Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-11-17
The Founding



H7 UNITE" said Elsie haywood,
IN Arthur has something TO ask
you, and l hope you will be
pleased"
well" said her aunt, "go and tell
him / will be there in a few minutes.
But you will not be offended, dear, if
1 ask you something first Elsie, do
you love him?"
"Of course l love him, auntie. Do
you think 1 would marry him if 1 did
not?"
"Then, if you are still of the same
mind after you have heard what
have to tell you, shall give my con-
sent" She then entered the parlor.
Arthur Glidden, the young man who
was waiting there, was the son of the
richest man in the place. His face,
though not handsome, had look
which made one trust him. He had
succeeded i'll winning the love of Elsie,
and now he had come to ask Miss
haywood to give her consent TO their
marriage. He was noble young fell
low, and stated his case most eloquent
ly. Indeed, it would have taken a
harder hearted person than Miss May
wood to refuse him. When he had
finished she said
IF you are still of the same mind
after hearing what l have to say to-
night. l will give my consent gladly"
Going to the door. she called Elsie,
who had been vaguely wondering what
her aunt's words meant.
"Auntie can't be feeling WELL" she
was saying to herself, ''or she would
never talk So"
Just then she heard her aunt call
her. so she entered the parlor.
Elsie, sit here by me, dear" said
Arthur,
.'Yes. do, Elsie" said her aunt. ''for
I have long story to tell you, and
YOU would get tired standing" So Ell
sic sat down beside Arthur on the
sofa, and Miss haywood commenced.
I'm the first place. children" she said,
s'let me tell you that Elsie is not my
niece at all, but"
Elsie jumped from the sofa.
.Auntier' she exclaimed.
II know. dear" said Miss haywood.
s'No doubt you think me crazy, but
assure you 1 am perfectly sane"
Elsie sank back on the sofa. and
Miss haywood continued: 1T was a
dark. stormy night, just eighteen years
ago: was sitting before the fire think
inc. NV thoughts were not pleasant
ones. for just three years ago that
night was to have been my wedding
night. But again the same old story
Ne quarreled over tritie and parted
for life. The wind seemed TO sympa-
thize with me. Tor il howled and
moaned in such a dismal manner that
could not help feeling thankful that
had roof over my head this dreary
night, and hoped there was no one out
in the storm. AS Il in answer 70 my
thoughts, the doorbell rang. and as
Jane was in bed l answered il myself.
on opening the door l saw before me
mar with large basket on his arm.
He set the basket down inside the
door and said; The letter will explain
everything, ma'am' He then turned
quickly, ran down the steps, and was
lost to sight in the darkness.
at all happened in less time than il
takes 10 tell. and l was so surprised |
hardly knew what to do. l picked IN
the basket. which was rather heavy.
carried it into the dining room, and set
il on the table. AS I did so there IS
sued from feeble vail. ike that OF
an infant. l ran for Jane 10 come and
open it, for l would not dare. as my
nerves were all unstrung. She came
and together we opened the basket
There, nesting cozily. was the sweet
est little baby of perhaps 6 months
She opened her biz blue eyes and