Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-10-19
Story Of the Wedding Ring.
BY BERTHA M. CLAY.


do. Your beauty makes my heart GLAD
your love makes earth like heaven
to me- But, if we were rich, and
lived in the great world, you would
belong to so many others; others
would delight in your loveliness, and
! follow you with praise. You know
those favorite lines of mine, Ismay-
'Tis in your eyes, my sweetest love,
My only world I see;
Let but their orbs in sunshine move:
And earth below and skies above
May frown or smile for me-
81 should not like my beautiful wife
to be admired by all the world. I an
jealous, and would fain keep her all to
myself"
THAT is just what would please me, "
she said. Il long for this beautiful
great world you seem to despise. The
idea of passing my whole life in this
pretty little cottage does not content
me, I feel like bird-I would fain
stretch my wings and fly away" She
looked laughingly at him. ''Do you not
think I am right, Paul? Answer me-"
NO" he replied. GA woman should
be content with the love and admira-
ton she wins in her own home''
II do not think" said Ismay, frank
~ speaking, that they will ever con-
tent me-"
She did not perceive how her words
Jared upon his sensitive nature. He
had been holding her tightly clasped
in his arms, but now he let his arms
fall nervelessly. She looked up at
him again with a smile that was
beautiful to behold.
will it be SO very long before you
are rich, Paul?"
81 cannot tell, Ismay. At present I
have but little chance. am Squire
Scofeld's steward; 1 keep his woods in
order, and look after the farms. I
have just sufficient money to keep our
hOme-no more
But" she demonstrated, her lovely
eyes growing dim with tears, you told
me that you would make money some
day"
His face cleared; brighter thoughts
evidently arose within him.
THAT will be my patients, Ismay. I
have something like a genius for
find time to work at one of my inven-
tons, | think | could make a fortune"
'Then it is all uncertain?" she ques-
toned, despondingly.
He drew his tall figure to it's full
height
Il am vain enough to think the con-
trary, sweet. I have now an idea-if
could but work it out-as to an in
expensive method of improving the
working power Of steam engines If
anything should ever come of that, I
shall be a rich man, Ismay"
Then you must turn your mind to
it, Paul" she said, caressingly.
my darling" he responded, visit
fully, 81 would rather be poor-ah, be-
lieve me, love!-far rather. 7 am
quite happy in this peaceful woodland
life of ours; it seems to me that if I
won wealth I should in some measure
lose you. Why, Ismay, the whole
world would not compensate me for
the loss of one atom of your affec-
tiOn!" And again that deep and won
derful love of his seemed to master
him.
you think of nothing but love-" she
said. Il think Of a thousand things be-
sides"
He looked at her half doubtingly.
Il have read of women whose souls
were not fully awakened,' he said;
"but that cannot be the case with you.
My own soul came into full, perfect,
and beautiful life when I first saw you
and loved you Money and luxury
have no charm for me-"
'They have a great charm for me,
Paul. Of course | love you very dear
ly; but, when you have won for me all
my heart desires, I shall love you
even more"
The words were not kind but she
bent her lovely face near him with a
smile that made him forget everything
in the world except her.
IF I am to make a fortune" he
said, suddenly. Il must study hard
Shall we have just one half-hour out
amongst the flowers? Afterwards I
will get my books, and do my best"
She accompanied him, and, as they
stood amongst the roses, Paul VALID
ron said to himself that no flower that
bloomed was so fair as his beautiful
wife. If it were possible he would win
name. fame, and gold for her sweet
sake-he would study hard, toll that
she might have the toys her heart was
| fixed upon.
They are but toys after ALL" he said
to himself. "She loves dress and jewels
these are wOmen's toys"
He took himself to task for having,
even for moment, felt impatient with
| her.
! Should I feel vexed because the birds
! love the sunshine" he said to himself,
or the butterflies love flowers? They
follow their instincts. Ny beautiful
Tsmay, in loving ali things bright and
fair. only follows hers
If money could not buy beautiful
things, you would not care for It, Is
may" he said looking earnestly at
ihef,
she laughed aloud that sweet must
cal laugh which stirred his pulses and
thrilled every nerve, as some soft
strain of music would have done.
You shall have money" he said
Il will never cease working until
have won for you your hearts desire
CHAPTER II.
Martin Schofeld, Esquire, was Lore
|
wealthy man, and one who enjoyed