Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-02-08
VALENTINES MISSION.
BY Ella FL. Strattnn.

CCCSCSCSCNCNcSCSCSCSNCoE
n Ellie PRESTON was the pretty
daughter of a wealthy father, so,
IL naturally, she did not lack for low
ers-scores of them. Leon Farrell had
been her champion knight ever since he
drew her to school on fright red Sled
which was the envy of the other lads
both the sled and its occupant, for that
matter.
She had accepted him as her Valentine
every year since they first knew when St
Valentines Day came, and a rosewood
box, dedicated to her choicest treasures,
contained a package of flowers. cupds
and doves bound by ribbon tied in
true lovers knot. Icons valentines were
carefully preserved-every one-while the
others, which she received without num-
Der, were carelessly thrown aside, or Civ
en- to delight the hearts of her younger
sisters
Straws show which way the wind
blows, it is often said, and perhaps it is
true; but l am quite sure that neither of
the young people noticed which way
these straws of lOye-making were point
ing until Belle was sixteen, and Leon four
years older-almost of age, as he proudly
said.
1t happened in this way-the old old
way in which love awakens by jealousy.
handsome engineer. named George
Wilde, came to the town, in the employ
of the proposed railroad company. At
tracted by Bellies piquant beauty, he paid
her marked attentions, to the great dis
gust of her would-be admirers-of Leon
Farrell in particular.
Then fhpv bad fhoir o,,o.nol
ended much more happily than such af
fairs generally do. After a stormy inter
view, in which Belle protested that she
had always considered him as a dear
brother, and always should do so. matters
were arranged to their mutual satisfac-
ton, and Leon walked home with the
dignity of an engaged man-conditional-
ly engaged. however, for it was agreed
that the consent of all interested must he
gained.
Bellies parents made no serious objec-
ton, except as to the age of the contract
ing parties, and the time which they must
be content to wait for a wedding. But
an unexpected obstacle appeared in Leon's
path. While Bellies parents were wealthy.
he had his own way to make in the world,
unless you can call faint hope that he
cherished of being heir to his bachelor
uncle, John Hanson, great expeditions"
When Mrs. Farrell, in fear and trem-
bling, notified this uncle of Icons wishes,
as she did rs soon as she knew it her
self, she received short, crisp letter in
reply.
IF my nephew Leon pleases me in ev-
cry respect, he will be my heir" it ran.
81 have seen enough of the daughters of
wealthy men-heartess creatures!-and
the first thing that shall require of him
is to take wife OF my selection. But
there is time enough for that ten years
from row. Send the boy to me. Hard
work will cure his fancy.
JOHN HANSON"
Leon went TO his uncle's obediently af-
ter an interview with Belle. in which both
promised eternal fidelity after the man.
ner of lovers, and, as soon as he was
initiated into his business, his uncle came
to consult with the anxious mother.
Almost as soon as he was in the house
Belle went tripping by, with a bright
smile for Icons mother"
1t was then that he first saw his ne
phew's choice, and, while his heart GER
tainly beat faster for a moment his lips
closed in such resolute way that Mrs.