Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-05-17


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 reneber that she
has never been a day away from me
not a single day, Leonard. She could
not have had a lover without my
knowing it, But l hardly like to say
what I think"
Say anything you please to me,
Helen. 1 know your interest in my
darling is as great almost as my own. -
Il think, candidIy, 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. l do not believe she will
ever marry"
1T is strange" said Leonard, mus
ingly.
But true" she supplemented.
You say the beginning of all this
was an illness caused by a sunstroke ."
Il think So" replied Miss Digby.
cone 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 fainting fit.
She was i'll for some days after it, and
| do not think she has ever been the
same since"
I'VE must see what change of scene
will do for her." said Sir Leonard,
IF you will consent, Helen, our we'd
ding trip shall be to France and Italy.
! Ethel will like that, | am sure"
''Will you allow me to advise one
| thing, Leonardo" said Helen, timidIy.
"Lo not talk to Ethel about herself
She is very proud, very reticent; and
[ have noticed that any reference to
herself gives her pain. She seems to
shrink from it. 1 could not do much
for her while you were away, but l
| should say that plenty of change,
| cheerful society, and not appearing to
notice her depression and melancholy
would be the best cure for both
you are always wise, Helen |
agree with you. And now will you
think of rewarding my patience? |
have waited almost three years.
1t 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 favorite spot, the grove Of
| Ilme-trees.
Il often thought of these lime-trees
while l was away. " he said Ethel,
| am glad to find you here alone; |
want to speak to you
He saw her shrink with a kind of
nervous dread.
1T is not of yourself" he FASTENED
to add, unless | stop for one minute
to express my great satisfaction. You
have grown, Ethel, and are exceeding
| ly beautiful. | do not want to fatter
you, but l do not thing among all the
| Gordons we have had one more fair
than you
She sighed to herself that this
beauty had been but of little use to
her-that his pride in it would be but
of short duration.
you will not be surprised to hear
that I hope TO be married soon," he
cor +'7ue3.
No." she said. gently; y quite ex-
oected it.
You have grown to like Helen,
Ethel, as l thought you would"
Her colorless face flushed.
She has been very kind and good to
me, papa; l do not think any one
could have been kinder"
Il am glad of it; I knew it would
be so. We shall be very happy
Ethel" and then Sir Leonard paused
in sheer wonder.
What had come to her? He remem-
bered certain incidents before he went
away; he called to mind her pride, he1
defiance, her pretty, willful, imperious
ways, her caresses and persuasions
What had made her so meek, so gentle
so submissive?
He was about TO say something as
as to the change, when he remembered
q time he continued:
You will be Helen's bridesmaid
Ethel? She particularly wishes it,
She shrank back pale shuddering-
scared at the very utterance of the
words Then her face flushed Grim
son, and strange light came into hel
eyes.
Papa, do not think me wanting il
respect, but indeed l could not l have
such a nervous dread of wedding:
that it would make me i'll to see one
Sir Leonard laughed aloud.
Why, Ethel, how unlike you are t,
other girls. I should have though
: that of all things a wedding would
have pleased you best
He laughed and spoke jestingly; bu
he was startled at the pallor of he
face. What could it mean?
But, papa she said. Il am nc
testing. You cannot tell how much
: dread anything of that kind 1t is no
} girlish nonsense. | am girl n;
longer. Sometimes I think that I ar
: older than any one who has ever lived
| feel so Old
: "A wedding will make you fee
: young again" returned Sir Leonard
} Seriously. ethel, you must compI,