Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-01-30
CHAPTER X

Clarence Harleigh, during the first
three or four weeks after his arrival in
England, had, with one or two excep-
tons, absented himself from court. No
doubt, he felt that the companionship Of
such men as Rochester, Buckhurst. Har-
~ Jermyn, a mere butterfly, Killigrew,
the graceful insoent and snowy Duke of
buckingham, with scores of others whose
vices outnumbered their virtues, would
not encourage him, either by precept or
example, to pass through his two years
probation in a manner to satisfy his Sc
we're ard exacting judge.
A dozen or more courters were group
ed together in the banqueting hail.
through which, only few years previ-
ously, Charles |. had passed to the scat
fold, chatting ON various subjects, some
Of them pretty literally seasoned with
court scandal, TO pass away the interim
which would elapsc previously to the en-
trance of the king.
"Will Harlegh be here this EVENING""
said one of them, addressing Harry Jer-
myu.
II believe he aas graciously conde-
seconded to give his promise to that eff
feet was the reply. Il understand now
why the bright glances of a certain lady's
eyes might as well fall on an iceberg"
How came You to be enlightened z" in
Quired the first speaker
Lord Arran tells me that his OBJ
duracy must be laid to the charge of
little rustic he found in the new world"
And what is more unaccounta BILE
STILL" said Kiligrew, Dame Rumor says
she is a Precisionist, and eschews all
arul fi1af od
kerchief of cambria and Primers of the
same"
And so stiff with starch" said anoth-
err. IT venture to say that, like the enor-
nous ruffs worn by Queen Bess, they
would stand alone"
Il shouldn't WONDER" said Killigrew,
''if Harleigh should turn to be Puritan
himself"
Nor L." said Jermyn. Il have sus-
pected he had a leaning that way ever
since he returned from the provinces
II advise YOU" said Killigrew, ITO be
on your guard. so as not to manifest any
surprise should he make his appearance
here this evening with his hair cropped
after the fashion of the Roundheads"
And wearing steepla-crowned hat
ana a sad-colored doublet to match his
ldug rove EbNu+ Sdlu JSElil. Hs
who probably being reminded of his own
well-fitting pourpoint of rich purple vel
vet. with a silk embroidered handker-
chief, which sent n faint odor of musk
"a rough the room as he drew it from his
pocket. he brushed away particle or
two of the glistening powder, which had
been used to heighten the luster Of his
long. wayy hair. from one of the sleeves.
At this moment the entrance OF Har-
leigh in a dress whose richness and ele
gance accorded well with his manly and
somewhat naughty style Of beauty. caus-
ed a smile to curl the lip Of Bucking-
ham. Almost al she same moment the
king made his entree by different door.
He advanced towards the group in an
easy. familiar manner. for many Of those
composing it had been his companions,
not only in many a hair-breadth escape.
but IN nHmberless wild adventures and
mad frolics. during his years Of exile
While noticing those present with
grace and good hum0r natural to him,
slight disturbance attracted attention to-
wards the door by which Harleigh had
found ingress. and. at last, rising high
above suppressed words OF remonstrance,
were heard these words:
Il must 90 in, for l am the bearer Of