Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-03-19
Ivy "RITA A.

gress and efficiency. He can translate
Cornelius Nepos, and can spell and write
admirably. / have written to the lady
by this same mail, telling her you will
call and make the necessary arrange
ments. see no reason why the boys
should not enter at the midsummer half
term, in which case you can return here
by the July steamer. | inclose Miss
Crawley's address. have had a slight
attack of fever, but am otherwise in my
usual health. Don't trouble me with any
scruples or objections. The sooner boys
have to rough it in the world the better.
In your next letter expect TO hear every
thing is settled and your passage taken.
You" affectionate husband.
JOHN MARSDEN."
The letter dropped on her lap. Her
eyes, wide and sad, looked up in despair.
and met Cyrils anxious gaze.
"Are we to go?' he asked breathless'y.
Yes" said his mother, in a strange,
stiacd voice There was a moments 81
lence. As if by an impulse the eyes of
both turned to the bed where lay that
little figure wrapped in deep and dream
less slumber.
Poor little jack! sighed Cyril sor-
rowfully.
1t was the la It straw. 1t broke down
the mothers strength. and, sobbing like
child, she fell down on her knees be-
side the little bed
"Ch, < can't bear it, can't" she cried
in a very agony Of distress. 1T is too
hard"
The boy looked at her, all the mirth
and mischief gone from his face, his
heart sinking within him as he saw that
passionate grief. Possessed by an inn
pulse too strong for resistance, he crept
out of his cot, and came to her side. and
put his arms abo": !. ar as in some rare
moment Of tende ness he was wont to do.
Don't cry, mother" he said. cheerful
ly. II will take care of Jack"
Meanwhile Ivor Grant was battling
once again with that strange. mysterious
suspicion which had ever and anon cross
ed his mind
What did his mother know OF Count
Savona, and what secret power did he
hold over her that he could so compel
her submission to his wishes?
1t was not the first time he had come
on these strange visits. and after each
there had been a greater difference in
his mothers health-a perceptible weak
ness and increase of suffering; yet never
had he been able to discover the reason.
At first the Count used to write to
Ivor, and propose a run down to the
Court, but latterly be had omitted that
ceremony altogether and it was through
Mrs. Grant he received the information.
Despite the Counts attractions, his
wonderful fund of information and I'M
81 al 81
growing distrust of him in his heart--a
distrust that only gained ground with
additional knowledge OF the man.
Yet to find fault with him would have
been impossible. Ike was so polite, so
good-humored, had such subtle Difference
of manner. that he could not help being
an agreeable companion Still, despite
ali these attractions. Ivnr could not help
wishing him f:;r enough away at the pres
ent time; aud when he awoke the follow
ing morning and remembered that he
must stay at home and play host instead
of walking down to the Rectory and
idling with the children, or going off on
one Of those charming rambles. in which
Beryi and they delighted. he felt most
unamiably disposed toward his guest.
Il cant understand why Savona in
vites himself here in this unceremonious
fashion," he said to his mother, as he
paid her his morning visit II don't want
him, and it's not so very long ago that
you cautioned me against his friendship.
Do you remember
YES" she said. growing very white.
HE Is not a safe friend; but he is still
more dangerous enemy. 1t would not do
for you to offend him"
why on earth should fear him q ask
ed Ivor, wrathfully. I've no secrets for
him to unearth. | am not afraid Of him.
or any backstairs information he may
possess OF my past, but | do very serious
ly object to his dropping down on US
just when he likes, and | don't under
stand it."
Never before had he spoken so plainly;
never before had ne put into words the
smoldering indignation OF years
Mrs. Grant grew yet more deadly pale.
She pressed one thin, white hand
against her heart. as if its beating were
painful, and looked in agonized appeal
at her son. BUT he was standing by the
window with his back turned to her and
did not see the expression of her face,
Il think l shall give him q hint" con-
tinued Gvor ill-temperedly. that in fu-
ture. il ! desire his visits | will ask for
them. | object to these self-cnforeed in
vitations.'
You never objected before" said his
mother, speaking coldly to hide her ag-
tation; and YOU should remember Ivor.
that you are not yet master here"
He turned AND faced her in very amaze
| ment.
Mother" he said. impuisively. what
do you mean? What is this mystery p
for mystery there is. and can see it.
You. too, hate this man. and yet you
| fear him. You cautioned me against him,
and yet you receive him here as if he
were friend, Have | ever asserted my
| self In manner uniting my position,
! that you should remind me | am not mas
| ter? | am sure. | have not. Sir Hector
/ has never allowed me 10 feel the sting
/ that your words have conveyed. Do
/ owe them also to this-Count2''
| All, il is a good proverb of your coun-
/ try that says, talk of an angel, IN
/ terrupted voice close at hand
The velvet portiers were swept aside,
Before them stood the very man Of whom
they had been speaking.
I My train arrives an hour too early, T"
1 he said, advancing and taking Mrs,
/ Grants reluctant hand. Your servants
/ tell me | shah md Mr.. lyor with You.
1 and | hasten 10 pay my respects 10 both. "
The pale, quiet face with the strange
/ eyes struck them both with All uaaccouut-
( able chill lvor advanced. but there was
no smile OF welcome on his face. or any
( cordialty in his brief words of greeting
J q, E-