Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-07-08
A Daughter Of the People.

on one of the front seats of the brake
during the drive, while Muriel and the
little comedian sat Immediately behind
them
Arrived in the Fairies Glen, the party
split up into twos and threes, to wander
about till tea-time
Miss Bellenger's, went to her side direct
~ he got chance, and besought her TO
stroll along the valley with him.
She glanced at Harvey Riddell. His
eyes were fixed on Muriel, who stood in
uncertainty, not quite knowing what to
do or where TO go.
"Mr. Riddell, will you come with Mr..
Flynn and me? We are going for a
stroll before tea" the leading lady called
out.
Riddell saw his oppol tunity, and was
not slow to seize it.
ooh, nonsense" he replied genially.
"Two's company, three's none, you know.
If | came with you Flynn would be my
enemy for life. Besides, Miss Ambrose
has promised to show me the local
sights" and, before either Miss Bellenger
or Muriel could recover from the aston
ishment caused by his words, he had
drawn the young girls arm through his,
and was walking off towards the Fairies
Wood at the end of the glen.
The little wood proved to be a charm
ing place, carpeted with moss, under
over arching boughs, through which the
sunlight fell fitfully.
Harvey only began to speak after they
had got into the shade, and he spoke of
what he knew TO be most interesting to
the girl-of her career, of the successes
she would achieve in London.
For you will never stay, dragging the
golden wings of your genius through the
dust and dirt of the provinces" he said.
Il hoped, years ago, to play in town;
yet | am still here. But l regret it less
now that it has been the means of bring
ing about an acquaintanceship with
you!" ---Ss-. 'sFe'' 4asasA'Fss~s
Muriel started and flushed. Riddell
saw the movement, and, as if uncon-
sciously, drew her closer to his side.
"All the world has seemed brighter for
me these last few weeks" he went On.
"0nly to know you are in the company
makes me feel happier, although you are
so cruel to me. Ny acquaintance with
you has been the one bright spot in a
wasted life. Why do you persistently
avoid me, Miss Ambrose?"
81 do not know what you mean, Mr..
Riddell. As rule. there is no occasion
for us to meet, except in the way of
business"
do you never make friends, them"
asked Riddell pathetically. my life is
so lonely, far away from those I love.
My dream has always been to have some
dear girl-friend; one who was beautiful
and clever, too, and now l have found
you-but you stand aloof. Doubtless
your road through life has been in high
places, and you despise the poor actor!"
ooh, mol indeed" protested Muriel
earnestly, partly treasured by his words.
you are quite mistaken. l would glad
ly be your friend; only / thought
heard-that you were married"
''You think, then, that, unless a man
can live with his wife, he must be ex-
cluded from female society altogether
Yet, long sometimes for the companion
ship of woman to whom / could impart
all my thoughtsi"
1T is very sad for you, certainly" said
Muriel, rather puzzled But, surely,
your wife would be miserable if she
thought that other women were enjoying
your society when she herself hardly
sees you from one years end to another"
Harvey made slight gesture of i'm
patience.
"Why should she mindY She cares
nothing for me" he affirmed
"She doesn't care for you!" exclaimed
Muriel, in astonishment Then, as she
looked up into the eyes that all women
admired, and some found irresistible, she
added impulsively-"She must care for
you'll"
Riddell felt a thrill of triumph run
through him at her words.
Perhaps there is nothing about me
to induce any woman to care" he said,
gently pressing her hand.
Muriel drew hastily away from his
side.
"Mr. Riddell," she said, firmly, 81 am
grateful to you for coming here with me
but now wish to return, and find the
others!"
Riddell looked round. No one was in
sight; the little wood was apparently
deserted, save for themselves.
Not yet" he exclaimed Electrically
Miss Ambrose-Violet, I love you-I
cannot let you go'-and finging his
arms around the frightened girl he
pressed his lips to hers.
Help, help!" cried Muriel. How dare
youl Let me go! Let me go!"
The next moment the bushes parted,
and Margaret Bellenger stepped forward,
and stood with blazing eyes gazing at
the couple, while behind her appeared
the amazed face of little Dolf Flynn, the
comedian.
Riddell loosed his hold of Muriel, who
sank, sobbing, to the ground, her hand
kerchief pressed to her lips, as though to
wipe away the shame of the insult.
The two men looked at the other wom-
an-Harvey Riddell curiously, as though
studying an effect; Doll in fear as to
what would follow.
But, for the moment, Miss Bellenper
was past speaking. Her face was white
with passions her whole form trembled.
The little comedian stopped, and laid
his hand on Muriefs shoulder, with a
kindly touch.