River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1901-12-12


haven't seen you somewhere"
why, on board the Aurora, of
course!" stepping forward suddenly
with outs tretched hands. You are
the man who sprang overheard in a
gale to rescue a poor emigrant's
child, and who nearly lost his life IN
the attempt. 1t was the brayest
thing ever saw, and L have often
wished ! could thank you. The wom-
an belonged TO my own town"
"Oh, come, come; you make too
much of my share in the NATTER" he
expostulated. But, nevertheless, he
took the outstretched hands and felt
strange thrill as he gazed into the
upturned, glowing face. Then, eager
ly: you are the young lady who
played the piano so exquisitely on the
boat, and to whom all the passengers
wanted to be introduced. / went to
everybody l knew, but not one of
them could claim the honor of your
acquaintance"
why, that was too bad" commits
eratingly.
Indeed it was. I" But she had
suddenly recollected herself.
Il am very sorry" she said quietly,
but forgot myself for the moment.
l am only the housekeeper here
NO, really?" But she recognized
with a pleasure which surprised her
that there was more of incredulity
than CONSERVATION in his voice.
''Yes-but here comes your aunt,
now. Good-morning."
The next day the young man called
again, and again in the evening. And
the next day and the next, and after
that two or three times each week
And for reward he saw Esther sew
eral times in the distance, and once
actually spoke to her as she passed
through the hall.
why don't you bring your friend
with you occasionally, Harold?"
asked Mrs. Van Maurice, one morning.
HE must be a remarkable young
man. Your mother was telling me
about him the other day."
HE is a remarkable young man."
answered Harold, warmly. Just now
he is absorbed in a new invention.
and can hardly be dragged away from
1T. But perhaps / can bring him out
tomorrow"
The next evening they were all gath
cred in Mrs. Van Maurice's coy music
room. During the conversation the
hostess occasionally regarded her
guest with puzzled, inquiring ex-
preston. She had never seen him be-
fore, but, somehow, his features
seemed familiar; and that peculiar
way he had of throwing back his head
why, she had seen it dozens of times.
| Suddenly mirthful CLEAN of recog-
milton swept the shadows from her
face, and she rose quickly-with her
a thought was to act.
you say that your sister should
have crossed the ocean before this, Mr..
Fitzgerald she said, "and that you
have not heard from her. Do you re
| semble each other?'
People used to say so, I believe:
but Elsie appropriated all the beauty
which rightfully ought to have been
divided between us"
Those attributes naturally go TO the
sisters" said Mrs. Van Maurice. smil-
ingly. "But would you mind going
downstairs with me moment. l have
something to show you"
As they left the room, Mr.. Van Maui
rice rose with the remark that he
would go into, the library after the
chessmen. Hardly had he disappeared
when Harold heard a slight rustic at
the hall door.
SIS Mrs. Van Maurice here?"
Esther" Harold's face was in
glow as he stepped toward her mo,
don't 60" as she drew back; 81 want to
speak to you, dear. I lrave been COM
! ing here for weeks, and have only Just
been able to catch glimpses of you as
you fitted through some distant door.
/ cannot endure"
"Why, what absurdity," she inter-
rupted, her face flushing. "We do not
even know each others Names"
He looked blank, but only for a mo-
ment. Something even in her railing
gave him courage.
hHdt VI ~ ne asked, DOl0ly.
'Names don't signify. We know each
other. And, besides, the names can
be easily remedied. am Harold Allyn
Feners, at your service"
"What?' the glow fading from her
face, and then coming back in a quick
flood of eager questioning. mot nv
brothers friend?''
1t was his turn to look surprised.
"Your brother? ] don't understand"
Reginald Fitzgerald. He is my
brother"
"O-h!"
There were sudden footsteps. then:
Here you are, Esther. We have
been looking for you everywhere. L
wish to introduce you to my friend.
Mr.. Fitzgerald"
An hour later Reginald and his sister
were standing in the hall, waiting for
the carriage that was to take them
home.
at has come out all right, Essie."
he said, a little soberly; $50 perhaps
it will be as well to say no more about
it. But why did you not look in city