Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-02-07
CHAPTER XVII,


81 cannot give you an answer a
once" said Violet to her husband
"but I will think the matter over
One thing | will PROMISE will not g
away without telling you my de
cision."
And to Lord RIVERS that seemed
something gained.
Violet" he said, Il want you tt
listen to me just two minutes longer
have that to say to you which will
prove my sincerity You do not like
the kind of life that lies before your"
NO. candidly speaking, do not,
she replied.
"You will not like to be called Lady
RIVERS, nor to be mistress of RIVERS
dale, nor to be the wife of rich mar
you care for nothing of these things
do your"
"No," she replied; 81 do not"
Then, Violet, to win your forgive
ness and to make you happy" he said
Il will give up everything in the world
for you. l will let lands, title, and
money lie in allegiance | will paint
and we will live on the money tina,
painting brings. l will give up every
thing for you, and never remember
that 1 am but an artist. The money
of the lands, title, and everything else
may go-go to the next of kin, little
fellow not at Eton; all that | want is
you"
The romantic generosity of those
words touched her. She looked at
him with the first sign of softening
that he had seen in her eyes.
do you mean that?" she asked
viii you really give up everything
for me?''
II WILL" he said. ooh, Violet. have
you to learn now that you are the
dearest thing in life to me?'
you will give up everything-yol
will remain abroad. give up all, and
work hard at your pictures?" she
asked.
Il will do it unhesitatingly for you,'
he replied. II would not make the
sacrifice for any one else; but 1 vii
for you. l must say myself that
love my name, that l am proud of my
race, that l have always been proud
of my beautiful place Ryversdale; but
nothing that l have or hold is to be
compared with my love for you"
And for me your are content tC
give up all that your soul holds most
dear?"
ITO keep you, most certainly he
answered. Il love you above and be
fore everything in this wide world
Of what use would it be to me if
were king of the whole universe ant
had not you?"
You have great love for me-" she
said, thoughtfully.
You ought to know it by this time,
he replied, earnestly. Il can give
you no greater proof of my love thar
this-that l am willing to die to every
thing else but YOU"
1T would be noble sacrifice" sh,
said musingly. 1T would prove ;
noble love. What if I take you a
your word. Randolph"
Il wish you to do so. My offer wa
not mere pretence. a few words uttere,
for the sake Of eloquence or pleading
mean honestly what I said I viii
give up all | have in the world if yo>
will forgive me and remain with me.
She felt that she could not be out
done in generosity, and this was ger
erous beyond all words. She kneN
that he meant it. She began t
realize what grand love this was.
1t had stopped to artifice once. it ros
to grandure now. He was perfectl
sincere; but she could not exact sue
a promise from him. she could nc
permit such sacrifice. He ha
touched her at last. He saw that he
face had softened, her eyes had brigh
ened.
NO she said, slowly; you sha
not make SO great sacrifice for m
That you are ready to do it is enough
want no more. You are willing |
make a sacrifice for me; | will NAL
one for you"
My darling!" he cried. enrapture
at the very idea.
DO not be too sanguine," she sal
I am not at all sure that the arrang
ment will succeed. Indeed, if 1 kno
myself, it will not. l begin to see n
way more clearly. You are willing
give up everything in the world Fl
me; 1 will give up-not my pref
dices; l could not part with them. b
| will give up my indulgence in thel
for your sake. l will try to share yo
life. But she added. naively.
am quite sure l shall not like it,
Twill you give it a trial?" he aske
eagerly.
yes, WILL" she answered him.
"a fair. honest trial, Violet, in viii
you will endure patiently all that y