Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1902-01-06


the desire of his fathers heart, yet he
realized that Mary Ellsworth was his
souls choice, that his life would be
dreary without her to share it. But,
knowing his fathers relentless, IN
forgivfng nature, he resolved to give
up the new and stronger love for the
old. So he called Guy Woodward 10
his room and over their pipes tolG
him the story.
Guy" he exclaimed cts hopeless.
impossible l was mad when l asked
her to be my wife l should be mad
der still if I persisted it to the end.
Frankly, Guy, it's kind of thing
that would ruin me utterly if l went
ahead with it. What I am about to
say hurts me terribly, but we are like
brothers and [ must explain it to you.
My father is one Of the most upright
of men, but he has a will of iron and
is as old-fashioned as the lace on
your great-grandmother's Sunday
| cloak. 1t would kill him if l went
against his wishes, and I simply can't
face it-that's all. Guy, will you help
me out of the horrible mess?"
''Why not tell her yourself, like q
MANI"
Manning made a despairing ges-
ture. "You don't know Flora" he
said tits impossible, Guy. I
couldn't face that. Either way I'm
between the devil and the deep sea
the devil Of my fathers wrath and the
deep sea Of her"
Misery" Woodward suggested.
I'm afraid that's the word for It, -
Manning replied, knocking the ashes
from his pipe with a hand that
trembled. Don't let me know any
thing about it, but do it, Guy; do it
| somehow or other-my whole future
| is at a stake"
Guy thought of West Point, IF
school and river, of campfire and
bivouac, of the countless frolics they
had had together from the chadle to
manhood he looked upon his friend S
face, the picture Of misery, and, re-
! 1enting, exclaimed: 'I'll do it, but.
Howard, you are a scoUndrel."
Leaving the house at once Lieu
tenant Woodward secured a passing
carromata and was driven to the little
cottage home. Observing a woman
standing in the door he asked if Mrs.
Ellsworth was at home.
81 am the nurse for her little girl.
| I expect her home every minute she
graciously replied.
Guy alighted and entered the house
! to await her coming. The room was
dark and seemed severely dingy. 1t
| contained the usual suite Of uncOm-
| Portable chairs, two small tables, and
/ for ornament, some wax flowers ar
ranged in a glass case This was oil
and Towards infatuation appeared
more remarkable than ever to his
comrade. Presently, however, as he
! waited, other trifies caught his eye,
and, being a good judge of human
nature, they had for him their full
significance.
The first was child's toy-a head
less horse-evidently thrown down
! after turn at play.
"Her child is often with her-ar
affectionate mother; therefore, has e
heart" unused the lieutenant.
! The second trif1e was bunch OF
violets standing in a cracked jug
filed with water.
Fond of flowers" museG the young
officer Perhaps Manning used to
give her violets. Yes, she certainly
has a heart"
The third trifie was volume OF
Shelley, open at the lines, wherein
lay violet to mark the place:
| The mountains kiss the rivers,
And the rivers kiss the sea;
The winds of heaven embrace the
ocean,
And the lily hugs the lea.
Yet what are all these kissings worth
/ If l kiss not thee?
! THAT settles it, decided Guy. OF
course, she has heart. I shall ap-
peal straight to it, not to her pocket.
That evidently counts for little or she
would not be in these sordid rooms
All, here she is"
A slight rustic at the door, a quick
turn of the handle, and a young
woman entered the room.
Better late than never" she said,
addressing Woodward's back, for that
was all she could see. "You dear old
boy. 1 can't scold you; l am so
awfully glad to see you. Have you
brought the license?" she added, cora
ing softly up behind him. Before he
knew where she was she put her
arms around his neck.
"Have you brought the license? 2"
she repeated. Il should like to see
| it so much. What fun it is-this
secret marriage"
Guy wheeled at once, and as She
saw a strangers face she uttered a
cry of fright and became greatly en-
barrassed.