Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-11-12
CHAPTER III.

Lucy Fornger was a bright, petite, con
fiding creature, a little vehement and ex
citable on occasion, with a corner for 70
nance; but still a standing miracle fol
all who knew her, how she had come sc
simple, even rustic and unworldly, from
the hands of that intriguing mother. II
was marvel That there was literally not
a partieal of the maternal quality in the
daughter; MY, she had so much simple
filial trust and affection, that her own
qualities ute >olored up the parents in.
to handsome anhable virtues This faith
made her look on with reverence aid
Tespec, while mamma was pursuing some
of her favorite maneuvers
Tom met her with enthusiasm. 1--WE
have been talking business" he said.
"and all is settled"
And mamma made no difficulties, 4"
said she, little nervously ooh she y
very fond of me; | knew she wouldn't"
80 did l." said the youth, smiling.
mo. she was most gracious. Uncle has
behaved nobly. In his letter, which has
been a month coming. he promises TO
take care Of u.s. which he afterwards
translates into good English as fifteen
hundred a year. We shan't want more.
dear Lucy-nor. indeed. so much: as we
must not part with papa, nor with Abbey
lands-your future home"
The little girl, all affection as she was
entered with interest into these earthly
details. These were the only few parti-
cles OF the maternal leayen that had
worked into her system. Nearly an hour
passed away in such communications.
Then there is the dinner party to-
day" he said, on parting ''There is
Phelps the clergyman, art the doctor,
and lot more coming to pay homage
10 the future Princess Of AbbeyIands this
is all in your honor. l assure you, Ned
and mother are quite shaken out on the
strength Of all this There is to be new
furniture, and new carriage, and who
knows but one OF these days the old fam
lily baronetcy? How fine that would
sound-Sir Thomas and Lady Burton!
But, indeed. we don't want that; l do
hope that dear old Ned will long enjoy
it."
"Oh, yes. yes!" said Lucy. grayely.
These conflicts between prospects and af-
lection are embarrassing; and it would
be awkward to put the most affectionate
heir to the test-whether, il he were Civ
en- the power, he would revive those by
~
he hes-enjoyed. But our couple were as
sincere as any in the world
The dinner came round. II was snown
that this was to be a kind of official fes-
tival The hosts wore a kind of pleased
and even nervous Importance. the young
guardsmau having a sort of flushed pride
IN his face AID air: the guests, affecting
a congratulatory manner. This was to
s3atttr
man, and lady. and in FiIgate. the local
doctor. There We're also lady and gem
tleman who lived IN a little box that top
ped the neighboFing hill. Mr.. and Mrs
Charles Hunter. These persons made up
that typical band of local supernumera-
vies who hold up the fringes Of some
wealthy family in a place kept in good
style, aud have h sort of preseriptiye right
20 being asked to dinner. In such rela-
tions there is always an air Of smiling
obsequiousness-a Difference and conf
dence in corners. Mr.. Phelps round
faced. twinkliugeyed clergyman, was a
sort of spiritual humorist for the party,
and was tenderly interested in all that
concerned them.
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Hunter were Of
the numerous class who are said TO be
born for society-who advance through It
with a sort OF swimming rather than
walking motion. Such glide in and cut,
between all the different groups, and ey-
cry one pronounces them charming. In
deed. one might envy their exceptional
position, occupying a position analogous
to that of belle at a bali, and like the
lilies Of the field, they seemed not to
have the trouble of sewing or spinning,
but dined from home and went on visits
30 country houses for three-quarters of
the year. Yet they were what Mrs.
Forager would have contemptuously call
ed poor famished creatures" being sup
posed to have but four or five hundred Il
year, or even less; but when people are
thus supported by their friends. it be-
comes easy II i've on very little.
Mr.. Charles Hunter owed this to his
own happy manner. and to his wife's
singing Gin 4 body mels body" In
A very able and life-like manner, giving
n careful native pronunciation to the
word bloody" This defense If some
little amatory improperly was imperish-
ably associated with her; and with it,
more happy than many public singer
she secured her almost daily bread. rich
dishes and lodging for weeks at a time
There are many of these wandering Will
lies about. male and female. who thus
earn what may be calculated at worth
some two or three hundred year. Her
husband was on system one Of her great
est admirers. being always euraps in de-
light when the bloody met or kissed
or otherwise welcomed the person who
was coming through the rye: but what
really secured him board and lodging was
the proprietorship Of a certain Lord De
gunter the absolute fee of whom seemed
to be literally vested in him.
OF this nobleman, his seat in the conn-
try as we'll as his town house. his private
affairs. his tradesmen. cash, he appeared
10 have complete disposal: and by always
having letter from him in his pocket,
aud by having just come from. or being
on the eve of going down to- Degmter.
he came to be considered as a portion Of
that nobleman, his administrator. heir
and assign. At Degunter be obtained
other noblemen and gentlemen; and with
out any qualification of position. genius,
or ability. beyond easy manners and de-
lightful self-eonfdence. he was extraordi.
narily popular especially with the ladies.
He it was who now took Tom mysteri-
ously aside. as for some important com
munieation. and said. Delighted. it is
the right thing TO do, and | admire ycu
for it," The lad presently glided roaad
to the ladies with compliments and jests
aud was greeted with smiles. Now ar.
rived. with a ustling as of falling leaves
on windy day. Mr.. aud Mrs. ForaEcr
I l. 4.