Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-01-18
CHAPTER |.
Ethel Gordon.

q ne, and no room ever gave a more
c1rI ecC mex TO its owners mind than
al this. The profusiOn Of flowers, all
beautifully arranged, yielded sweet
gerfume; the choice books, pictures,
G. pies of W0rld-renowned works of art,
lld vases and ornaments of rare de-
sign, were all indications of highest re-
1lement and cultivation
Ethel Gordon was not unworthy of
4=r surroundings. She gave promise of
j magnificent Womanhood; her slender
g-rlish figure was admirably graceful
Ter attitude perfection; every I'M
Studied pose was statuesque. Her face
was beautiful with a bright beauty all
lis own rich brown hair fell on the
graceful neck; ner eyes were of the
rare hue OF a purple heartsease, a
golden light shining in their liquid
deDths-a light that deepened with eV
cry phase OF feeling, that flashed with
5eOrn, or cleaned with tenderness, or
sCOne with pride. Beautiful eyes they
were, for one glance of which men
would have fought in olden days and
d.ed; the bTOWs were straight, like
tdose of a Grecian goddess-broWs of
IDEAL loneliness. The ancient Greeks
gave such d mouth as hers to Venus,
for it was one of singular beauty, the
upper lip being short, the lower one
fEll and curved, while the dimpled
chin was faultless
There was no flaw in her beauty
from the crown of her fair head to her
ny feet Her small white hands had
> delicate rose tint; her arm was
round and perfect in contour. Yet she
dsd not possess the cold, perfect, regu-
lar beauty of a woman without fault
There was pride, and perhaps some lit
tie degree Of temper in the bright eyes,
Just as there was something of indie
Fendence and hauteur in the curved
Ups
The sunbeams were falling on her,
1ld the sweet south wind, bearing the
scent of hawthorn and lilac, was fam
mig her brow; but she was not look
llg well pleased She was standing at
"a open window, watching the slanting
9Inbeams, her little white fingers tap
ring impatiently on the window frame
I am a Gordon" she said to herself
like my own way, ana I will not
submit to it.
At that moment a footman came to
say that Sir Leonard Gordon awaited
his daughter in the library
II will be there directly" said Ethel
clrelessly-it was one of her principles
lever to seem in haste.
She remained for a few minutes
longer at the window, just to crafty
her spirit Of independence, and then
size walked slowly to the library, where
Sir Leonard awaited her.
Sir Leonard Gordon resembled his
daughter in every respect-he had the
same clear-cut, regular features, the
came waving rich brown hair; but his
ice, handsome though it was, bore
marks of deep care and thought, while
the hair was streaked with gray. He
vas tall, MISUNDERSTANDING man,
with an impressive air Of dignity and
command
Come in Ethel" he said, in a deep,
musical voice. Il want to speak to
you very particularly"
A musical voice and a winsome smile
we're the heirlooms of the Gordons.
Their features might and did vary
some were of the dark, proud Norman.
others of the fair calm Anglo-Saxon
type-but all alike had a voice of soft
est music, and a smile that would have
melted a heart of stone. There had
been faithful Gordons, and false Cor
conscientious true as steel, and
sreacherous as the men who BETRAYED
their young queen; but every Gordon
could be recognized by these two gifts.
''Sit down, Ethel" said Sir Leonard.
I have much to say, and you will be
tired"
But the spirit of independence and
contradiction seemed to be strong in
his beautiful daughter this May morn
ing.
81 prefer to stand, papa" she re-
nlied; and Miss Gordon swept across
he room, with a naughty bearing not
lost upon Sir Leonard
He smiled to himself. and it was lust
rs we'll that Ethel did not see that
smile.
/ have sent for you, Ethel" he said,
that we may come to some amicable
arrangement of our difficulties. I hope
you have come prepared to be lust and
reasonable
IF you are determined to have your
own way, papa, it is useless my argu-
ing with you" returned Ethel, proud
ly.
Il am afraid, my dear, that we Cor
dons are too fond of our own way: but
think you and | can arrange our diff
'ulties without coming into collision.
It is useless to talk to Gordon of sub
mission: but. if | can convince your
Judgment, you will obey me, I hope"
L am not very clever at obedience.
7 fear" said Miss Gordon.
No, you have been spoiled. Ethel.
ever siTce you were a child: and, now
that you are seventeen. it is difficult
70 contend against the effects of that
spelling. See. my dear" and Sir Leon
ard held out an open letter to his
daughter. II received this by this
mornings post from the Austrian am
hassador. and must send in nv reply
tonight"
She took the letter. read it carefully
and then laid it ur~n the table.
1T is complimentary" she said:
and he speaks of the position as a
lucrative one"
~ is SO now, Ethel You are Ole