Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-02-01
Continued.

whose life had run in narrow grooves,
who knew no world outside Of her own.
If a face is any index to the soul, then
Miss Digby's soul was a narrow one
good, kindly, but narrow. She did not
look like one whose ideas were noble
and generous; the conventionalities OF
life were sufficient for her. She under
stood nothing beyond them; every
thing uncommon was wrong. She ap-
proved of rules and measures; life was
to be portioned out, certain things
were to be done at certain times, orig
inality she would consider as a sin;
and all this Ethel Gordon, with her
quick instinct, OWNED at a glance.
Miss Digby held out her hand with
a winning, kindly smile.
Il am so pleased to see you, Miss
Gordon; your papa has spoken so con-
tinually of you that l was quite anx-
ious to see you"
No answering smile came over the
beautiful young face.
II am much flattered," replied Ethel,
proudly; and from that moment Sir
Leonard's chosen wife saw that there
would be no chance of winning the
love of Sir Leonard's daughter.
"You must have had a pleasant
ride" continued Miss Digby. Il have
never seen Chantrey Wood look more
beautiful"
"The woods were beautiful enough"
replied Ethel, "but our ride was not
pleasant one"
Miss Digby saw that she was tread
ing on dangerous ground, and, like
skillful general, retreated.
Sir Leonard, observing that matters
were not upon the most pleasant foot
ing, thought it time to interfere. He
came up to Miss Digby and began TO
talk to her. Laura asked Ethel to
take a stroll among the roses, and
they went away, leaving the elders
alone. Miss Digby looked after them
with wistful, longing eyes.
Il am afraid that Ethel does not like
me-" she SAID; and Sir Leonard de-
tected the pain in her voice.
He turned to her, and clasped her
hand in his.
MY dearest Helen,' he said, Il have
never concealed from you that Ethel
has been so INDUCED and fiattered that
she is quite a spoiled child. Frankly
speaking, she is sure to dislike our ar
rangement but l shall ask you to per-
severe in it as it is entirely for your
good
But if she dislizes it so very much,
i L., I'll,
better to give it up?'
Certainly not" replied Sir Leonard,
eagerly Ethel has never been con-
tradicted in her whole life. 1t will do
her good to find that her will is not
quite absolute
"She will dislike me 50 much for be
ing the cause of mpleasantness to
her" said Miss Digby.
You will surely bear all that for my
sake, Helen? You have promised to
love me; and, in the future that lies
before us, the only drawback | see is
my daughters dislike to all control,
and the trouble that you will have
with her at first"
Sir Leonard was no longer young,
but he was a handsome man. The
musical voice and the beautiful smile
both had their influence on the lady he
loved.
Bear that for my sake, Helen" he
continued, and there is nothing that
will not do for you in return. I will
make you one of the happiest women
in the world"
DO understand perfectly what you
wish me to do?" asked Mss Digby.
Il think so. Ethel has grown up
without any control. She has been
mistress of Fountayne and everything
in it since she was quite child.
want you, Helen, to impart to her
some of your sweet, womanly ways-to
train her; to teach her, if possible, the
beauty of submission and gentleness
the need of obedience | want you, If
YOU will, to undo the harm that | have
aone-to make up for my deficiencies
TO give to my daughter that sweet
wise, womanly bearing that should
have been hers years ago. Do you care
enough for me to do all this, Helen!
You will overcome them for my sake
Il promise you to do my best" she
replied, with a sigh.
She did most dearly love this hand.
some, gallant man by her side. She
looked forward with the keenest pleas.
ure to passing the remainder of hel
life with him; but she shrank from be-
ing brought into collision with his
daughter
TT will only be for time" contin
Hed Sir Leonard Ethel has plenty o
sense. She will see that it is for he
own good. I know you will be patien
with her, Helen. She is always full O
spirits, gay, happy: there is a certain
half-willful, half-defant franknes
about her that is very charming: yoI
will grow fond of her-everybody doe
and she will charm you in spite O
yourself"
Miss Digby smiled, thinking that i
this respect she resembled her father
You must be firm with her." he con
tinued. Il candidly confess that sh
has had her own way with me. be
cause never could resist her caresse
her winsome manner, her gracef,
ways; but you, Helen, must harde
your heart against her pretty vile
You must make her go your way. Nc
her own
You give me credit for great cou1
age in asking me to undertake a tas
from which you recoil," she said; .sbl
I will try to accomplish it,