Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-10-18

beautiful sweetheart" and she kneI
at once that Randolph had climbed tn
( garden wall. and had placed it Their
for her. Opening it, she found q dia
mond ring, and though she knew III
tie Of Jewels, she felt that it must hav
cost large sum. She had ct one
jumped to the conclusion that, to bu.
this for her artist-lover must hav
&, sold picture, perhaps at a great sacri
fee. How dearly he loved her. Ant
her heart reproached her that she diI
not love him more He looked delight
ed when she praised his present "
am so glad you are pleased with IL.
he said. Have you put it on?"
Randolph, diamond ring. VIVA
would my aunt say? No; have lock
ed it up in my drawer"
''Will you let me put it on you! he
asked.
Some day, perhaps" she replied;
but not yet-not yet, Randolph"
I
wait all my life for you rather thar
lose you. Sweetheart, it was the Sec
ond Of June when I first saw you, and
the harvest moon will be shining"
| "You said you would be content il
| would be your sweetheart" she said
half reproachfuIly, half in surprise,
! land have been your sweetheart all
these weeks, Randolph. What more
| do you want?"
What more?" And he looked at
her in surprise. Everything, Violet.
But tell me why you think have sold
a picture"
Because that ring must have cost
so much money"
L see." he cried. do not be dis
tressed about the money, Violet. l
assure you that I have not sold one of
my pictures, and that had the money
by me; l had my dear. indeed"
Now I shall enjoy my present" she
said, her eyes frightening. All my
life have longed for beautiful ring.
1t shines, Randolph, as though a myrl-
ad sunbeams were concentrated in it."
"You are not mercenary," he said.
"ii? Oh, Randolph; what a terrible
idea' mercenary," she said,
Il was thinking he interrupted,
that you would not enjoy anything
that you thought had cost any one else
q sacrifice. If you thought I had sold
a picture to buy that ring, you would
not care for it."
Il should not care for it so MUCH
she replied. 81 have heard my aunt
speak of diamonds; 1 know how valu-
able they are. I never thought l
should have diamond ring"
"One Of these nights, when the moon
is shining, you will let me come and
put it on for you, will you not? We
have been sweethearts now for many
weeks. Are you so content, Violet,
that YOU wish for no more
'It is very NICE" she replied, care
lessly. ut is quite new for me to have
some one who admires me, and says
pretty things to me, who gives me
beautiful presents and makes life
more bright and cheerful for me. L
am not sure that want more"
Now, Violet, stand still-how quick
ly you are walking, my darling, this
morning .-stand still a moment. look
into the very depths of your heart, and
tell me would you like always to live
in this fashion, to be no nearer and
dearer to me than you are now"
She stood still and looked at him
thoughtfully.
what does your heart say, Violet?"
he asked
ct says nothing" she replied. 81
am very happy"
Have you no longing to be with me
always?" he asked.
Il should like to see more of you,"
she replied, Certainly"
when I am away from you, you do
not count the hours and minutes un-
til I return?"
mo; but I am pleased when you
come back"
"Oh, beautiful statue, when viii you
wake into life?' he cried. when will
your heart and soul be stirred within
you? You have none of the love that
burns my heart away. How shall
teach you? When will one spark of
the divine fire. come to you? What
can Co to make you love me?"
Il do love you," she said; but there
was no girlish flush on her face, no
lovelight in her eyes.
To be continued.