Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-01-02
Continued.

tie shrugged HIS SHOulueIS III
patiently He had been prepared fol
everything but this friendly tone and
it irritated him indescribably.
How happens it that the child is
still awake" he inquired, pointing to
the door. through which could be
heard the little ones voice; and
what is the old woman from the
kitchen doing up here?'
The Mouse is often awake at this
time, Leo" replied Antje, pressing the
stamp down on her letter. and Using
as she spoke. The nurse has gone
down to the village. and old Classen
has come TO take her place; that is
the whole mystery. Will you go in
and see Mousio, Leo?"
so she will get wide awake and
howl the whole night through? No,
thank you" he replied.
Il thought you might like it, Leo
You have no idea what a droll little
thing she is
Have you hunted up the old silk
dresses that beloned to your great
great grand-mOther?" inquired Leo,
eVasiyely. 4 asked you to do it the
day before yesterday. They will have
to be tried on, and perhaps they may
need some alterations"
Yes, Leo, but under the present
circumstances we need not think Of
the costume ball?"
oh, one never can tell, and you
can't get costume at the last
minute / am sure your mother has
only another gastric fever in con-
sequence of her too heavy meals; she
will be quite well again by the time
the masked ball comes off"
He had not yet found an oppor-
tunity for his attack.
May God grant it," said Ante in
a low tone Her voice sounded so
hopeless that he was silent
She took up her work and sat down
on the sofa.
Can you not keep your hands still
for the few minutes that am here, at
least?"
Why of course | can, Leo!
had forgotten that you do not like
crochet, She put her work back into
the dainty basket, and then sat still
with her hands folded.
y should like to know" he began,
as he walked up and down the room.
why under heavens your mother
should send for a lawyer? She made
her will long ago. Is she going TO
change it, or what is the matter? [
suppose she has told you of her in
tentions Probably she wishes 10
tie me up as they say"
Il do not know what her intentions
are" replied Ante.
Indeed? Well | know very well |
what her opinion is If me-.a spend !,
thrift. and Idle fellow, and so on.
Isn't is so? And that is your secret
opinion, too, Ell? You ought to have |
been an obedient daughter, and not !
have insisted on marrying me. You
should have taken your good solid
cousin; it would have been better for
you and for"
proposed. | knew he would"
Agnes-Wen Freddy has finally /
Leo! He was stopped by Shrek
Of anguish DO not say it implore
you-not that"
Antje had started up with face
pale as death, and her trembling
hands caught at his arm. 1T would
not have been better for me-" she
added hastily for l love YOU but
for you, Leo I think so too, now
have thought so for some time"
For some time? What do you
mean?'
Leo, do YOU think l cannot see
how you ard Hilda-"
Leave Hida out of the question,
l beg of you. 1t is a figment of your
brain"
No" she said, firmly, 1T is not
Pigment Of my brain. l have seen
your liking for her grow amid
different from other women?
have always thought you would-yOu
must put an end to it; that you must
come to your senses; but you"
Then you think l am in love with
Hilda?' he inquired, with pretended
calmness
"Oh, no. she replied quickly, in
tone Of honest conviction-'no, Leo
| have too high an opinion of you
both to suppose You capable of an Or
binary intrigue. But you love her,
and | am sorry for you'll am fright
fully sorry for you both, but" and she
put her hands UP before her face, we
are here-the Mouse and land we
cannot vanish off the face of the
earth"
Strong sObs shook her frame which
she strove in vain to conquer, AMI
went she at last succeeded, she Wen.
up to him. He was standing in front
of her bookshelves as if he were eX-
aiming the little library, though he
really saw and felt nothing but the
'tactless sentimentality of a Jealous
woman"
Leo, she began, please, please
try and have confidence in me!
will help you to overcome it. l viii
be your faithful friend, l will do any
thing Think of your child. 1t must
not perceive as its mind awakens
that you and /"
He turned upon her in anger tina
would not be controlled
Will you make my wretched ex
istence a perfect hell upon earth?" h
cried, his face as white as chalk Il
it not enough that you should no