Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-02-13
CHAPTER xII.-(Continued.)


preceding evening. While indulging in
thoughts and feelings little to the advan-
tage Of Alice Dale. the door opened and
a lady. closely yelled. was admitted Har'
leigh handed her a chair, which she ac-
ceptcd in silence.
Half an hour | think you said was the
time you wish to remain?' said the war
den as he turned to withdraw.
yes"
She did not move, nor again speak, till
the grating of the bolt was heard on
the outside Of the door. She then threw
aside the thick veil which had entirely
concealed her features
Can ii be possible that I see Mildred
Dacres?" said Harleigh
Must l infer from the cold astonish-
ment you eyince that you consider me in
trusive, or it may be even, bold?" said
she.
II supposed that you were in Amer
lea"
Il came in the same vessel that Falk-
land did, and l thought it likely that he
might have mentioned it,
II didn't see him till last evening.
and then others were present"
II should think that you might have
found opportunity to inquire for friends
from whom you have been SO long abb
sent"
Il will not affect to misapprehend your
meaning. but | inquired for no one"
Il rejoice to find that you are so in
different; otherwise, it might give you
pain to know that ALL aud more than
all, tinted to you respecting Alice Dale,
has turned cut to be true. But | came
not l., - Cor the purpose OF accusing her,
/ would learn from your own lips in what
way can serve you. Ii l must speak
more TO the point" said she, you and
the others have been betrayed by one OF
your associates"
Betrayed" said he, with an air of be-
wilderment
'Yes You should have been careful
whom you trusted in a matter of so much
moment"
"All that you have said is to me an
enigma"
I'm plain words, then. the plot TO as
sassinate the king has come to light"
you say the plot, as il / was know
ing to it, but | assure you that its ex-
AHAFlAAE ID hnn nAAAt hhDhh " NIT AtA tit
first time"
Even if it can be proved that you are
ignorant of il. il mas not be easy to make
it appear that you are not involved in
another, brought to light by the detection
of this"
Respecting which am quite as much
in the dark as relative "a the assassina.
ton plot, What is it?''
Nothing more than an innocent plar
of insurrection, for a simultaneous rising
of England and Scotland
by whom formed?"
"Some OF the Wing leaders. OF course
Al.N'.g others, Lord Russell, Sidney, and
your particular friend. John Hampden,
with yhom. unfortunately for yourself,
you have of late often been seen in com
psny."
Not so often as I have with several
other gentlemen, who certainly cannot
be suspected of favoring anv srch enter
prise"
still, as he is one Of the chief Of the
conspirators. il has caused suspicion to
fall on you"
From which, as he never revealed to
me any Of the secrets Of the ccnfede racy,
/ think shall find no difficulty in Il ee.
ing myself"
1T may be difficult to prove Rat he
never did. There is another thing, too,
which will tell against you"
What is it?"
Your having. while in America. spent
most of your time in Mr. Walworth'
family, who was, as is well known, vic.
lently opposed to the restoration There
is no use in Disgusting il; your life, even
is in danger"
''You magnify the danger"
Not so. But you shall be saved in
spite Of yourself. l will throw myself
at the kings feet aud plead for you a.
never woman pleaded before"
Harleish was embarrassed. He hardl,
knew what to say. The emotion she ex
pressed was too passionate, lie thought
to be genuine. Still. though unable 1.
free himself from this impression. h,
could not furhear feeling somewhat CRATE
fui for the interest she manifested in hi,
welfare II was with sense OF RELIEF
that he heard the door open and the yolc,
OF the warden announce that the hall
hour had expired. Mildred. who had
FASTENED 10 draw her veil over her face
stepped close to Harleigh As she left th.
room. and in a suppressed voice, said:
The mediation which l have offered I,
undertake. in your behalf. though now
rejected with seorn. may ere long bc ac
Cented. IL not sought"
You express yourself too strongly
Miss Dacres. he replied Il do not scorl
your offer, Yet having mover in thought
word or deed been guilty Of what you sa,
/ am suspected OF. Ii is only natural 70
me 10 suppose that my innocence vii
prove my best and most powerful plead
err
Mildred madv no answer 10 this. bu
Sde bit her lips till the blood came. Court
seying slightly with IN air Of dignity sh
well knew how 20 assume. she left tn
IuUu.