Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-06-14


fast?"
Neither interest nor wonder was ex-
cited within her at her fathers words;
no letter could possibly contain news
of paramount Importance to her.
After short interval she followed
Lord st. Norman into his study; and
there she found her father standing by
the table, smiling again at the letter
he held in his hand.
ETHEL" he said, sit down. am
much pleased, my dear. think l may
safely say this is the happiest day of
my life"
Her beautiful face frightened.
If could have what 1 wish for you,
papa, all your days would be happy"
Lord st. Norman continued:
you know how dearly / have al
ways loved you, Ethel-how proud
have always been of you My love
could desire no better fate than this in
store for you. My pride could ask no
higher destiny"
He could not see the shadow that fell
over her face.
Your future has always been a sub
ject of anxiety to me-" he pursued;
mot in respect of money! have
known of late years that you have a
sufficiency of that-but as regards
whom you would love and whom you
would marry. You have all the Cor
/ don cnneifiuonaCc A.
and l know how much proud, sensitive
people suffer. You would have been
one of the most miserable women liv-
ing if you had been unfortunate in
your love-"
| Her lips quivered; the tears rose in
her eyes,bu she reprssed them, re-
Wondering Sir Oscars words No MUIR
muir should escape ner-no regret be d.
cause of her mournful, blighted life
Now Lord St. Norman went on, 81
am more than happy am quite con-
tent This letter that 1 hold in my
hand is from the Duke of Southmead.
He asks my permission to make you
his wife, and that permission l most
gladly concede."
Ethel's face grew colorless, and her
eyes Swallowed as she listened
Il have the highest possible opinion
| of the duke" continued Lord st. Nor
man; he is a gentleman in the highest
noblest sense of the word He will
make you happy by his kindness, and
by his gentle, considerate manner; he
is truthful and honorable; above all, he
is aminable-and, Ethel, you will know
how to appreciate constant good tenn
per and sunshine in the house. am
convinced that you will be perfectly
happy"
She opened her lips to speak, but the
sound died away upon them. 1t seemed
to her that she could not bear to dis
appoint him.
Then, as to position" pursued Lord
st. Norman, you will occupy a posi-
ton second only to that of royalty.
The Duke of Southmead is not only one
of the wealthiest, but he is one of the
most distinguished peers in England.
do not think the most ambitious
father living could desire a happier lot
for his child. AS Duchess of South
mead, you will be one of the most pop
ular women in England. My darling,
l am so thankful for you-so content"
Then she said to herself that it was
time she spoke-time she told him
these hopes of his could never be real
lied.
She went over to him and laid her
hands and his shoulder, looking visit
fully into his happy face.
Papa" she said, sadly, sit cannot
be. l am grieved that you should be
disappointed; l am more sorry than
can express. l would do almost any
thing to give you pleasure, but can
not do this. l cannot marry the Duke
of Southmead."
He looked greatly disappointed; the
happy smile died from his lips.
You cannot, Ethel! Why not?"
Il do not love him, papa. l acknowl-
edge the truth of all you say; he is
one of the most agreeable and kind
hearted men have ever met. But do
not love him; l cannot marry him."
Lord st. Norman looked anxiously at
her.
Ethel" he said. gravely, you have
too much common sense to refuse such
magnificent offer from any foolish
schoolgirl notions of love and senti-
ment"
/ nave no schoolgirl notions" she
returned, sadly; lit would be better for
me ten thousand times if l had"
Esteem is the surest, best. and SAT-
est foundation for love-" he pointed
out. You esteem the duke-you ack-
nowledge that you think most highly
OF him. Love, the highest, best love
Of all, will surely follow"
Not in this case, papa" she
opposed. ''Iesteem ard like him: I am
grateful to him for the great honor he
has paid me, but cannot marry him"
Lord st. Norman sighed.
You are always a puzzle to me he