Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-06-12
CHATTER Kill

q blazing wood Ere upon the broad hearth
over the magnificent apartment, with its
dark. massive, antique furniture. its
broad, high walls, lined with costly and
substantial volumes, the crimson draper
les OF it's deep windows, and the polished
oakcn foo lhat shone and reflected back
the mellow warmth in ripping lines OF
light.
Beside table OF curiously earyen oak.
which is strewp with rare and ancient
volumes and the writing implements of
the marquis, aud which occupies the cen
ter az the floor, sits Rose. She IS lean
ing forward upon this table. her face hid
den in her folded arms-those fair, sculp-
tured arms whose snowy whiteness
CLEANS rarely through the veil of falling
trcsses. Her graceful form is attired in
robe Of shining fabric, its pearl-hued
folds sweeping the floor about her and
shining. glittering softly in the mellow
light shed all around her She does not
move; she is siient-motionless; she hard
ly seems to breathe even. SO quiet is
she, as she reclnes thus. with her face
concealed, that you might think her sleep
ing
But Rose is not sleeping. Her errand
hither is Of too painful a nature for that.
Alone, in this swelling silence. she waits;
and listening for an approaching foot
step, the hour passes in deep and sorrow
ful reyerie. For Rose has duty, too
long deferred. to perform tonight and
its consequences may be only too bitter
bitter to her. inasmuch as they affect.
others. She does not fear the perform
ance of this duty because she shrinks
FROM fulfilling her tFust-from keeping
her plighted word; but she pictures to
herself the disappointment she may be
about to infiet on others
distant door uncloses. but 50 softly
In las casing ef cloth that no sound fol-
lows. Il is a gentleman who enters: he
pauses moment: his glance takes 70 the
beauty and subdHed splendor Of the scene
before him; bat It is accustomed TO that
1t rests upon the center of the whole
upon the bowed figure Of the young girl
yonder by the table A shadow, a blend
ing at once Of sorrow and perplexity.
rests upon his hne brow Their losing
the door, he advances. and stands beside
the table
Rose" he calls, gently.
The young girl raised her head.
Is 1t you, 'euisy' she asked, with an
air OF sadness. Il thought yon were
away"
Il have remained at home, Rose /
coaid net go. wished to see you..'
You wished to see me, Louis? We
are in each others presence every day.
To-night-"
"Ay, tonight. Rose. Tonight. you
would say, you have an interview with
my uncle. and cannot listen to me.
knew Of this interviews my uncle sold
me; and, forgive me- dear Rose, but
would prevent itr'
He spoke in a subdued. but agitated
voice. He seated himself beside her,
and leaned. also, forward on the table,
with his hands chasing hers. as be ut
tered these imploring words.
You would prevent it. L0uisi-whyT
Would you bid me neglect the fulfiImenr
of duty already too long delayedF"
+ All, Rose, you are about to seal your
fate. Think once more. I beseech you.
there is time. Break this ideal bondage.
be silent, and forget the VOWS that are
no longer binding. DO not bring this
great sorrow to my uncle. who loves you
so; do net break up this happy house
hold. which can be no more happy when
you have sacrificed yourself-when you
have left the hearth that is only bright
with yoar presence. to hide yourself in
obscurity"'
The tears were filing her sweet eyes;
a great cry was struggling for utterauce
In her breast; but she silenced it with a
half despairing effort She raised her
glance TO his.
You are aware, then, Louis, of the
object Of this interview -
"Ah, too well-too wellr he answered.;
"for | knew that it must come, sooner
or later, since you adhere to the decision
you once made. But again | ask YAH
do not reveal this lceret 10 my uncle -
1T IS not alone my promise TO Robin
which | regard, Louis.
''Yon would say that you love him
still. then?"
The tears fell from her eyes; blush
stole to her fair cheek; her head was
turned aside, esussass
An. no no. 10 not say it. j se,'' he
cried sorrowtully.
'I.ouis--Louis, this IL not kipd-it is
not like your' said the young girl. turn
Ing 10 him again You know | cannot
break my promise Do not add 10 the
sorrow ! already feel. mast see Your
uncle; | mu>t acknowledge my betrothal
to Robin.
And render him unhappy, cut Helen
Montau5an tn the very heart. leave me
wrctehed-m miserable Rose, listen to
ME"
Louis. be silent entreat,' she ut
tered. withdrawing her baud from his.
while the crimson glow Of consciousness
and timidity suffused her countenance;
have pity on me-
Rose, one instant. Let me speak for
the last time. | love you; ! would ask
You 10 be my wife. Nay not start
and turn away from me. Hear me to the
end How can bear 10 see you--you
Rosr who should move among the high.
cst aad the Dobiest Of France envied and
admitted by ail-who should have AT
command the thousand luNures for
which YOU were born-who should &C
cupy. finally, a position and enjoy ad-
vantages suited to your beauty. your
grace, your refinement. your intellect
how can / bear to see you the wife OF
a peasantg An. be merciful to me, be
Just to Yourself. awake from this fatal
trance. for yoa. are dreaming. Rose"
He spoke With strange energy. His
tones thrilled through her; his glance
sough, hers. waiting for an answer, with
an earnesjness-an anxiety that con
fused her. 4 feeling of faintness stole
over her; she put her hand TO her brow;
all was strange bewilderment about her,
Still his eyes were fixed upon her; still
he watched eagerly. Rut over his lips