Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-01-16
CHAPTER vi.

Dtti Al AVhAAN N~kNNt~+N-N--
being sought by Harleigh, and question
ed BY him. He soon found. however,
that whatever estrangement Mildred had
soeceeded in creating between Harleigh
and Alice, it no longer existed. BY what
means a reconciliation had been brought
about, he was at a loss to conjecture
As usual, he rose only in time for break
fast, the morning Harleigh AMI Alice met
On the cliff. This incident, therefore, as
well as the more startling event which
had called Alice abroad, was unknown
40 him.
At any rate, it being plain TO see that
confidence had been restored between
Alice and Harleigh, he lost no time IN
communicating TO Mildred what threat
ened TO retard, if not defeat, their base
vaccinations
Almost at the same moment that Mil
dred's reply was handed to Falkland,
uarieigh received letter from friend
in Boston, who was to be his fellow-pas-
Senger to England. He wrote for the
purpose of informing him that the vessel
Sa which they were to go would be ready
for sea a week earlier than was antici-
pated, and that consequently, if he would
not lose his passage, he must make no
delay. 1t was already near sunset, and
he at once set about making such few
preparations as were Indispensable.
An hour afterward, he and Alice stood
together near a window, which looked
tewards the west, still gorgeous with the
glowing tints reflected from the setting
sun.
''Once more, Alice" said Hsr.eigh,
~once more before | am wanderer on
the stormy deep, say that whatPi er may
befall, even if you should faH to receive
= single line Of the many ] shall surely
write yOu-eyen if BIZ y md malignant
tongues Islander me an. feeuse me Of in
consistency, you will f. two years-the
probationary time recdired by your uncle
refuse any offer of marriage which may
~ -oade you, though it might make you
duchess"
'NT win sa i again, Harleigh. though
. thousand promises could not be more
binding than the one l have already Civ
en- you
Il know they wouldn't. and yet words
that sound so sweet We love to hear re-
peated. My own PROMISE you already
have. My word was never yet broken,
and that must be the guarantee for my
future good faith"
Il believe you. | will not even harbor
= doubt, though | have had that limited
se me. which might shake my confidence
IA one less worthy Of it than | know you
10 be-
Ere HaFleigh had time to say anything
s answer 10 this Mr.. Walworth's voice
was heard inquiring for him.
This is the last time, Alice, that we
shall meet without witnesses" said he.
hmrriediy
do you go SO soon? thought that
ycn might stay one day longer"
AT daybreak | must be miles from
here. Farewell, dearest and best and
nay heaven guard you. and all good an
gels watch over till we meet again"
And over you. Farewell, Clarence,
aud may heaven speed you"
Tears were in her eyes, and her voice
was unsteady as she said this, for there
was a sad foreboding in her heart that
evil would. ere long. befal them both.
As Mr.. Walworth entered the room by
sne door Alice left it by another.
'eThis is sudden, Clarenceyour leaving
as so SOON" said Mr. Walworth. Il
thought that we should. at least, have
you with rs a week longer"
HIt is as unexpected TO me as to you.
regret being obliged to leave here just
NOW, bat my correspondent informs me
that | must make no delay
did ! not know how necessary your
presence is in England, for the purpose
of looking after your estate. should be
tempted to try and pers JADE you to re-
saSin with US, for the best loved friend
al my youthful days, in you, seems to be
scstored to me"
''As / have already intimatei, would
willingly remain, but my affairs need
looking after, and two years absence
from here, spent in manner which even
you will approve. is the condition yu,f
hare imposed which is to enlitlc me to
Abe reward Of your n.eee's hand"
'It is. and dare not shorten the time
1 Sish | could feel justified ia 50 doing.
Esut you are yet young and inexperienr-
ed You don't yet know yourself, and
promised To watch over Alice rs over an
@wn child"
Il don't ask to be released from the
coaditon you have named am ambi-
atoas to show that | am equal 20 ful-
filling it. If / fail. ] shall prove myself
snwoFthy OF her, aud shall seek to see
her no more.
Leave me now, Clarence have let
tiers 10 write 20 friends in England. which
WouId have been written before now. il |
lad known you were going so soon. But.
FIRST, receive nay blessing"
Tears rushed 10 the eyes of Mr.. Wal
worth, III spite Of bis efforts to reprcss
ahem, and bis voice vas trcmulous and
Aeokcu as he uttered his solemn and
heartfelt henediction
Falkland knew nothing 0f the informa-
sioa which Harleigh hid received. which
obliged him to hasten his departure. for
GBdiag that there was no time tn spare.
81 he would meet Mildred Dacres at the
hour mentioned in her note he had set
cat at once for the residence of Mr..
WyRdhani. the gentleman in whose fam
~, when SojouTn ~ In New England,
ehe made il her EJmc. Like Falkland.
being afraid thai some of The con,ersa-
EioB between them had been overheard.
Mildred concluded that il would 1e best
SoT her not to make her appearing, at
Mr. Walworth's tili after the departure
80 HSrlejgh. which She. or course. sup
passed won.d not he till more than week
CHAPTER VII
Several days had elapsed since Har-
Ealgh LETT, during which time Alice had
gHceeeded IA evading an interview with
tahricl Guthry, which. On several occa-
SONS. De bad sought
Falkland. who had been laying plans,
hitherto frustrated Of meeting the In
Sts', gar mad neglected 90 apprise Nil
sis-fH pe II ...lEr ,,,l ,-