Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-03-28

control the thoughts that were against
! him. She disliked her present mode
of life and her surroundings. Where
other girls would have been complete
| ly happy, she, owing to her peculiar
training, was wretched. She longed
for the old occupations; she did not
enjoy the life of fine lady at all: she
did not care for Injuries: she dis
liked the army of servants, disliked
not being able to wait On herself-she
could hardly raise her hand to do any
thing without some obsequious atteE
ant Immediately forestalling her.
She longed to run about freely, to be
useful; she resented the inactivity
that brought with it no pleasure or
enjoyment. While travelling, she had
not felt this so much, but, once al
home, the change from old habits was
but too perceptible. Above all. she
felt the loss of the grand old garden
Certainly, at Ryversdale there were
acres Of land, Conservatives, fern
cries, forcing houses, gardens laid
out in the most elaborate
italian style, flowers of the richest
and rarest, fruit of the most delicate
and richest kind; but there was
nothing that could personally interest
her. There were any number of
| gardeners, under the skillful head
gardener, a Scotchman, who looked
upon every leaf and blossom as
sacred, and strongly objected to any
one else touching them. Violet never
felt at liberty to ramble through the
well-kept gardens and gather fruit and
flowers; she longed for the quaint,
old-fashioned garden at home, where
she had done as she liked.
II should be much happier. Monica"
she said, eff had piece of ground
that was quite my own, where the
gardeners would never INTERFERE
And Monica answered quickly that
no time should be lost in gratifying
| her wish.
That very morning Monica sought
her mother. She was with Randolph,
looking over some accounts, when her
daughter entered. In her desire to
crafty her sister-in-law, Monica for
got that she might run the risk Of
vexing her mother, who was always
wretched when any one was especial
ly civil to Violet.
Mamma" said Monica. q am
afraid Violet is very dull"
THAT is Randolph's business, not
mine. I should never undertake to
amuse person who is unwilling to
be amused"
"Oh, mamma, Violet is as bright as
the day. cried naturally,
mean! But this morning she seems
dull; she misses many things that she
had at her own home"
The doWager's answer was a scorn-
full laugh, which brought hot flush
to the young husbands face and an
angry light to his eyes. He con-
trolled himself, however, for he never
cared to be anything but respectful to
his mother.
"Of course" hastily added Monica,
1T will be quite different when Violet
goes into society. I can we'll imagine
that just at present she does feel dull
and lonely. Randolph has been busily
talking to her, and she has told me of
something that she would like very
much"
Lady RIVERS went on writing as
though she had not heard: but Ran
dolph looked up quickly.
What is it," he asked. Tell me,
Monica
She misses the garden at her old
home; it seems that that was her
chief delight"
Lord RIVERS remembered it so we'll
that his face flushed. 1t had been a
very paradise to him, and he was
pleased that she though of it. Monica
went on:
These great gardens here do not
seem to give her much pleasure. She
has been saying how much she should
like a piece Of ground all her own, 10
grow what flowers and fruit she likes.
l think it is very natural; really our
gardens seem to be made more for our
gardeners than ourselves"
"Of course she can have what
ground she likes, and do as she likes
with it, and in it." said Lord RIVERS.
She will like to work in it herself"
remarked Monica. She likes to
cultivate flowers and take care of
Them
I will go out at once and select
a portion of the garden for her ex-
elusive use,' said Lord RIVERS. ~
know exactly what she wants and
what will please her. l am so glad
you found it out, Monica
To be Continued.