Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-03-30
Lord Lynne'S Choice
BERTHA M. CLAY.
BERTHA M. CLAY,

have got through every farthing of
her mothers fortune l have lost
five thousand pounds in one nights
play. There is nothing left now but
the entailed estate; and Floy, poor
child, will receive no benefit from
that. ought to have saved money
for her. he added, despondingly.
1t is strange position for her to
be placed in said Philip Lynne,
gravely
You would say so if you knew how
she has always been treated-lfke
some queen regnant," said Lord Wv
verne. She has been mistress of Sew
ernoke ever since she was old enough
TO walk; and there are not manv
places in England to compare to it.
Just imagine being penniless after
| reigning here!"
1T will no the so bad as YOU think ;"
said Philip, anxious to console him,
There will be some provision found
for her.
L tell you if l died tomorrow she
would not have sixpence," said his
lordship. Il looked my affairs in the
face yesterday, the first time for many
years, and If anything happens to me.
Lady Florence Wyverne will be
neither more nor less than a beggar."
But she has friends interrupted
Mr.. Lynne.
What are they werth?' said Lord
Wyyerne, with a sneer. Il know the
world. Of all those who have fiat
tered and sought her now, how many
do you think will even remember her
name after 1 am gomez"
II for one," began Philip warmly
l have long wished to say"
"A telegram, my lord" INTERRUPTED
a footman, who entered the room hur-
riedly, and presented Lord Wyverne
with one of those unmistakable folded
papers, always the harbingers of
sorrow or joy.
1T is not for me- said Lord Wy
verne, looking at it. 1T is for you, Mr..
Lynne,-no bad news, l hope"
My uncle is ill-dying," said the
young man. Il must go at once. How
can l get from here TO Lynnewolde ?''
Drive to the station and take the
train to Bathurst,-that's the quick
est way" said Lord Wyverne. How
sudden! He has not been i'll long
has he?"
1 have not heard from him for
some MONTHS" replied Mr.. Lynne, who
had grown pale, and looked half be-
wildered. "The telegram is from nv
cousin Inez Lynne. 1t says, Lord
Lynne is ill-dying, we fear. He
wishes to see you. Come at once"
How did they know where to find
you?' asked Lord Wyverne.
L wrote to my uncle three DAYS
ago. replied Philip, and Lord Wv
verne noted the warm color that flush
ed his face
What ~-1emn council! l never
saw the owls in committee, but even
they could not look WISER" said Flor !
ence, whose bright face smiled in at |
them from the window. pray, do be |
like ordinary mortals," she continued. |
How can [ make tea or coffee for |
gentlemen who. look as though the !
world depended on their next word?" |
Hush, Floy," said Lord Wyverne.
Mr.. Lynne has bad news. Lord
Lynne is ill.,"
Il am so sorry" said Florence, as
her face changed. pray forgive me,
Mr.. Lynne. I never dreamed there |
was anything serious. What can we
do?"
Nothing at present." said Lord
Wyverne. Give Mr.. Lynne cup of |
tea, while l order the carriage. I will |
go down to the station with you my
self he added, turning to Philip, and
then he left them alone
Il am so grieved Mr.. Lynne" said
Florence; bad news always seems to
me doubly sorrowful coming on such
a bright day as this. Half an hour
ago, while we were so careless and
happy out in the garden there, how
little we thought what was coming for
you'll
She held out the cup of tea, and
Philip drank it hastily; he could not
eat, and she watched him wistfully as
he pushed the plate away.
care you very grieved?" she asked
suddenly.
YES" he replied. Il should es-
TEEN Lord Lynne very much. I should
grieve to lose him; and if he dies,
The first trouble is, that I have to
leave Severnoke and you.'
"But you will come again." she
said, eagerly.
eyes, shall come again." he re-
piled; that is, if I can do So"
Philip finished his tea in silence,
and Florence watched him with a
wistful look on her beautiful girlish
face.
You will be i'll before you reach
Lyndewolde," she said, unless you
try to eat something. Let me per-
suade you to try"
Il would do anything at your re-
quest" he replied, "but to eat just
now is impossible. You do not know
you cannot understand what the
shock is to me- My thoughts were
full of something SO very different. !
feel lost and bewildered, and unlike
myself"
He drew near her as he spoke, and
held out his hand to say adieu.
81 shall never forget this pleasant
visit, Lady Florence" he continued.
Il have been happier than l ever was
in my life before l only regret that
it ends so abruptly"
There was no mistaking the young
girls face; the warm color that
mounted to her white brow, the trem
him linS tho Shv dreaming If