Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1900-12-26
CHAPTER III.

saw her and went ont to meet ner, Tor
she was eager TO inquire how she found
herself after the frightful accident which
came so near proving fatal.
Il have entirely recovered from its eff
fects,' was Mildred's answer.
"YOu don't know how frightened
was" said Alice.
Were you? Well you look happy
now and she looked down into the dark
eyes, full of the hearts sunshine. You
are happy Mildred went on to say, and
/ think l know the cause. Come, iAlice,
let MS walk little while in this calm
twilight so that M9at can tell me all about
it"
Il have little to tell you, dear Mildred"
said Alice, with smile.
Il know you haven't All that you
can say will not reveal to ME more than
your looks have done already. You have
promised Clarence Hafleigh that you will
be his wife,
"No, not exactly that. Uncle Wal
worth says he isn't yet quite prepared
to give his consent
why need the stiff old Puritan know
anything about it?"
''AIildredw
What a world of reproof you some
times contriye to throw into a single in
Election of that sweet voice of yours,
Well, | was wrong, and will never again
call him stiff old Puritan as long as l
live, since you dislike to hear me-"
Uncle Walworth does what he thinks
is just and right, and as he is my guar
dian, | am bound to respect his wishes"
If you and Clarence are not betrothed,
he has told you that he prefers you above
all others. This much | am certain of;
it is no use for you to deny it"
It shall not attempt it, then"
"And in return for the precious boon,
you are, doubtless, required to refuse all
offers during his absence. If one of Eng
lands proudest mobiles should sue for
your hand, you will consider yourself
bound not to listen TO his suit?"
Il should have no wish TO listen to iC."
''And you imagine that Harleigh will
prove to be insensible to the charms OF
the lovely and fascinating ladies that give
grace and brilliancy to the court of the
merry monarch? My sweet Alice, believe
no such thing. | know Clarence Har-
leigh better than you do"
A troubled look stole over the face of
Alice. As Mildred stealthily watched the
smile lowered on her lips After ? few
moments silence, as Alice raised her
eyes to Nfildred's she caught Il CLEAN of
their cold glittering light
II think said she, that I know Clar-
ence Harleigh well enough to trust him"
thine will prove which of us is right"
AS Mildred said this they entered the
| house. Through the open door they
I L. IL
Mr.. Walworth. The latter, though tall
and lean, showed marks of no inconsid-
cradle muscular vigor, while certain
lines, deeply traced on his countenance,
were expressive O. mental energy and
| great firmness of purpose. Being seldom
relaxed or frightened with smile, a
stern, almost harsh, look had gradually
| settled upon his features. Harleigh, ON
the other hand, whose form was peculiar
| ly fine, and whose whole appearance car
ried with il an air of true nobility, was
| a genuine representative of the cavalier.
As Alice and Mildred were about to en-
ter the room where Mr. Walwo-t h and
Harlegh WERE Gilbert Falkland, as if
that moment returned from his hunting
expedition, made his appearance at the
| outer door. Mildred, unobserved by Alice,
fell back behind her little and said to
him quickly;
81 am going to have little CONVERSE
ton with Harleigh. Remember that,
meanwhile, you are to entertain Alice"
This was said in a manner which car
ried more significance with it than the
mere words. Falkland nodded in return,
in way that said, Il understand your
meaning"
Come. Alice" said Mildred. why
should we lnger here any longer? Can
| dies will be brought in soon, and it will
be best for me TO pay my respects to your
austere uncle. in case he should conde-
scend to notice me in the twilight 1t
will sober down these brilliant hles, .
she added, glancing at her dress.
"As you are naturally timid" said
Falkland. with a light laugh. THE veil
! of twilight will serve to hide your en-
! barrassment"
At tle moment she placed her foot on
| the threshold, Mildred quickly and adroit-
| ly removed the tilct worn by Alice, caus-
| ing the bright tresses which it held in
| bondage to fall over her shoulders Alice
would have demonstrated, but was pre-.
vented by Mildred, who in a playful man
ner placed her hand over her mouth.
81 am determined" said she, that
Harleigh, before he leaves, shall, for
once. have some faint idea of what you
would be if permitted to make the best
of those advantages which nature has be
slowed on you with so lavish hand"
us it. all things considered exactly
| politic?" Falkland whispered, 50 closely
| to Mildred's ear that she alone could hear
| him.
you will see," was her answer. "and
| you mustn't forget to do as | told you"
Alice, except that she dreaded rebuke
| from her uncle, was not sorry for what
/ Mildred had done, for, of course. she
! could not fail to be aware that well as
her pure, transparent complexion and
| perfect features bore the ordeal Of the
plain, almost stiff style OF dress she was
required to adopt, they would be seen TO
| better advantage partly shaded by her
| rich brown hair.
| After listening to the insinuations of
Mildred. respecting Harleigh, Alice felt
! distrustful Of her power over him, and
/ shrank from the idea, on his arrival at
| England. Of his comparing her with the
! celebrated court beauties. which made
/ her the more anxious ia appear TO the
best advantage.
/ Harleigh 1t their entrance. turned
/ from the ildew. and WAS coming for
ward to meet them when Mildred. hasten
/ ing towards bin. placed her hand on his
| arm.
! Permit me, said she. 90 command
! your exclusive attention for few mo-
| ments | hear that you are soon going
/ to leave Us. and ! have q few verbal
| messages TO send to acquaiutances. and