Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-06-11
CAMILLE
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Candles eyes were apt to linger on
the red-tiled attractive house until q
gray-haired man with q slight stoop
came slowly out on the stone-pillared
porch, and, sinking in a cushioned chair,
would lean back YEARLY, letting the
sun creep up and pour over him as 1t
flooded the garden with warmth and
light, among a storm of joyous twit-
teEing from sparrows, thrush and red
bird.
Camille, young and energetic, while
busy with her sweeping and busting
and the care of her flowers In boxes in
the bay window, felt profound COM
passion for the invalid across the way,
whose great wealth could not give him
health or the sympathetic companion
ship he must crave, Camille felt sure.
His valet and butler and respectable
looking housekeeper, whom Camille met
one evening when taking a short cut to
the shopping street of the little town,
as she passed in front of the gate,
were all very attentive to their en-
ployer. Money could command that, of
course But Alexander Reed, who was
not yet middleaged, seemed very lone
~, had q high-bred, handsome face, in
spite of its thinness and pallOr, and
his smile was very attractive, Camille
thought, the day his horses plunged
and reared at the sight Of her sitting
by the roadside reading. He had raised
his hat and bowed, smilingly, when the
coachman, quieting them. drove off rap
idly.
Camille's life was q very busy one.
What time she could spare from her
err, for whose health Camille had taken
the cottage in the pretty town among
the mountains of the Blue Ridge, was
devoted to giving French and music
lessons, even up to 8 o'clock ct night,
when Carl Hampton, rich coal deal
er. insisted on learning verbs and gen.
ders three times a week.
How was Camille to guess 1t was the
beauty of her gray eyes and oval face
and admiration for her courageous ac-
ceptance of life's burdens, and her low
ing devotion to the gentle invalid, which
had induced the stout and prosperous
German whom she had met casually
to plunge into the study of French,
which he abhorred?
Money! Money is the most impor-
tant thing in life, little mother" Ca
mile declared while kneeling in front
of the fire toasting mullins and making
chocolate for the invalid.
Il thought you said love and home
happiness were the most important"
her mother answered, smiling.
THAT was long ago. To-day 1 put
money first, because money gives health
and happiness" Camille declared,
brightly. Just think of all could do
for you, mumsey, if we were rich The
doctor says you ought to so out for
hours every day. Wouldn't it be glo-
rious if I could order up a comfortable
carriage and take you driving every aft
ernoon?"
IF money could give back health.
our neighbor across the way, who owns
such a beautiful home, would get well
and strong. The doctor says he is
gradually sinking. He does not seem to
take the least interest in anything. DR..
Perrin told me yesterday he scattered
his wealth lavishly to help others, and
that while he processes no religion. he
is a great philanthropist. He Is always
doing kind deeds in an transformations
way"
Ann. the small country girl whom
Camille employed to help in household
matters. ran in eXcitedly to say that
Mr.. Reeds carriage was at the front
door. His note to Candles mother,
handed in by the footman, begged her
to make use Of 1t for drive the wealth
er being so fine.
did / not say, little mother, that
money is the greatest blessing In the
whole worldf" Camille said. joyously,
having accepted in a formal note of
thanks her neighbours victoria, while
getting her mother into some warm
wraps, and gayly pinning on her own
hat.
Money gives the means to do kind
ness, child. but not the heart or the
goodness to execute It." he: mother re.