the convent
at home; she used to teach me, and I
loved her dearly. l think you must
be little like her, for I always think
of her when I see you"
Tell me about her-what was she
like?"
she was dark and pale, and her
eyes were brown and always shining
No, she can not really have been like
you, but she had look on her face
things. 1t must be in that you re-
| mind me of her"
Frances colored a little.
And were the other sisters like
herr"
| No, Soeur Therese was very cross,
at least l thought so then. She al
ways talked of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
while Soeur Angelique never talked at
all like that, but only loved. 1t
| seems so long since l had those
| afternoons at the convent school
| Sometimes I feel as if it had been an
other Esperance of whom I had read
not myself at ALL"
| you have had such changes"
"Ah, yes, and things that used tt
seem troubles in the old times look SC
little now. | would bear them sc
we'll if only they would come again
instead Of"
) Instead Of present troubles?" ask
! ed Frances, gently.
But Esperance's hand ceased t.
, caress her forehead, and she was mo-
surprised at a sudden half-passionat
- outburst.
p L do so hate England! If only
if only l were at home again!"
Poor little one said Frances
; drawing her nearer, sit must be YER
lonely and sad for you, but you kno1
h it must be best, or you would not b
o here"
I don't believe i'll can't sobbe
Esperance; if you knew how naught
l am growing you would not say 81
I am miserable; and it makes m
! more wicked every day-and-no on
n cares"
k Frances's heart sunk. 1t was hal