Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-06-28

Not like them." exclaimed Lady st.
Norman. why, Ethel, ! used to think
you cared more for them than for any
thing else"
So she did, years ago; but now the
very sight of flowers gave her pain.
They were associated in her mind
with st. Ina's, and the fair summer
morning when she had walked through
the woods, in the midst of fragrance
and bloom, to her fatal marriage.
They were full of silent, sad men,
cries for her. She had been used to
caress and love them like living
friends; but she did so no longer; no
one ever saw her linger over flowers,
or tend them. But as her father had
expressed a wish about the flower
show, she went.
She said to herself before they
started that she would find no great
pleasure in it, but she must go. She
would have the fatigue of dressing, OF
walking for hours in the midst OF
| fragrant blossoms, the oder of which
would recall scenes she hated to re-
member, of listening to compliments
that would be fistasteful to her; she
would feel strange and isolated In
the midst of bright crowd OF happy
faces, knowing that such happiness
and such brightness could never come
| to her.
If she had but looked in her mirror
| before starting she must have been
pleased with the picture she saw there
the beautiful face, with its faint
bloom, the rich brown hair, that
seemed to be crowned by the pretty
| little coquettish bonnet of white lace,
with its one blush-rose. She looked
so fair, so lovely, so young, that it
seemed impossible her life should
have a dark and terrible side.
There was a long drive, and then
/ they came to the gardens where the
fete was being held. Despite her great
sorrow, and the dark cloud that was
not to be lifted from her life, youth
re-asserted itself. The sun was shin
ing brightly, the bands were playing
gayiy, colored flags were flying from
the trees. Etheps face flushed, her
| eyes frightened, her heart beat. She
saw the bright costumes of the ladies,
beautiful and brilliant as the flowers
themselves For some few minutes
she gave way to unusual exhilaration
of spirits, and then she was her old
self again. The memory of her ter
rible secret returned to her. What
right had she here-the wife of con-
victed felon?
Slowly and YEARLY she walked
among the brilliant rows of bloom;
she saw the faces of girls of the same
age as herself all blithe and gay; she
listened to their pretty, lively nom
sense, feeling old, worn, and aged in
comparison, and envying them, yet
owning to herself there was no one to
blame; it was her own fault
'fYou are tired, Ethel,' said Lady
st. Norman; rest here while. l am
going with Lady Long to see the
white camellias. Would you like to
accompany us, or will you remain
here?"
Il will rest" decided Ethel. 1t
seemed to her a relief to be away
from the sound of voices.
She wandered down a narrow path
that seemed completely deserted. Here
were no rows of blooming, fragrant
blossoms, no laughing, bright-faced
girls. Sac would sit in the golden
green light, and muse at her will over
the one fatal error that had blighted
whole life. Presently she raised her
eyes as a slight sound attracted her
attention, and saw Sir Oscar coming
toward her.
i am so glad to see you. Miss st.
Norman" ne said. Il heard you were
coming" He did not add. 80 I came
too" but the words were on his Inns.
Her face frightened as she saw him.
How brilliant the flowers are look
ing, ne remarked. Have you enjoyed
them?"
Her face flushed. and she laughed.
1 must tell the TRUTH" she replied;
nave not noticed them"
Il am not in the least surprised" he
said, smiling. You come to a flower
show, where sun and flowers are all
bright as bright can be; and, instead Of
amusing yourself as any one else
would do, you are here in the only dull
part Of the gardens, away from every
one and everything. need not ask
the nature of your thoughts; one can
read them in your face"
i plead guilty." she responded.
THAT is right" he said. Now will
you having owned your fault. atone
for it? Will you let me show you the
fiowers?"
She looked up brightly.
Yes; should like that very much"
she acknowledged.
"All the gentlemen present will de-
test me, as a matter of course" he
said, for monopolizing the fairest
flower in the gardens. shall not