Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-05-31
CHAPTER XVIII.
4 Ma gniicent Offer.

That same season a new star ap-
peared in the fashionable horizon. The
young Duke of Southmead who had
been abroad since he attained his ma
jority, returned to England, and be-
came the observed of all observers"
There was no fair gift of earth that had
not been lavished upon him; he was
young, rich. and handsome. not more
than twenty-five years Of age, and it
was generally believed that he was one
of the wealthiest men in England.
He was the fortunate possessor Of
three magnificent estates in England
Burlinghame Abbey, Lanville Court,
and Glaston Hall. Glendon Towers
and Heatherbrae in Scotland also be-
longed to him; and he had an accumu-
lation of money in the Funds which
would have made any ordinary man
rich. To add to his unbounded wealth,
coal had been discovered on one of his
English estates. which had more than
trebled its value
The Duke of Sou -hmead was a hand
some man; he had a fair, frank, Saxon
face, laughing blue eyes, head COW
cred with fair, clustering hair, and a
| beautiful mouth. His figure was tall:
he had broad shoulders, a dignifed,
| easy carriage, a charm of grace and
manner which alone would have made
| him popular. His Grace of Southmead
was clever, too; he was blessed with
to1n toll
and good Judgment; he was eloquent of
speech, with flow Of original thought
expressed in elegant language. He was
truthful honorable gentleman. than
which no brighter praise cou4 given
to him.
1t was well known that the Duke of
Southmead was looking out for a wife;
he had been heard more than once to
say that the only gift wanting to him
was that Of a fair and loving wife.
When the fact became known. Bel
gravian mothers looked hopeful. Who
! could wish for any daughter a fairer
lot in life than to be Duchess of South
mead? Money, jewels, magnificence of
every kind would be her portion She,
the fortunate one. would be envied by
all other women.
No man was more popular than this
young duke; it was not altogether be-
cause of his vast Wealth-the hand
some face and graceful, chivalrous
manner had something to do with it.
Ladies declared that no man had a
more beautiful smile
Fair young debutantes were almost
tlmld in his presence, for they had been
told what great prize was to be won
in the matrimonial market.
Anxious mothers had suggested that
they should wear blue. His grace had
been heard to say that blue was his IA
vorite color They had been told to
spare no pains over their singing, for
his grace was fond of music.
When he entered a room there was
thrill of excitement His taste was
really good, and he was a passionate
admirer of beauty. Happy the girl
whom he honored with his attentions.
she was looked upon with something
like envy by her companions.
But the young duke was very eau
tlous; he never went beyond the merest
admiration. He had seen the loyeliest
women in Europe, but had not fallen in
love with any one of them.
He had enjoyed many fiirtations; be
mad been like butterfly, roaming from
Hover to flower; but he had not seen
the woman whom he cared to make
Duchess of Southmead.
At Lady Cranes fancy ball he met
Ethel St Norman, and for the first
time fell deeply in love Her beautiful
face, with its proud, sad, sweet mouth
and dreamy, lovely eyes, charmed him
still more, he was irresistibly caDti-
waited by her manner.
To be continued.