Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1900-05-17

her kindness-to arrange for the time
Of their marriage; but, above all, he
wished TO speak TO her OF Ethel-to
ask what had happened to the child =
what allied her
Believe me, Helen" he said, slow
Nv. that in all my life | have never
seen such change. She was a
bright, wilful laughing girl when !
went away; now she looks line one who
for long years has carried terrible
burden Of sorrow. Helen. / know you
will be perfectly frank with me; have
you any clew to this mystery? have
you any idea what changed herr"
Helen Digby raised her clear, truth
full eyes TO his.
Il have not the least idea in the
world, she answered.
Has she had lover, or anything
of that kind?"
NO You must remeber that she
has never been day away from me-
not a single day Leonard, She could
not have had a lover without my
knowing It. But / hardly like to say
what think"
Say anything you please to me,
Helen. | know your interest in my
! darling Is as great almost as my own.
Il think, candidly, she detests all
notion Of love and lovers. She Is SO
unlike other girls. Leonard; she never
seems to care for admiration. not even
to like IT, do not believe she will
ever marry.
1T is strange" said Leonard, mus
lngly
But true. she supplemented.
You say the beginning OF all this
was an illness caused by sunstroke?"
Il think so, replied Miss Digby
one warm summer day Ethel went
out for a long ramble she was always
| fond of the woods When she re-
/ turned she had a severe fainung fit.
She was Ill for some days after it, and
/ do not think she has ever been the
same since"
we must see what change of scene
! will do for her said Sir Leonard
III You will consent, Helen, our we'd
ding trip shall be to France and Italy.
Ethel will like that, / am sure
win you allow me to advise one
thing Leonard said Helen, timidly.
"Do not talk 10 ethel about herself.
she is very proud very reticent; and
! | have noticed that any reference 10
! herself gives her pain. She seems to
| shrink from IT, | could not do much
for her while you were away, but /
should say that plenty of change
| cheerful society aud not appearing TO
| notice her depression and melancholy
woIld be the best cure for both
You are always wise, Helen
I agree with YOU And now will you
! think of rewarding my patience? 1
have waited almost three years,
It was settled that their marriage
should take place in September
Then said Sir Leonard. I'VE can
spend the winter in Italy, and that
will do Ethel good
The morning following Sir Leonard
saw his daughter walking in the
grounds, he joined her there, She
was in her fayorite spot the grove Of
nme-treea.
II often thought OF these lime-trees
while | was away he said. Ethel
/ am glad to find you here alone;
want to speak to you.
Tie saw her shrink with a kind OF
nervous dread
1T is not OF yourself" he fastened
TO add unless | stop for one minute
90 express my great satisfaction You
/ have grown. Ethel, and are exceeding
/ ly beautiful / do not want TO Halter
YOU but | 40 not thing among all the
I Gordons We have had one more fair
| than you"
She sighed TO herself that THIS
beauty had been bat OF ltue use 10
her-that his pride In IL would be but
. of short duration
You will not be- surprised 10 near
/ chat ] hope 90 be married soon, he
continued
no She said gently II quite eS-
gratcd it"
You have grown Co ike Helen.
. 3HrI as ] thought you would"
Her colorless face flushed
SaH has been very kind aud good 20
mn papa. I 40 NOT thiuk any ona