Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-05-28

Aot q CIldTltS concert, III WHICH uOUtC IAl-
ent' was largely TO be represented. The
gem of the evening proved TO be a song
by Miss Belle Maxwell, which was heart
lily applauded and encored. The grace
and beauty, as well as the pure. sweet
voice of the singer. made deep impress
sion upon the vast audience, and they
actually struck some sparks from MIR.
Curry's finty heart, He came. saw,
heard-and was conquered. He became
frequent caller at the humble Maxwell
home; and this condition of things had
been in progress some months at
the time that our sketch opens.
All this time we have left Mr.. Curry
standing at the door, while our necessary
explanation has been made. He might
still be standing there, for all Miss Max
we'll would do to admit him; and the
widow, seeing Bellies perfect indiffer-
ence, answered the ring herself, in a
great state Of vexation. She presently
returned with the caller, who saluted the
young lady, receiving distant return.
Mr.. Curry was practical, at least, and
never wasted time. The particular object
of his call was made known before he
had taken a seat.
Miss Maxw, have lately bought
a pair of fine tro' nd have not yet
had them out on j. ig ride. / am go-
ing over to Ridgford tomorrow, and l
should be pleased to have you accompany
me. 1t is a business trip, but I think it
will be pleasant one. 1t wiH of course,
take all day"
The widows heart leaped. Things were
getting on admirably. For her daughter
to be seen riding with Mr. Curry, behind
those trotters was almost as good as an
engagement of marriage. She had never
heard of his taking a lady out to drive.
The next instant Belle made reply
that gave her mother a chill
Il am greatly obliged to you, sir; but
it would be impossible for me to go to-
morrow. l have promised to sing at the
public Memorial Day exercises in the
square,"
you should not decline on that &C
count" the mother eagerly put in. You
can get them to excuse you. There are
others that can sing. Go with Mr..
Curry, by all means"
The girl looked at both her mother
and the gentleman with a quiet but Sc
we're dignity. She was a dutiful child;
but there are occasions when mild re-
thing; and it was so now.
Il shall sing at the exercises, as
promised" she said, decidedly. Ever
since the war closed, from the time 1 was
little gin, I have taken part in the
observance of this day, and / shall do 50
as long as live. You surely can't mean
to advise me against it. mother?'
'No, Belle, you know | would not; but
IL 81
ut must be declined" was the firm
interruption.
Mr.. Curry was very much vexed, and
was indiscreet enough to show it. He
was also foolish enough to say some
things in his vexation, which, while cor
rectly representing his own narrow views,
were very impolitic things TO say in this
h use
am much disappointed, Hiss Max
=" II, at your refusal"
She did not think 1t necessary to say
that she too was sorry; for she was not
sorry, and this was the last man on
earth that she would tell white lie TO,
for the sake of mere politeness.
And | am rather surprised" he pur-
sued, that you should prefer such a
meaningless show to a pleasant ride in
the country at this charming season."
Meaningless show! The blood of her
heroic sire flushed up in the girls cheek
at the words; but she kept back her tenn
per, and kept silence.
at has always seemed to me to be
very silly parade of false sentiment" the
doomed man went on The soldiers en-
listed as a mere matter of business; they
were paid for their work: those that did
took that risk at the start; the account
was closed some years ago. For sensi-
BILE people TO get up these observances
every year. to sing, and pray, and pala-
yer, and have great fuss with flowers
over a pack of dead soldiers seems to
me the very foam Of folly. wish"
He never had the opportunity to ex-
press his wish. Belle Maxwell, bounded
from her chair with flashing eyes and
burning face.
Mr.. Curry, such sentiments are dis
graceful" she cried Il won't sit here
and listen to them. Mother, If you get
any pleasure from this mans company
you may stay here and enjoy it; must
be excused"
She abruptly withdrew to her own
room.
On tne IOlioWlng DAY NJ. burFy uIofe
his splendid trotters Ger TO Ridgford
alone, thinking along the way great
deal about his investments and alternat-
ing these reflections with others about
the curious nature Of gir.s.
Belle Maxwell participated in the ten
der and touching ceremonies Of the ;!sy
and many remarked that her voice had
never sounded so sweet as when she sang
They Sleep the Sweet Sleep OF the
Brave"
A tall young veteran walk Dy her
side as they went 70 the adjoining GENE
terry TO witness the ceremv There
was much tall between the two. ia the
course Of whiel she observed that he
had not called Upon her lately.
NO" he said; "and l believe no man
has hut Mr. Curry"
IF you mention tina. odious mans
mare to me again, I'll never speak TO
you," she said.
The tall young veteran was very glad
70 hear this, and he governed himself nc
cordingly. And be conducted hirseh
generally in such wag toward Belle