Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1903-02-02
A Broken Wedding Ring

By Bertha ". Clay.

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not give her love and happiness. 1t
was late in life for him to make this
unpleasant discovery. What could he
do for her Sir Basil liked her; he was
quite sure of that. He seemed happy
always when he was with her; he
sought her society frequently-why
should he not love her?
+ 1t struck him suddenly one morning
that, if Sir Basil only knew how mat
tiers stood, he might, in all probability
would, ask Leah to marry him.
81 spoke to Lady Bourgoyne at
once" he said to himself, when the
major told me that she would never be
happy woman unless I married her.
The chances are that in the same cir
cumstances Sir Basil would follow my
example"
He determined that, as he was
Leah's guardian, uncle, and adopted
father, he was the right person to give
this delicate hint.
A favorable opportunity occurred a
few days afterWard. He overlook Sir
Basil who was strolling on the beach
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Redeemed all over his honest bronzed
! face when he thought of the great in
terest at stake, and how much de-
pended on the result of the conversa-
ton.
They first discussed the weather
and matters Of general interest. Then
Sir Arthur began cautiously to feel
his way He always thought after
ward that this conversation had been
a masterpiece Of diplomacy. He com
menced to talk about Glen and it's sur
roundings.
''You will want mistress for that
! beautiful home of yours some day, Sir
Basil" he said.
The young baronet laughed.
81 suppose So" he said.
Have you begun to think Of looking
OUT, or settling down. or whatever it
is called" asked the general.
"No; have not had time. I am in
no hurry; I should like to make some
position for myself before think of
marriage" said the young baronet.
"Quite right" cried the general,
hastily He must not show his
hand too soon. Are you ambitious!"
he asked, suddenly.
Yes" was the frank reply. For
my part, do not believe in hereditary
position; I believe that every man
should carve out name and fame for
himself. I. for instance, would far
rather be known as Basil Carlton,
statesman, or skillful soldier, or able
writer, than merely as Sir Basil Carl
ton of Glen"
Il hope to Heaven" said the gen
eral, that you are not radical!'-and
his thoughts flew back to Martin Ray.
} mo, am not radical; but I think
there are many fine and noble men in
England to be foud among the radi-
cals,''
''That may be- acknowledged Sir
Arthur. Politics." he continued,
lis fair game, at which every man
can play. / respect the convictions Of
every honest man; but 1 loathe and
detest men who trade upon others,
make tools of them, and foster rebel
! lion and murder
''That is not radicalism," said Sir
Basil, calmly.
But it was not politics that the gen
eral wished to discuss.
81 suppose you would like to go into
parliament, Sir BASIL" he remarked.
Il have often thought of it" he said;
"and I shall most certainly try for it.
That is my ideal life-to serve my
country in some way during part of
/ the year, and to live on my estate dur
ing the remainder. One of my great
est ambitions is to have model es
tate"
"a very noble ambition, too" re-
marked the general 81 approve Of
that. And you 40 not think Of marry
ing yet? But you will want wife
to do the honors for you, if you carry
out your plans"
81 had better make my mark first"
he said.
The general looked at him keenly.
| ttYou are not one of those who des-
pise marriage. or think it of little con
sequence" he Queried.
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one step in life that makes or mars a
man; his happiness or misery most
certainly depends upon it; therefore,
hope to look before leap"
"Quite right" said the general; ''you
could not do better. Men have such
different tastes. Now, what is your
idea of a wife?"
| Gil. pocil Io1obo1
Il do not low that I have formed
one yet"
The general looked relieved. If his
heart was yet untouched, why could he
not learn to love Leah?
Il should like to know" he said,
thoughtfully, what you would expect
in wife. What are the qualifications
you deem necessary in woman who
would aspire to that positiOn?'
81 have never thought about it;
suppose my ideas are not different
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