Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-05-17

| to thank her for her constancy. he
goodness, her care for his interests
her kindness-to arrange for the tim
OF their marriage; but, above all, h
wished to speak to her OF Ethel--tt
ask what had happened to the child e.
what allied her.
Believe me, Helen" he said, slow
ly, that in all my life | have never
seen such a change. She was 9
bright. wlllful. laughing girl when
went away; now she looks line one VINO
for long years has carried a terrible
burden of sorrow. Helen, | know you
will be perfectly frank with me; have
you any cIew to this mystery? have
you any idea what changed herr"
Helen Digby raised her clear, truth
full eyes to his.
II have not the least idea in the
world" she answered.
Has she had a lover, or anything
of that kind?"
mo You must remeber that she
has never been day away from me
not a single day, Leonard. She could
not have had a lover without my
knowing it. But hardly like to say
what | think"
Say anything you please TO me,
Helen. know your interest in my
darling is as great almost as my own"
IL think, candidly, 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. 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?"
II think So" replied Miss Digby.
"One warm summer day Ethel went
out for long ramble; she was always
fond of the woods. When she re-
turned she had severe fainting fit
She was i'll for some days after it, and
| do not think she has ever been the
same since"
1--WE 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, timidly.
enc Mot toll, 20 ngtbaI ahout harsaIF
She is very proud, very reticent; and
| have noticed that any reference to
herself gives her pain. She seems to
shrink from it. ! could not do much
for her while you were away, but
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"
It 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
llme-trees.
Il often thought of these lime-trees
while | was away. " he said. Ethel,
l am glad to find you here alone: |
want to speak to you"
He saw her shrink with a kind OF
nervous dread.
at is not of yourself" he fastened
to add, unless | stop for one minute
10 express my great satisfaction You
have grown, Ethel. and are exceeding
ly beautiful. | do not want to flatter
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 tc
her-that his pride in ii would be but
of short duration.
You will not be surprised to hear
that | hope to be married soon," he
continued.
No she said. gently; II quite ex'
2eeted it"
You have grown to like Helen
Ethel. as | thought you would"
Her eolorless face flushed,
she has been very kind and good tC
ne. papa; do not think any one
could have been kinder"
IL am glad of il; knew it would
be SO. We shall be very happy
Ethel" and then Sir Leonard PAUSED
in s'.ser wonder.
What had come TO her? He remem
bered certain incidents before he wen
away: he called to mind her pride. he
defiance, her pretty, willful hyperion,
ways. her caresses and persuasions
What had made her so meek, so gentle
so submissiyeP
He was about to say something a
as to the change. when he remembers
Helen'1 advice and was silent. Afte