Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-01-08


knock was heard and his dear old moth
ers face appeared at the door.
My dear son, | want to be the first
to congratulate you upon leaving your
bed. Merry Christmas, Victor" she add
ed in a seemingly happy voice, but
through tear bedimmed eyes.
Mother, my happiness is gone. Christ
mas does not possess any cheerfulncss
fer me any more" he made answer, quite
respondent. Nobody can fill the aching
void in my heart; not even the most pure
and angelic being on earth | loved Bea-
trice to the utmost love her yet-al-
ways!'
your sorrow is yet too recent. Time
will change your heart, l hope" she re-
sponded warmly.
eff it should, it would require a great
deal of time at least-perhaps never.
| will go to work as soon as | am able,
which will help me to forget, perhaps.
The world is large and / hope there is
still a place left in it for me, though I
am branded a thief. But now let us go;
the bell has already rung for breakfast"
Mrs. Raymond conducted her son, for
the first time in many weeks, to the ia
BILE.
"Well, WE'LL" exclaimed Count Ed
mund, joyfully "Allow me to congratu-
late you upon your recovery"
Thanks! 1t is high time," replied
Victor. Besides, l have greatly i'm
posed on your hospitality, and ought to
come to a definite conclusion
At these words Edith's face turned
pale, which was only perceived by Vic
tors mother, who entertained faint
hope for the girl.
do not be in too great haste" inter
posed the old host, cheerily. "Why do
you wish to leave in such hurry? We
are all very we'll pleased at being able to
enjoy your company"
Your kindness, dear count, makes
me feel wretched. And is it not better
to Danish my gloomy thoughts by labor
What is your opinion, Miss Edith ?"
II would propose that you try your
strength by a walk to the church be
fore l reply. The sky is clear, the dis
lance is not very great and you can en-
joy little fresh air"
Accordingly, after breakfast, they were
soon on their way to the chapel. Never
before had a sermon made such deep
impression upon Edith, while that morn
ing's walk was destined to be indelibly
stamped upon her memory like an illum-
mating morning star.
And Victor? Was he also conscious
Of the sweet moments? or did he think Of
another girl, who, he fancied, bowed her
head in the hymn book in that pew yon-
der in the old church at Easton, or did
he attentively follow the ministers
words?
Gertrude Stratmore was the eldest
daughter Of the count She possessed
gracious manners, a noble attitude, and
a singularly fine form. The merry smile
which played around her mouth on that
Christmas morning was increased as she
noticed a light carriage stop at the gate
Of the castle and a young man of some
thirty years alight. At his entrance her
face flushed and her hand was longer
retained than common courtesy demand
ed.
Welcome to Stratmore Castlev' ex-
claimed the countess, extending her hand
to the arrival, adding: Il see you did not
fear the long distance"
ooh, no. My mind was occupied by
the thoughts of your kindness, which,
consequently, saved me from monotony,"
he rejoined CALAMITY, and Nilssen's look
glided upon Gertrude's beaming face.
LAS the morning is charming the young
ladies should enjoy a stroll"
Gertrude and Constance gladly con-
scented, and by mutual agreement the
party followed a road which led past DIR.
Ralston's residence The doctor took
the place of his brother, Col. Ralston,
and accompanied Baron Nilsson and the
two ladies.
"Now I will have my quiet wish fulfill
ed, Constance" said the doctor, his voice
as happy as his face. II never could
have enjoyed Christmas without being in
your presence.
Console yourself, Anton" she said,
softly. do I not love you, and is not
that all sufficient
Yes, l realize it. and will not envy
the baron any further" he assured, press
ing her hand. but look at our COM
panions." pointing to Gertrude and Nils
sen; "they seem to understand one an
other And how is our patient progress
ing. I am immensely interested in him;
his fate arouses my deepest interest"
"Finely He is a noble man, and yet
wish he had never entered our house.
He is loved too ardently by one. Poor
Edith, she perceives the misfortune her
heart endures, and yet she does not pos
sess the power to save herself
Gertrude, a happy star, or. I might
better say, your mothers kindly invita-
ton. has brought us together to-day
Baron Nilsson explained to the girl by
his side, bowling and taking her hand.
For a long time l have been wishing
for proper opportunity to converse with
you alone. Can you suffer my presence,
dear Gertrude?'
She shyly averted her face.
Dear Gertrude he continued, II am
so lonesome at Oakdale. Certainly have
many friends and receive numerous in
vitations, but company does not have
any attractions for me unless l can have
i in my own home. I am longing for