Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1902-05-24

The young lady herself was not in the
least disturbed by any s1ch prospect. The
man was positively disagreeable to her
lie was gentlemanly in his ways, cold
and Unconditional; one to whom generous
impulses were strangers. He was devot
ed to the care of the large fortune that
had been left him by his late uncle,
great war contractor, and was constant
~ looking out for chances to swell it
by speculation. This was the last man
that might naturally be expected to fall
i'll love. But beauty draws US by a
single hair" and the first sight of Belle
Maxwell effectually did the business for
Leander Curry He had been prevailed
upon, against his custom, to buy a ticket
for charity concert, in which ''home tai
ent' was largely to be represented. The
gem of the evening proved TO be a song
by Miss Belle Maxwell which was heart
lily applauded and encored. The grace
and beauty, as we'll as the pure, sweet
voice of the singer, made deep impress
sion upon the vast audience, and they
actually struck some sparks from Mr..
Curry's tiinty heart. He came, saw,
heard-and was conquered. He became
a frequent caller at the humble Maxwell
home; and this condition of things had
been in progress for some months at
the time that our sketch opens.
All this time we have left Mr.. Curry
standing at the door, while our necessary
explanation has been made. He might
still be standing there, for all Miss Max
well would do to admit him; and the
widow, seeing Bellies perfect indffer-
ence, answered the ring herself, in
great state of vexatiOn. She presently
returned with the caller, who saluted the
young lady, receiving a distant return.
Mr.. Curry was practical, at least, and
never wasted time. The particular object
of his call was made known before he
had taken a seat.
Miss Maxwell, l have lately bought
a pair of fine trotters, and have not yet
had them out on long ride. I am go
ing over to RiG.;ford tomorrow, and 1
should be pleased to have you accompany
me. 1t is a business trip, but | think it
will be pleasant one. 1t will, of course,
take all day
The widows heart leaped. Things were
getting on admirably. For her daughter
to be seen riding with Mr.. Curry behind
those trotters was almost as good as an
engagement of marriage. She had never
heard of his taking lady out to drive.
The next instant Belle made reply
that gave her mother a chill.
Il am greatly obliged to you, sir; but
it would be impossible for me to go to-
morrow. l have promised to sing at the
public Memorial Day exercises in the
square"
You should not decline on that &C
count" the mother eagerly put in. You
can get them to excuse you. There are
others that can sing. Go with Mr..
Curry, by all means"
The girl looked at both her mother
and the gentleman with quiet but Sc
we're dignity. She was a dutiful child;
but there are occasions when a mild re-
proof from child to parent is the correct
thing; and it was so now.
II shall sing at the exercises, as l
promised" she said, decidedly. Ever
since the war closed, from the time l was
a little girl l have taken part in the
observance of this day, and | shall do so
as long as live. You surely can't mean
to advise me against it, mother?"
mo, Belle, you know l would not; but
this is an unusual invitations
1T must be declined" was the firm
interruption.
Mr.. Curry was very much veXed, and
was indiscreet enough to show it. He
was also foolish enough to say some
things in his vexation, which, while cor
reccly representing his own narrow views,
were very impolitic things to say in this
house.
81 am much disappointed, Miss Max
well, at your refusal"
She did not think it necessary to say
that she too was sorry; for she was not
sorry. and this was the last man on
earth that she would tell a white lie to,
for the sake of mere politeness.
And l am rather surprised" he pur-
sued. that you should prefer such
meaningless show to a pleasant ride i'll
the country at this charming season.
Meaningless show The blood of her
heroic sire flushed up in the girls cheek
at the words; but she kept back her tenn
per, and kept silence.
ut has always seemed to me to be
very silly parade of false sentiment the
doomed man went on. The soldiers en-
listed as a mere matter of business; they
were paid for their work; those that did
took that risk at the start; the account
was closed some years ago. For sensl-
BILE people to get up these, obseryances
every year, to sing, and pray, and pala-
YER. and have great fuss with flowers
over a pack of dead soldiers seems to
me the very foam of folly. | wish
He never had the opportunity to ex-
press his wish. Belle Maxwell bounded
from her chair with flashing eyes and
burning face.