Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-07-18
Thorns and Orange Blossoms.
BY TEIK AUTHOR OF
ROMANCE OF A YOUNG GIRL.
Continued.

Miss MARI ''PrincethoTpe Manor"
She wrote the words down, not know
ing why, but in obedience to some un-
accountable instinct. Presently she
came to paragraph that seemed to
her her death-warrant
1--WE understand that proceedings
have been taken by the members of a
noble and powerful family to set aside
the marriage of the head of the
house, under the plea that it was
contracted while the young nobleman
was a minor. The case is likely
before long to occupy the attention of
the long robe"
It so happened that the paragraph
referred to the marriage of the young
Marquis of Conmara, who had eloped
with his mothers waiting-maid, and
not to Randolph, Lord RIVERS. But
to Violet's jealous heart it seemed as
though every word was meant for
him and for her. This was why her
husband had not answered her letters
or been to see her. He must be a
consenting party to it, Or it could not
be done They would annul her mar
riage, after all; yet she would be the
mother of the heir of Ryversdale
Randolph would marry Miss MARI
There came to her disordered mind a
vision; she saw her husband standing
before the altar with the heiress, as
he had stood with her, his fair and
handsome face bent over her.
"Ke is mine, he is mine!" cried
Violet; and then she fell with her face
to the ground.
Miss Marston found her so, and her
first proceeding was to telegraph to
Mrs. Carstone, and her next to send
for a doctor.
It was barely noon when Mrs. Car
stone arrived.
''Tell me the worst!" she cried,
when she saw Miss Marston's pale
face.
81 found her lying in her room this
morning, with her face to the ground,
and the doctor fears the worst
Pale and trembling Mrs. Carstone
sank into the nearest chair.
before | see her,
But he only confirmed Miss
Marston's words. Then Mrs. Car
stone went up to Violet. A white
face framed in golden hair lay upon
the pillow, two beautiful eyes,
Swallowed with pain, looked at her
wistfully as she entered, white hand,
thin and fragile, beckoned her.
"Ask him." she said, eff 1 shall see
my baby before de-
''You will not die, Violet" answered
Mrs. Carstone; but none of the old
hope shone in her face.
Not long afterward came the ter
rible struggle between life and death
More than once they had bent for
ward, believing she was dead; but
suddenly arose on the calm summer
air little cry, a faint feeble, wall
ing cry. the sound of which brought a
faint color to the white, beautiful
face. Mrs. Carstone had never shed
such tears in her life as those she
shed when they placed the little heir
Of Ryversdale in her arms.
A faint whisper came from the
white lips.
'Shal l see my baby before I die?"
"Can you not save herr" cried Mrs.
Carstone. cit seems so horrible that
she should die now!''
Heaven may save her-I cannot"
replied the doctor, more moved that
| he cared to show
How long have l to live?" asked
the weak voice days or hours?"
'tHours, fear" was the grave reply.
And then they placed the tiny child
in the failing arms that clasped him
with such unutterable love-
| Violet did not think much of her
husband at that hour of desperation
and pain-only of the child, the little
child she must leave.
Can you not save me? Help me to
live" she gasped, with white lips.
It was-so the doctor said-merely
a matter Of hours Who would take
care Of her child? She thought OF
Miss MARI, the noblest woman she
knew in the world. All, yes! She
should die more at peace, happier, il
she knew that her child was with Mis-.
Mari.
With difficulty she made Mrs. Car
stone understand that she was to tele
graph to Princethorpe Manor
"Say that Violet Beaton wants her
and begs her to come at once. Shall
live," she asked wistfully, until sht
comes?"
eve will do our best for you," SAID
the doctor; but he had no hope.