Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-06-14

If ! could have what I wish for YOU |
papa, all your days would be happy"
Lord st. Norman continued:
You know how dearly I have al
ways loved you, Ethel-how proud I
have always been of you. My love
could desire no better fate than this N
store for you. My pride could ask No
higher destiny"
He could not see the shadow that 1eu
over her face.
Your future has always been sub
ject Of anxiety to me-" he pursued;
mot in respect of money! have
known of late years that you have a
Sufficiency Of that-but as regards
whom you would love and whom you
would marry. You have all the Cor
don sensitiyeness and Gordon pride,
and l know how much proud, sensitive
people suffer You would have been
one of the most miserable women liv-
ing if you had been unfortunate in
your love-"
Her lips quivered; the tears rose in
her eyes, but she reprssed them, re-
Numbering Sir Oscars words. No muir
muir should escape her-no regret be,
cause of her mournful, blighted life
Now" Lord st. Norman went on, Il
am more than happy am quite con-
tent This letter that l hold in my
hand is from the Duke of Southmead.
He asks my permission to make you
his wife, and that permission I most
gladly concede."
EtheIs face grew colorless, and her
eyes Swallowed as she listened.
Il have the highest possible opinion
of the duke, continued Lord ST. Nor
nOblest sense of the word. He will
make you happy by his kindness, and
| by his gentle, considerate manner; he
is truthful and honorable; above all, he
is aminable and Ethel, you will know
how to appreciate constant good tenn
! per and sunshine in the house. | am
convinced that you will be perfectly
happy"
She opened her lips to speak, but the
sound died away upon them. 1t seemed
to her that she could not bear to dis
appoint him.
Then, as to position" pursued Lord
st. Norman, you will occupy a posi-
ton second only to that of royalty
The Duke Of Southmead is not only one
of the wealthiest, but he is one of the
most distinguished peers in England.
l do not think the most ambitious
father living could desire a happier lot
for his child. AS Duchess of South
mead, you will be one of the most pop
ular women in England. My darling,
| am so thankful for you-so content"
Then she said to herself that it was
time she spoke-time she told him
these hopes of his could never be real
lied.
She went over to him and laid her
hands and his shoulder, looking visit
fully into his happy face.
Papa" she said, sadly, sit cannot
be. I am grieved that you should be
disappointed; I am more sorry than I
can express. [ would do almost any
thing to give you pleasure. but can
not do this. 1 cannot marry the Duke
of Southmead.'
He looked greatly disappointed; the
happy smile died from his lips.
You cannot, Ethel! Why not?"
Il do not love him, papa. acknowl-
edge the truth of all you say; he is
one OF the most agreeable and kind
hearted men I have ever met. But do
not love him; I cannot marry him"
Lord st. Norman looked anxiousIy at
her.
Ethel he said gravely, you have
too much common sense to refuse such
a magnificent offer from any foolish
schoolgirl notions of love and senti-
ment."
I have no schoolgirl notions" she
returned, sadly; st would be better for
me ten thousand times if I had"
Esteem is the surest, best, and SAT-
est foundation for love-" he pointed
out. You esteem the duke-you ack-
noWIedge that you think most highly
OF him. Love, the highest, best love
OF all, will surely follow
Not in this case, papa" she
opposed. 'Iesteem and like him; am
grateful to him for the great honor he
mas paid me, but I cannot marry him. -
Lord st. Norman sighed
You are always a puzzle to me-" he
said, slowly. "Of late l have not un-
derstood you-nay, at times I have not
recognized you as the Ethel who was
like sunshine in our home. I suppose,
then, l must tell the duke that you de-
| cline?"
she chung to him, saying that he was
the kindest, the dearest, the best Of
1athers;. that she loved him so dearly.
ana was so grieved to disappoint him;
that 1t must not make any difference
IN his love to her; and that he must al
ways care for her the same; but that
she could not marry the duke.
We will say no more about it, then,
Gthel l will write to him today. Why,
child, how pale you are! You need not
De unhappy over it. No one can force
you 10 marry; and you never shall
marry, Ethel, with my consent, until
you are really and truly in love-