Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-04-11

DIdNSl(, Will tlSultLSu (OIOl dllu d IldSH
of dark eyes
"'Twas no more than the sudden whim
of a girl" she answered quickly, "and
regretted before YOU were out of sight.
Nor did I dream you would meet my
conditions by such sacrifice"
"You showed small interest as you
stood on the stockade when we went
forthr'
"You mean when Captain de Croix
and leaned above the eastern palisades ?"
Gay, not once did your eyes wander to
mark our progress"
Her eyes were smiling now, and her
face archly uplifted
"Indeed, Master Wayland, little you
know of the struggles of my heart during
that hour. Nor will | tell you; for the
secrets of girl must be her own. But 1
marked each step you took onward to-
ward the Indian camp, until the night
hid you = the night, or else the gathering
tears in my eyes"
The sudden yawing of the boat before
a gust of wind drew my thought elsewhere
and kept back the words ready upon my
tongue. When once more [ had my
bearings and had turned back the plung-
ing bow, she sat silent, deep in thought
that [ hesitated to disturb. Soon [ noted
her head droop slightly to the increased
movement of the boat.
"You are worn out" [ said tenderly.
"Lean here against me, and sleep"
Indeed, I feel most weary" was her
drowsy reply. "Yes, | will rest for few
moments"
How clear remains the memory of those
hours, while | sat watchful Of the helm,
her head resting peacefully on my lap, and
all about us those lonely tossing waters!
1t was with heart thankful to God, that
watched the slow stealing upward of the
gray dawn as the early rays of light crept
toward us across the heaving of the waters
1t was typical of all had hoped - this,
and the black shadows fleeing away into
the west. Brighter and brighter grew the
crimsoning sky over the boats bow, where
Burns lay sleeping, until my eyes could
distinguish a far-off shore-line heavily
crowned with trees. [ thought to rouse
her to the glorious sight; but even as l
glanced downward into the fair young
face, her dark eyes .,ened in instant smile
of greeting.
otis the morning" she said gladly,
"and that dark, dark night has passed
away"
"For ever, Mademoiselle; and there
is even a land of promise to be seen out
yonder?'
She sat up quickly, shading hereyes with
her hand as she gazed with eagerneSS to-
ward where [ pointed.
"Think you we shall find shelter and
friends there ?"
"The haIf-breed chief said there were
yet white settlers upon the Saint Joseph,
Mademoiselle; and the mouth of that
river should be easily found.
She turned toward me, a slight froUn
darkening her face.
II wish you would not call me Made
moiselle," she said slowly. cit is as if we
were still mere strangers; and you said
Elsa Matherson was to be as your sister"
I bent over her suddenly, all my re-
pressed love glowing in my face.
"Toinettep' [ whispered passionately,
~ would call you by dearer name than
that - by the dearest of all dear names
if l might, for you have won my heart in
the wilderness"
For single instant she glanced shyly
up into my face, her own crimson at my
sudden ardor. Her eyes dropped and
hid themselves behind their long lashes.
"Those who sent you forth seeking a
sister might not thus wish to welcome
Elsa Matherson," she said softly.
IT'S venture most gladly make, :"
| Insisted, "and would seal it with kiss :"
Hereyes flashed up at me, full of sudden