Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-03-26
CHAPTER v.

Inc Erst glance lFof Had gwen NJ
BeryPs face as ne met her in the hall told
him her fears had been realized. She
had come alone. The little lads were
nct with her. fact unusual in itself.
do not laugh at presentiments again,
she said, trying to speak more brayeiy
than her white face and quiveriug lips
allowed as possible. Mine are more
than realized
He had taken her hand and stood look
ing down on her with sad and troubled
eyes,
And when do you go?" he asked.
Il? Oh, | was not thinking of that.
1t is about the children Next month
they are to 30. IL came to see your
mother at once. There are so many things
to be done-arrauged
Her voice broke She turned aside TO
conceal her weakness, being woman
enough TO know how the sight of tears
tries even the strongest men.
Has your visitor anivedr' she ask
ed presently, when the mOmentary weak
ness had been struggled with and sup
pressed.
Yes" he answered, somewhat con
straisedly; ''he is with MY mother now"
Then. perhaps, shall be intruding-"
"On the contrary" he interrupted. Il
am SURE Ie will gladly welcome your
presence. l don't think she cares very
much for Count sayopa's companion.
ship"
Then we will go to hcr," said Beryl,
somewhat absently.
She WAS thinking il was little odd
| that neither mother nor son cared for the
! presence of this man, aud yet received
him as guest beneath their roof How
ever. her heart was TOO sore aud troubled
to concern itself much about anything
save it own grief. and in silence she went
with Ivor to his mothers room
so that is the mysterious Count" she
| thought, seeing only a tall, Dale-faced
man. With a singularly graceful presence.
who rose and bowed low at her entrance.
! Nothing very sinister or melodramatic
about him"
Is is possible. perhaps, that the ladies
may have matters TO talk about which
the rough and prosaic mind OF man mag
not sufficiently appreciate" said the
| Count. after n slight interval of desultory
| talk. Il propose my dear Capt Grant,
! that we so on the terrace till luncheon"
!vor, only too thankful to take that
ba!ai., presence aud those basilisk, ad.
miriEg eyes from the presence Of Berry,
Marsden agreed at once.
The two women were left alone
And has the i'll news Gomez asked
| Mrs. Grant as the door closed.
Yes" said Beryl despairingly. II
was only hoping against hope. l.
| Good heavens" she said. in horror Mrs
Graut-dear friend--what is it?'
For Mrs. Grant had suddenly sunl
back with a faint moan, and lay there tC
all appearance lifeless.
Il was a long time before She receive cd
ana then She was SO weak and exhaust
ed that she had TO go to bed. though
she still persisted in her refusal to hav,
medical advice, Berry, remained hcsid'
her till late in the afternoon, totally IN
able 10 resist the poor lady's piteous ap
peals and beseeching gaze. She, too wa
weariri and unstrung aud her heart wa
longing Tor the presence of the httl
brothers, and picturing Jacks wistfu
face and anxious eyes as he would keel
looking o0t tor mummy"
Every no,uept ot their company wa
precious now. and already this day wa
half over, She had refused to 20 TO th
dining room For !uacheou, aud had takei
il .E Airs Grants room instead.
About taur o'clock she saw the poe
iny&lid'S eyes Dropping in very wearines
] | and iauSuor. Gradually the quiet an
Stiffness Of the room seemed to soothe he
igng rcsrlcssnesS Her eyes closed 4
sleep. aud Berry, felt she WAS free To Y,
! turn home.
She crept uoisejessly into tho boudoi
gave a few parting Instructions to n
maid, then put on her nat aud left "a
| Court " ii an unusual eagernesS.
She saw nothing of lvor as she hnrric
! homewards. aud for once the fact left il