Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-12-17
a CROWN OF FAITH


And Lionel obeyed. He felt like one
in a dream. He could not believe that he
was awake, and alive, and in his senses
and yet that Ella Wycherly, the idol wor-
SHIPPED in the deepest deep OF his heart,
the shrined goddess of his alteration, the
being to be loved at a distance, never
addressed Familiarity, never approached as
an equal; that Ella Wycaerly was with
him alone, talking to him kindly, never
measuring the measureless distance that
separated them, with SO much as one
glance Of hauteur, or one cold, conde-
scending word
Alone with Ella Wycherly In her sum-
mer bsnse! What charming room 1t
was There was a bay-window looking
south over the park, and the undulating
country beyond; lovely landscape in
summer, and even now, faded and gray
as were the woods and downs. There
were farm stacks, and red tiles, and
tall church spire, and the matched roofs
of cottages, cleaning in the pale sun
shine. and dotting the scene with color.
"Sit down, Mr.. Leigh" said Ella, sink
ing into a chair and taking of her hat.
What would Miss Worthington say IL she
saw as now"
'Miss wycherly, If l thought for a
moment that you compromised yourself
by this condescension-"
Please do hold your peace!" said
Ella; don't let us have word of the
sort am afraid you think me an un-
ladylike young lady, Mr.. Leigh"
"No."
when you understand me better, sir,
you will find me honest and truthful and
feminine enough, in all conscience. You
are so true a gentleman, sir-so high
minded, that there is no need for poor
little me to assert my dignity. | feel as
il you were my wise elder brother, Mr..
Leigh"
'You have no brother, Miss Wycherly?"
''No brother, and no sister. am alone
-alone-alone /"
There was pathos, there was passion in
the young woman's voice. and there were
in her eyes tears, which sparkled in the
faint sunshine that came In at the bay
window.
alone with parents, with wealth, with
friends"
81 have no friends"
Lionel looked his amazement. Was this
beautiful girl fooling him, or were there
truth and sorrow in the tones of her
voice? That sweet voice had sunk to a
minor key She clasped her hands tight
", and turned her fine face, aglow with
strange excitement, toward the wide
bay-wndow and that landscape, warmed
by the feeting November sunshine.
ind 70 ba
dant of you, Mr.. Leigh-shall I? Tell
me, has mamma ever waxed ar all the
very least confidential with yon?"
Never once, Miss Wycherly.-
"She may: she may tell you secret
some day; if she does''-coming close to
him. and placing a slight hand on each
of his shoulders, so that she could look
into his eyes-''if she does, tell me-"
II will, indeed"
He trembled under her touch. He
would have forfeited ten kingdoms, ten
crowns for the bliss of holding her one
instant-just one instant-against his
heart. and pressing one, only one. kiss
upon the red beautiful lips; but he re-
strained himself.
Suddenly they heard steps, quick and
impatient. outside, and the door burst
open unceremoniously. Miss Worthing-
ton, with her gold eye-glass, large hat
on her head, came toward the table and
the remains of the little luncheon. She
stood still. and stared at Lionel Leigh
This is not the way to gain recon-
mendations, sir, from one family to an
other 1 think / must hint to you that
Miss Wycherly will discontinue her Ger
man lessons"
II shall not y cried Ella decidedly; 81
shall continue to learn German"
From lady," said Miss Worthington.
mo; from Mr.. Leigh. | like Mr..
Leigh. Miss wortkington."
Miss Wycherly, return to the house.
wish to speak privately to this gentle
man."
Ella Wycherly turned her face toward
the door, her back upon Miss Worthing-
ton: but she did not run down the steps
Immediately.
do not scold Mr.. Leigh she said. 1T
met him--I made him come here"
Il am grieved, Miss Wychnriy," cried
Lionel. 'that l took advantage of your
kindness, if ry doing so has caused blame
to fall upon you" Then, turning toward
the stony face, sheltered by the great hat,
he continued: Miss Worthington, l apol-
ogize most humbly to Miss Wycherly, to
you. To-"
The English governess interrupted him
with wave of her hand.
IF you please, Mr.. Leigh. we will dis
cuss this when that young lady is gone
is absent. Ella, CO. Sir" she said to
Lionel, II do not think any explanation
you can offer will justify your conduct
this morning. | take upon myself sir. TO
inform you that your services as German
master will no longer De required at
Wycherly Hail."
Lionel bowed, took his hst. and walked
away.