Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-01-22
CHAPTER w.

CHAPTER XIV.
The weeks rolled on and the London
season was at its height Drawing rooms.
concerts, balls, operas. fetes ch1mpetres,
flower shows and garden parties went on
as usual to make up the sum Of the gay
worlds pleasures and disappointments.
Mrs. Clayton-one of many, peFhaps-had
been leading life Of fitful, feverish hap
piness for the last month. She did not
dare to think-a pause of retrospection
would either send her headlong down the
precipice that was yawning at her feet
or make her Fly from it altogether. And
yet she was so unpardonably weak that
she hesitated and could not bring herself
to break off all intercourse with Col.
d'Aguilar.
As If to draw the last plank of safety
away from his wife, Mr.. Clayton treated
her daily worse. He left letters in her
way that could not fail to mortify her.
II they went out together he made point
of keeping her waiting. He never open
ed his lips to speak to her unless he was
positively obliged, and then his words
were sneers and taunts. He paid other
women the most extrayagant compli-
ments and attention. In short, but for
Col d'Aguilar's presence and sympathy,
Fees life would have been uncomfortable.
They met constantly.
One of the entertainments that was in
tended to rank among the 6rst of the
season, was a garden party given by the
Honorable Mrs. Vivian Lypedon at her
beautiful villa on the banks of the river.
No expense was to be spared; amuse-
ment of every imaginable kind was to be
provided; and the whole was to end in
display of such costly fireworks as were
rarely seen, and Il dance. Mr.. and Mrs.
Clayton We're invited. At the last mo-
ment he declined TO go, and his wife went
without him. He did not attempt to pre-
vent her Col. d'Aguilar was to be there
Il will not spoil the sport" he said to
himself, with a smile that would have be-
come Mephistopheles.
All her friends were there, all but one.
at least, and at first it was with a sense
Of relief that she missed him. But hour
after hour wore on, and there was no sign
of Col. d'Aguilar. First she felt restless,
then a little impatient, then angry, and
then she could have cried for the bitter
ness of the disappointment. 1t was four
told her distinctly that he intended to be
there.
Fee sat down YEARLY on the edge of
one OF the seats. Suddenly she heard a
voice pronounce her name. and quick
thrill of pleasure went TO her heart. He
had come at last! She forgot her anger
her impatience. and the weary hours she
had spent waiting for him. and looked up
with a glad smile.
AT last" she said. Il had given you
up long ago. | am so tired of all this"
she added, in whisper; "let US walk a
little"
And then she perceived that he was
slightly lane.
'The@ Z is true, what some one told
me, that you have sprained your ankle?"
she uttered hastily. That kept you away
and it hurts you to walk"
Not at all" he answered. 1T IL moth
ing. That did not keep me away"
What, then?" F-e asked. quickly.
Col. d'Aguilar was silent.
What kept you away?" she repeated.
II do not think I can tell you. Mrs.
Clayton"
do tell me-" she whispered, pressing
his arm ever so slightly.
Il tried very hard to make a sacrifice"
he answered slowly. ''and failed"
''What sacrifice"
The sacrifice OF my hearts desire to
Jour peace"
Fee trembed and was silent.
Sect she said. the fireworks are be-
ginning" and at that moment blaze OF
light shot forth into the skies and seemed
to illumine the whole garden and river
There was a rustic garden bench standing
in a niche Of arbutus and laurel.
Let us sit down" Mrs. Clayton said.
Il know your foot pains you"
Il was so disappointed when You did
not come" Fee said presently. Il had
jus, made up my mind TO send for the
carriage and 20 home. | came alone. you
know"
Alone? thought Mr.. Clayton was
to be here?'
''IIe would not come. think he would
do anything rather than spend an hour in
my company she added bitterly, can
not go on living ike this she broke out
presently, My life is torment to me.
You told me once | should be miserable
IL | married him-are you glad your
wor IS have come true?7
Mrs. Clayton, what do you take me
forE' he cried, moved to passion Il
glad-Elad that you. whom | love with
heart, soul and strength. are tied to
brute who makes your life a pandemo-
MUM upon esrth-glad that you are part
Cd hopclessly from me. and that cannot
lawfully stir 4 finger to help you when
am ready to lay down my life for you'
~f,-. a "a !