Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-11-27
CHAPTER u.-(Continued.)

JneD went into the STABLES 10 louk at lhe
horses. And such horses, too! Well, af'
ter we had left the stable and chatted a
bit. he ordered the chestnuts round, and
we started to come over here. How those
horses did fret, and prance, and rear
But he took it IS c0olly as possible, and
soothed and Quoted them. until they went
of like lambs. They continued very quiet
for aboat a mile, when we came to gate
where d girl was standing, and then they
SHE'D and reared again, until | thought
they would have upset us in the ditch.
But Hastings was not a bit Disconnected;
he held the reins with one hand, and with
the other took off his hat to the girl as
If she had been an empress. She was 50
graceful, and had such lovely eyes l
was anxious to know who she could be,
and asked him. Guess, Flo, who it was"
How should | knowy" answered his
sister. pettishly. How provoking you
are
Wen, then, ii was our cousin, Miss
Eyre; and | can tell you she is nothing
to be ashamed Of, either. could see
how much he admired her, and was just
going to tell him of our connection with
her when the chestnuts b0lted, and. by
the time he got them in hand again, 1t
had gone out of my mind. However, the
information will keep till another time"
Reginald" cried his sister, white TO
the lips with rage. you will not dare to
tell him that low-born girl is related TO
ast-you will not dare?'
Reginald knows better than to do any
thing so foolish" interrupted Mrs. Cham
pion. But in case you should be tempt
ed to DO so,' she added. turning to her
son. remember that not 1.-THE of that
five hundred pounds promised you for
yeur last seasons debts shall pass into
your hands"
oh! very well. that's enough re-
spended Reginald. sulkily. But | can
tell you one thing Flo-I believe hes ire
mendously cut with that girl, and that
he's gone of after her now"
And having uttered this remark with
the amiable intention of annoying his sis
ter, he proceeded to quit the room.
II think Reginald gets more uE5eara-
BILE every day" exclaimed Flora, an
.griiy.
''Twentyvone is not generally a very
agreeable age in a young man.. remarked
her mother
And so the fates couspired to keep
secret from Enrol Hastings, which, as it
tNE9ed out, was very important he should
know.
He called at Hurst Manor the day af-
ter Reginald lunehed with aim, AMI ac-
cepted Mrs. Champions Invitation to stay
and dine.
Mrs. Champion" he said, as they sat
together in th4 drawing room, Il am GO
ing to beg favor of you and Miss Cham
pion.
II am sure we shall be but too happy
TO grant it, il it is in our power she re-
turned. smiling.
Il think of giving ball at the Court"
Mr.. Hastings continued, "and before
Issue my invitations | want to secure the
promise Of your presence and co-opera-
ton
"A ball at the Court that will be
haymingv' exclaimed Miss Champion.
with unusual animation. Bachelors al
ways give such charming parties; besides,
which, it win crafty my long-felt desire
to go over your house"
If you really have any curiosity 10 see
my domain, | trust you will not wait for
the ball. Why not ride over this after
moon before dinner? Your brother. have
no doubt, win accompany us"
Miss Champion looked at her mother in
dutiful interrogatiye manner. and Mrs.
Champion replied Immediately:
Certainly. my love. il you persuade
Reginald. You look a little pale-a ride
will DO all the good in the world
Reginald being agreeable, the horses
We're ordered round, and Miss Champion
left the room to equip.
"Apropos Of the ball." said Enrol. II
am expecting an influx Of visitors TO the
Court, and | shall beg Of your charity
to GENE aud help me to entertain them.
Sir Clayton and Lady Grace Farquhar
are coming for a fortnight, until their
place at Endon Vale s ready. and she
has promised to play hostess for the oc-
casian. Lady st. Ego and her daughters
will come up from Hertfordshire. Mr.,
and Mrs. Rivers Lady Marion Alton ana
her niece. and several bachelor friends,
so | shall need some assistance In my
novel part Of host"
When is the bail to take placer in
quired Mrs. Champion
II hardly think | am justified in digni-
flying my gathering by the name OF a
for twelve miles: and as this is such
very iiet zine Of the year. do rot ap-
preherd many disappoiutments. Indeed.
/ only intend giving ten days notice."
'. hat win be quite enough" Mrs
Champion agreed; mo one thinks of Civ.
ing parties in the country mt this time
of year, and bali viii be quite boon
to the young people. / prophesy your
entertainment will pe a great success"
Il hope So" said Mr. Hastings. II as
cure yen / shall spare no pains to make
everything 80 of Well"
Flora came in at this juncture. looking
very handsome in her perfectly fitting
habit. and they sll walked aIt of the
win ioW to the horses. which were wait
dng at the door. He placed her in the
saddle mounted himself and bidding au
revoir TO Mrs, Champion, they started
dor their ride.
Reginald usurped the greater part Of
the conversation on the way. much 70
his sisters annoyance, but she had no
intation of hetraying any ill-hum0r be.
Tore Mr.. Hastings When they arrived
at Hazel Court they dsmountcd. sent
the horses to the stables. and prOceedet
10 explore the house. Miss Champion not
only expressed herself. but was in real
ity. delighted with everything she saw.
Flora was rather silent as she rode
hoDse She was thinking how pleasant
II would be to he the wife of man like
Enrol Hastings. and the mistress OF q
plaee Ike HAZEL Court. lie was speak
ing to her in low. earnest tones; and