Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-04-09

Sne hanEeu the cups TO IYof GFant, VINO
again dispensed them either to the fair
claimants or their respective cavaliers.
/ A pleasant buzz Of conversation and
laughter mingled with the tinkle Of the
china. A discussion was going on with
respect to some tableaux wants to be
performed that evening.
Beryl had refused to take part in them,
despite all persuasions, but Iv0r Grant
was to be Lord Leicester to the Amy
Robsart of Madge Dunbar.
She was testing with him as to his look
ing the character, for as yet none of
the costumes had been tried on at re-
hearsals.
You mustn't look as sad as yon did
last night, my lord" she said, laughingly.
as he bent down for the cup of tea she
had filed for him. oar scene is Leices-
ter in the halcyon days of love and happi-
ness
/ Il win remember that" said Iyor, in
/ the same light tone. 81 thought the shad-
ow Of good Queen Bess was lowering in
the distance"
Il think she must have been horrid
4 woman" said Madge, vindictfvcly. Il
/ dislike her very much-her vanities, her
/ spite, her odious jealousy, her relentless
ness and her mania for dress"
THAT is her most feminine character
istic," laughed Ivor. You oughtn't to
I dislike that"
/ In an instant something brought back
the clew to Beryrs laughing sobriquet.
given so long ago at their first meeting.
"Ah"' she said, quickly. Il remember
now"
Remember what?" asked Iyor.
| Something concerning yourself, my
/ lord Really" and mischieycus light
! stole into her eyes; lit suited you very
we'll"
What suited me?" asEcd Ivor, some
/ what mystified.
"A name l once heard applied to you"
continued Madge, with a glance at Beryl
/ Marsden, who suddenly colored hotly aud
( looked entreatingly at her.
Tell me it. please" pleaded Ivor, not
/ ing the exchange of looks. II should like
to hear it."
but | can't obtain Mrs. Marsden's per-
/ mission to repeat it, so you must stife
/ your curiosity as best you can"
Il call that very cruel" said Ivor, in
an injured voice 1T is not the first time
( L nave utttu VI ludL souItluets tNauG0 i
can't ascertain its nature. Don't be afraid
of hurting my feelings, Mrs Dunbar
| have none: or my vanity, for it was
/ chagcd out of me long ago. | know it's
ne use to appeal to Mrs. Marsdcn, but
/ y ,u-you ought to be merciful!'
4 Bur Madge only shook her pretty head
4 Il can't be a traitor" she said. Berry,
! W 1uld never forgive me. | am sorry
! me Htioned the subject, only You looked
so exactly like it"
( "Lls-e it. Like what?" cried IvOr, i'm
+ ploringly DO you know you are put
/ ting me to the most refined torture?'
II thought meT were never curious?'
said Beryl gravel Her beautiful face
had regained its oh. composure.
oh yes: they are in matters concern
/ ing themselves" said Iyor, quickly. Now
/ you might just as well confess, Mrs.
Marsden. for l am determined to find
out"
There are only two people in this Sc
cret." iuterposed Madge Dunbar, merrily.
"One darent tell il she would, and the
other wouldn't If she dared. Now which
is the easier to deal with?"
THAT sounds like eonundrum said
Ivor. Perhaps I'll deal with you as the
man with the bundle OF sticks. Taken
together you are too much for me; sep
arately well. might have chance"
Madge viii not betray me- said Beryl
with a glance at her friends laughing
face: Il am sure Of that
No" said AIadge, saucily, "she won't
Bat don't you betray yourself. my dear
Beryl had flushed her tea. and now
moved slowly away down the length Of
1 4,
olive velvet sweeping over the deep col
ored rugs that covered the oak floor, and
catching rich lights from the burning logs
that filed the great fireplace.
For moment Ivor watched her in ST.
llence, then put down his cup and follow,
ed, Madge Dunbar's eyes had taken in
both the hesitation which held him back
aud the counter force Of attraction which
babe him follow. She sighed invoIuntar
lily.
What a noble pair they would hav,
made, only l. hope"
What she hoped was cut short by hei
husbands voice, lie had just entered
aud came up TO the TEA table.
"Madge my dear, give HE cup.
am half frozen. By-the-way. I've go
some news for you. Can you make room
for another guest|'
a dozen more laughed his wife
But who is it--man or woman
Man. You know Guy Brookes is com
Tug by the 6 o'clock express tonight
re had a telegram to-day, saying
lriand Of his from abroad has turned NJ
unexpectedly; he must defer his visit
week or bring him down. Now, we can
. do without Guy, you know, he's such
capital fellow, SO | just wired back 4
bring the friend, too. You do not mind (!
4. Not /. = said his wife. pleasantly; "th
more the merricr. He must be a YER
wet blanket indeed. to spoil our party.
4 Meanwhile. lyor Grant had overtakei
8 | Boryl.
''Non are not going 10 dress YETI" b
y said, as he reached her side.
g oh. no: | am only going 10 the con
4 scrvstory TO get some towers
, May | come with you?"
Co. "Of course. If you wish she answer
ed. in somewhat constrained voice
They walked an together. OF late the
had grown very silent. Words no longe
s, came to their bps with the frank. cas-
grace Of old. though, perhaps, even word
4 were less dangerous than those lon!
IA thoughtful pauses which held them en-
II barrassed. and yet painfully conscious Z
A. the sweetness that each presence broust
IL che other.
e. They saun;trcd en- From the hall b,
al yond came sound of opening and clio
Is ing doors OF loud footsteps, and vote,
y