Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-12-11
CHAPTER VII.

uhli Nidb Win CIHSulUB despair.
CHAPTER VII.
The next evening just az Enrol Hast
iugs and his friends had finished dinner
servant brought in note to the mas
ter 1t was from Winifred Eyre, and
read as follows:
You will perhaps guess that only very
urgenC need induces me to hold commu-
nicatitn with you after-after what pass
ed last night. Your words were over
heard by Mr.. Fenner, an intentional spy.
whom short time since refused 10 mar
ry He came to me this afternoon. and
threatens that il | still persist in my re-
fusal to become his wife he will publish
the story to the neighborhood. ask Of
You to find some means of action that viii
insure the silence OF this man. and protect
me from marriage which dread more
than death. Mr.. kenner insists on my
answer bein given in three days. II you
have one impulse Of generosity left. you
will help me"
As Enrol read the note an imprecat ton
burst from his lips that made both his
friends look up suddenly
why. Enrol" exclaimed Mr. lie Mar
chant. what is the matter?7
Mr.. Hastings recovered himself ain u
moment.
II beg your pardon, he aid. smiling;
II was rather annoyed at the moment
! letter from a refractory tenant"
All" said Arthur IL. Marehant, with
. smiling glance at the envelope which
lay on the tables lady tenants are al
ways the most troublesome"
All the evening MIR. Hastings seemed
absent and unusually silent, and when
the two other men went out for stroll
on the terrace he did no, ;vin them.
Excuse me for half an hour" he said.
Il have some business to transact. and
will follow you.
When they were gone he rang the bell.
Send Letsom to ME at once and a
minute afterward the old servant came
hurrying.
.Letsome." said Mr.. Hastings. do you
know anyone Of the name of Fenner
hereaboutsE
Yes sir" answered Letsom. There's
a farmer of that name lives two miles
from here, up at Chalk Farm"
what do you know about aim:'
"Weu, sir. | can't say as | know much,
but / have heard more lately being IN
conjunction with Miss Eyre. II was
Hawkins as told me; he was that angry
one night because he heard as Fenner
was a-courtin' Miss Eyre. IN spoil his
sport il / hear any mere says he; but
I'm not afraid that a lady like Miss Eyre
I'D demean herself to such as him.
What did Hawkins mean when he said
he'd spoil Fenuer's sport il he wanted
20 marry Miss Eyre
II don't know. I'm sure. sir; but he
seemed quite mad about Il. and talked
like as If he knew something bad about
Fenner l Thought perhaps it was oa|y
talk, though. because he sets such deal
! on Miss Eyre
/ send Hawkins to my room at tan
/ O'Clock tomorrow. said Mr.. Has,.ugs:
/ Il want to ask him about the partridEes -
/ and MIR Hastings rose aud went 20 join
/ his friends on the terrace.
! The following morning there was a low
tap at the door. and Hawkins, the game
/ keeper. entered MIR Hastings room a
/ long conversation followed. rs result
| of which Nr, Hastings sent Jbc follow
/ ing note to Feauer;
Sir BE good enough to call upon me
this afternoon. at three O'Clock. / have
TO speak 20 you on important business.
"ERRoL HASTINGS.
Hazel Court"
At han-past three Nj. Fenner rang "a
the door of HAZEL Court II WAS opcu,d
immediately, and he was escorted through
the grand hail, along "a corridor. aud VI
some steps into MIR. Hastings private
roou Enrol was sitting mt his wrtu4
] q