Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-04-03

was somewhat hasty. You were never
too much given to talking of yourself. |
hate an egotist as heartily as you can:
but l desire to hear something elative
to your journey and your general well
fare; so let me hear it before our coffee is
ready"
The young man gave his uncle a sketch
of his haps and mishars. to which the
good marquis listened very attentively,
and which occupied some few minutes,
when, Just as he was finishing by men,
tiOning his application at the cottage for
shelter, Helen Montauban entered.
She was beautiful and self possessed
as ever. A calm smile parted her lips
and lighted her fine eyes, as she APP
preached, and, saluting her father. gave
to Louis, who advanced to meet her, her
hand.
'iy charming cousinr' exclaimed the
young man, warmly, taking the offered
hand and kissing with deferential affec-
ton, the fair cheek of the lady-'my dear
Helen, this is truly delightful l am very
happy to behold you again. How do You
do?'
well. Monsieur Louis, thank you.
And you?"
admirably, my dear friend" And he
seated himself by her side.
you have, then. arrived at the chateau
at length, Louis? 1t is some time since
we saw YOU" she said, regarding him
with polite interest.
"Yes; it is long time. | think, since
we met, and 1 could not deny myself the
pleasure of a visit to tine chateau"
Your journey, | trust, was a farora-
BILE one"
"A few drawbacks, such as travellers
must meet with at times, but nothing
very serious"
my dear boy said the marquis,
what, then, do you call serious? An
attack from robbers. in my time"
IAN attack interrupted Mademoiselie
Montauban, turning n shade paler. as her
glance rested unquietly on the face of
Lous-"an attack! how. Monsieur Louis !?
You have been in actual danger|
''No, my dear Helen-no," the count
FASTENED to say. Il was merely request
ed to deliver my purse. simple affair."
and, perhaps, one with which / may meet
twenty times in my life
At that moment. however, the coffee
was brought in, and the subject was
abandoned. After the mornings repast
was concluded, Louis drew his fair cous-
in out upon the paved terrace before the
windows Of the saloon, where they could
sit conversing. while the early sunshine
gilded the lovely landscape far and near.
and resting sweetest Of all in the charm
ing valley that lay beneath the height
of the chateau. 1t was certainly beau
tiful morning. and Louis d'Artois enjoy
ed it thoroughi;. 1t was most sincere
pleasure thus to meet with his old play
mate and companion. after so long a sep
aration. Louis regarded her wiki real
affection. and had ever done SO; for
though with that cain and stately de-
meanor still unchanged. yet there was
ever something gentler-kinder in her
manner. when she addressed him. that
pleased and won him
She seemed even unusually lovely. too,
this morning; for the cool. soft winds
came freshly from the nearer hills. touch
ing her fair cheek with rosy tinge. and
bringing a darker. clearer light to her
beautiful eyes: and when. turning her
face to him. she smiled. with more than
her accustomed air OF animation and en-
joyment. saying. What a charming hour
this is. Louisr' he could not help express
Ing the thought that occupied him
Yes: but not half 50 charming as you
are" be returned, gaily, Jet earnestly,