Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-12-03


that they could not help trusting him. The
! change In Tom during these few days
was extraordinary. His family now
seemed to look to him with confidence, as
their sole guide and counsellor. 1t was
resolved to follow his advice, and await
the arrival Of the returning travellers.
At last. word came that they were to
be expected tomorrow evening"" They
were coming by slow and easy stages, not
on account of Mrs. Burton's state Of
health, but for that of the precious treas
IRE, the darling hope of the family, the
newly arrived heir. Already the coming
family seemed to expect that those whom
they came to eject must feel their own
interest and enthusiasm. Mr.. Burton fill
ed his letters with rapturous details as
to the progress, weight, beauty of The
infant. 1t was the center object of at
traction, and the quick constituencies Of
Ned Burton and his family now saw that
even the original delicacy, as to their
situation, had passed away.
At last, one Saturday, two carriages
were sent to the station to meet the re-
turning exiles. Ned and his family were
waiting in the drawing room, their hearts
in their mouths. In a few minutes more,
they felt, the change in their life would
begin.
Now then" said Tom. quietly. eve
must not show them gloomy looks They
cannot expect us TO meet them in great
spirits. but we must try and be cheerful,
at least, After all, they are returning to
their own holle, and Uncle John has
been cry good to u.s."
Quite trile." said Ned. tom always
takes a sensible view. Why shouldn't
they be welcomed to their own? You are
right to remind me, Tom, we must not
seem ungrateful."
And as for her. continued Tom,
Though l believe your opinion is right,
still there is no knowing what change
may have taken place during all these
years. So we should give her the chance,
at least, of being gracious"
Ned shook his head sadly. "As for
til at, Tom"
''Harkl here they are. Now, mother
fortitude"'
The sound of wheels on the gravel was
heard-the carriage came up with
sweep to the door. Ned was on the steps,
and did not need any instruction to greet
his brother, whom he was delighted to
see. A tall, wiry, rather stopped man,
with an iron-gray head, got, out and
shook his hand but turned round eagerly
to the carriage. saying:
Now let Donavan get out first with
the child. Take care--take care of the
stept
A mass Of floating white drapery, laces.
etc. containing the new idol, was con-
yeyed out, the father warily superintend-
ing every step.
~ room with a fire, quick" said he
lis the old nursery got ready, and will
warmed? | hope to goodness the little
fellow has got no chill. Oh, this is Tom
how are you, Tom Now, my dear,
you had better go to your room--you are
dreadfully tired, fear"
He was bringing in Mrs. Burton on his
arm. Ned saw before him the pale face,
with what ladies would have pronounced
rather bad skin" the forward, hard
mouth. and the distrustful eyes. With
an effort he went forward, his hand out
Welcome TO your own house, sister
Burton; / hope you are not fatigued by
the journey"
She answered him with a sort of gra-
ciousness. Then her eye fell upon Tom.
who was regarding her steadily, and
without any coreern.
This is Tom said his father.
Tom greeted her cordially. and in his
usual off-hand way. The rest of the fam
ily were so deferential that his bearing
must have seemed to her in strong CON
trast She said little. but complaining
of being tired. went away TO look at
baby"
L r.. IL IL. II
came down. and found his relations wait
ing.
II am very sorry for you, Ned" he
said: but we shall take care of you. /
just wanted to speak to you about Lydia
Il hope there will be nothing Of the old
unpleasautneSs. She is really fairly dis
posed to you. For heavens sake. don't
let ,ts have any worry or family quarrel
ing"
Not on my side. brother; that You may
depend on" said Ned.
Very well. then that's settled. And
or. there is some one else coming-her
brother-a very nice, worthy fellow, that
you will like-RaIph Irving We intend
u ought To have told you hefore-Inak-
ing him agent"
What turn away poor Smith, who
has done his work SO faithfully for TWEEN
ty years 2" cried Ned.
Here entered Mrs. Burton calm. re-
served, but already with the aid of lady
of the house" Poor Mrs Edward tried
hard to recommend herself to the new
lady. The conversation was very forced
and all the parties felt awkward, save
perhaps Tom, who was Perfectly at his
ease. lie ratified on" telling stories Of
barrack life, and making his uncle laugh
heartily again and again--who before the
end of dinner was calling him Tom -
Mrs Burton now and again looked at
him with a doubtful glance. As for Ned,
nil his joyiality and good spirits gone,
he was timorous and nervous. by and by
Mrs Burton went upstairs TO see the
baby" and ut last the night was brought
to close.
Well. l think" said Mrs Ned we
got through it much better than l Hoped,
They will be very kind, You viii see
| Ned shook his head. She is the same
/ as ever. / felt il every time that her
| cold. wicked eye rested on me. That
woman has not forgiven, nor forgotten.
Il think with Ned" said Tom. "She
| don't like bone in his skin, as they say
| and | can see she has already begun not
| to Ike me-"
With this comfort the family went tc
! their rooms The new master aud his
mistress were installed under the roof
bat the dreaded day was over, which was
some comfort.
CHAPTER VIII
With the next morning sort of steady