Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-05-12
Esh' zs'zHEa


CHAPTER T.
She's like Margaret; she's really
one of us" remarked Mrs. Forrest to
her brother. She carries herself as
Margaret did in her girlhood, and she's
dark as we all are.
Il hope she's escaped the Cameron
traits; they're unattractive," said Rod
ney Merriam
Mrs. Forrest and Zelda Cameron, her
piece who were just home from a five
years absence abroad, had so to speak,
stepped directly from the train into
Mrs. Cars drawing room. The place
was full Of women, old and young,
and their animated talk blended.
Mrs. Carr was forcing the season a
trifle-it was near the end of Septem-
ber-but the dean of famous college
for women had come to town unex-
pectedly, and it was not Mrs. Cars
way to let heat or cold interfere with
her social inclinations. Mrs. Forrest
and her brother had ceased talking to
watch their niece. The girls profile
was turned to them, and the old gen
tleman noted the good points of her
face and figure. She was talking to
several other girls, and it seemed to
him that they showed her a Difference.
Zelda turned from her companions
suddenly. She crossed swiftly to her
uncle with a happy exclamation:
This is indeed an occasion! Be
hold my long-lost uncle," She seized
his hands eagerly.
And you are Zelda-our little Zee."
quite that! We must be acquaint-
ed Perhaps we shall be friends who
knows? Aunt Julia promised to ar
range it-and I'm not used to being
disappointed"
Zelda was name that had been
adopted in the Merriam family long
ago. A great many people had never
known that old Roger Merriam's
wifes name was Zelda, so generally
was Zee applied to her even in her
old age Margaret Dameron's child
had been called Little Zee while her
grandmother lived and until her aunt
had taken her away; and now, on her
temperance in MariOna she was quite
naturally spoken Of at Zee Damron.
There was a usefulness in the girls
ewes that touched Rodney Merriam by
the suggestion Of her dead mother, the
sister that had been the pride of the
Merriams. Mrs. Forrest watched her
brother curiously She had speculat-
ed much about this meeting. Rodney
Merriam was away from home great
deal He had reached Mariona at noon
from trip into Canada, and had gone
to Mrs Cars in pursuit of his sister.
Mrs. Forrest understood perfectly that
her brother had come to Mrs. Cars
tea chiefly that ne might casually, ana
without apparent interest. inspect his
niece. Rodney Merriam was wary Of
y,S. 70
ana Mrs. Forrest were, it was said in
Nariona, the only Merriams who could
safely be asked to the same table, or
who were not likely to cause embar-
rassment if they met anywhere. He
had not spoken to Ezra Cameron, Zsl-
da's father, for ten years, and the name
Cameron was an oftense in his nos
trus. hut the girl was clearly Mer-
riasn: She was the child Of his favor
ite sister and he hoped it would be
possible to like her
Yes. we shall be friends-much
more than friends" he said, kindly.
You must come and see me; Aunt
Julia has graduated me, and I'm back
on my native heath to stay"
Come and tell me what YOU have
learned in distant lands-aad I'll tell
YOU what 10 forget. Here's Morris
Leighton: l want Won TO know him,
Zee" said Rodney Merriam
Merriam moved away through the
crowd followed by his sister.
You know Uncle Rodney very well
don't you2" said Zelda to Leighton.
"He was always my hero. When l was
a little sirl l used to sit on a trunk
in his garnet and watch him fence with
German fencing master. 1t was
great fun"
Il sometimes fence with Mr.. Mer-
Ram myself. l assure YOU that his
hand and eye have not lost their cum
Ming"
Norris Leighton's social adventures
had not lacked variety. He knew. a
good deal about girls and while a
young man is stin under so the delu-
sion serves all the purposes of actual
knowledge. Rodney Merriam had often
spoken to Leighton of Zelda Damer-
on's homecoming.
Zelda Dameron's return TO Mariona
was more of an event than she herself
understood. The Merriams were an
Interesting family; they were, indeed.
o@e Of the first families. There were
Nerrians about whom people laughed
cynieally; but Mrs. Forrest did not be-
long to this faction, nor did Rodney
Merriam, of whom most people stood
in awe. There had been much specu-
latioa. IN advance Of Zclda's coming,
as to her probable course when she
should return to Mariona with her
aunt. Many had predicted that she
would not so to live with her father
that Mrs. Forrest and Rodney Mer-
riam would save her from that: but
Zelda was already domiciled in her
fathers house.
Mrs. Forrest led her brother to
alcove OF Mrs. Cars library, and sent
him TO bring a cup of tea to her there
She was afraid to wait for better
opportunity; she must take advanta 60
of his first impression at once. He
brought what was offered at the buffet
In the dining room, and gave her his
serious attention.
This isn't quite the place I should
have chosen for a reunion after thret
years" he began. Where was it
saw you last? Geneva? I believe il