Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-05-09

suffered at Ryversdale cane to her,
and once more her heart burned with
hatred toward the class she had been
| taught to despise.
| When Violet arrived at Queen
Elm, she was ushered at once into
| the presence of Mrs. Ingram. She
/ found her very old and feeble, but
dignified and slightly naughty in man
| ner. She was sitting in large, old
| fashioned drawing-room, dressed in a
thick, rich black brocade, with point
! lace at her throat and round her
wrists, her gray hair covered with a
cap of the same material. All over
the house, but especially in this room
was the faint sweet odor of dried
rose-leaves.
Mrs. Ingram looked up when Violet
entered. She seemd to bring with
her an atmosphere of youth, grace
and beauty.
you are my new companion" she
said, in a sweet old voice that had in
it a far-off ring and must once have
|
glad to see you"
She seemed surprised at the fair
beauty of Violet's face, and she look
ed at her intently.
you are not much like the usual
type of companions" she said gently,
"T have had so many"
A weary little sigh followed the
words, and Volet's heart was touched.
II have had so many" repeated the
old lady; "and none of them stay long.
When the natural companions OF
ones life are gone, all seems gone.
have lost husband and children.
The only relative I have left is one
grandchild-one beautiful grandchild.
All, my dear, what companions could
fill the place of those I have lost?'
None" answered Violet; ''but
will do my best
Thank you, my DEAR" she replied.
II Think am sure you will please
me. You have sweet voice and a
beautiful face; but you are young and
you"
Vio1et's fair face Swallowed as she
remembered what life had done for
her.
II do not like what people call fife,'
she answered. 81 shall be best con-
tent here with you
1t seemed like haven of rest, this
grand old house with its surround
ings, it's old-fashioned magnifcence,
and it's faint odor of dried rose-leaves.
Violet looked at the mistress of the
place
81 had better tell you frankly" she
said, chat have never been out as
companion before, and that I am quite
ignorant Of the duties of one. If you
will but tell me what to do, will try
my best to do it,
"I can sum up the duties of a COM
panion in very few words" said Mrs.
Ingram. "Have you a mother liv-
'ing?"
NO." replied Violet.
''Try to imagine what it would be if
you had; and what you would do for
your mother DO for me-"
81 will try" said Violet, gently.
eff | am cross or irritable-and old
age is full of crotchets bear with
me; if I am i'll, be kind to me. I live
in a world of shadows. My lost hus-
band and my lost children are always
with me; do not startle me suddenly
from my dreams The most merciful
part of my life now is my dreams.
want you," She continued, mot to be
always with me, but always near me.
do not rise until late, so that the
morning hours will be your own; my
maid attends 10 me then; but when
an down stairs, shall wish you to
read to me, to walk out in the grounds
with me, to drive out with me, to re-
ceive visitors for me, to answer my
letters. You will find plenty of en-
p1oyment, and I hope you will be
happy"
That evening, when Violet has re-
tired to her room and the mantle Of
night and silence had fallen over the
house, she felt vague longing-for
what she was hardly conscious. She
was young, every pulse beating with
the full tide of youth and life; she felt
shut out of the world This quiet
house amongst the trees did not seem
to be part of the world she had lived
in.
1t was barely nine o'clock, and yet
every light was out except hers, every
one asleep but herself. The moon
was shining brightly. From the
great windows of her room she could
see the park and the trees, and the
brook that ran its winding course.
She could see the lovely alley called
the Queens Walk; the moon shone
full upon it, silvering the great trunks
of the trees and throwing weird
shadows on tho GRASS