Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-07-12

frank and more embarrassed; it did
not look like love.
Then you will write to me? Will
you tell me what you think and all
that you do, just as though you were
speaking to me?' he asked.
Yes she replied; ''and then, when
we meet again, it will seem as though
there had been no interruption to our
friendship"
Some day, when l think | shall be
welcome" said Sir Oscar, 4 shall hope
to see Norman's Keep. They tell me
it is one of the grandest old places in
England
1T is well worth visit, if you have
never seen it" she observed; and
then Sir Gear said no more.
He bIt> her good-by one evening a
little later on.
My desire to see Norman's Keep is
increasing" he said to her, with a
smile
We are going to Wales for a short
time, she announced.
And l am obliged to go to Scotland
on some very pressing business" he
returned; but hope, before the sum-
mer is ended, that we shall meet
again"
She had not thought that she should
miss him so much. There was a great
blank in her life, and still her eyes
were not opened to the true state of
things; though his absence was like
keen, sharp pain to her, she never
dreamed that she loved him.
Her heart was warm with memories
of him. Nothing could have fostered
and increased her love so greatly as
going away from the noise of the
world into solitude, where she had
ample leisure to think Of every word
he had uttered, every expression she
had seen on his face, where she had
nothing to do save to indulge in ro-
mantle dreams.
Ethel did not look forward; she
never thought of the time when Sir
| Oscar would want a wife of his own
would marry and devote himself to
|
/ they were always to be as they were
| then-fTiends-tTue sincere, affection
ate friends they were to write to
each other constantly, to meet as often
rs possible, yet to be friends-nothing
more, nothing less.
Lctd st. Norman and his family re-
manned for some weeks in Wales, and
then they returned to Norman's Keep.
Ethel was pleased that her father
had decided upon making that their
principal residence. Fountayne was
| full of sad memories for her-mem-
cries of the time when she had been
joyful and free from blame"
At Norman Keep everything was
new and strange; the blight of her Sc
cret had been on her when she first
came misunderstanding it brought no
smart of pain.
They had been there for some few
weeks; golden, glorious August was in
the height Of its loveliness; the corn
stood ripe in the meadows, the fruit
hung upon the trees, the haze Of sun
light and the smile or summer lay
over the land.
One morning Lord St. Norman re-
ceived a letter which appeared to in
terest him greatly; he read it and
passed it over to his wife. She also
read it without comment.
eve had better not me. zion it to
her, think" said Lord st. Norman
to his wife; eff he takes her by sur
prise, he may win some kind word
from her"
But Lady St. Norman did not agree
with him.
ETHEL is proud and sensitive, Leon
ard; she would wonder why you had
not told her; and that very fact might
make her angry with him.
SO after breakfast Lord st. Norman
said, carelessly:
'Tthel, an old friend of ours is COM
ing to visit u.s.
who is that, papa?" she asked.
''Sir Oscar Charlotte; he will be here
some time today, expect"
! He saw her beautiful face flush deep
est crimson, and he smiled again, for
ne knew that Sir Oscar was coming
to ask her to be his wife.
To be Continued