Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-01-07
CHATTER XIII.

hard to resist her engaging manners; but
no one knew how often in the course OF
his walks he found his way over to the
little mansion where she lived, and with
her had many conversations. His VIE
knew nothing of this, nor indeed did Mrs.
Forager
Mrs. Burton, however, as the weeks
rolled on, and as she got Earth. away
from the fatal period which had robb."!
her of her child, noticed an uneasine5s
or restlessness in his manner. But mat
tiers soon came to Il new crisis, owing to
a visit of consolation which Mr.. and Mrs.
Charles Hunter found themselves con
strained TO pay. Lucy happened to be
there when they came in. Mr.. Hunter
Ercfered the conventional offices OF con
ISOLATION in his most lubricatory fashion,
gliding round and round them with his
various topics, as though he were mount
ed on some well-oiled and noiseless yeloci-
pede
The revengeful woman listened to him,
and Mr.. Hunter noted with SOME misgiv-
ing that her eyes measured him distrust-
fully.
What do they say?' she said. What
do these gossips round about us say OF
that murderer, whom the wretched laws
have allowed to escape from justiceT'
"Oh, they say it was most strange
iand really suspicious transaction. Not
By any means cleared up"
And is that the mild view you bold
also! How tenderly and delicately putt
This blunt question embarrassed Mr.
Hunter. He could never bring himself
TO this brutal laying down a hard and
fast line
"Oh. it was shocking terrible" he
said
did he do it, or did he nct?' she ask
ed impatiently.
Mr. Hunter saw on one side n long
perspective of well-garnished dinner ia
bles; on the other side the dullness and
meager entertainment Of his own home.
Lucy was present, which was exceeding
ly embarrassing, though there was moth
ing to be gained from her. Still it was
awkward However, thus driven in
corner. he said gaily aud boldly:
''Oh. OF course. | fear there is no al
tentative"
Lucy colored, and looked at him scorn-,
fully from head to foot
"You have given u different opinion to
me. For shamel You, that | have heard,
when he was master of this house, prais-
ing and paying court to him. And only
few days ago you spoke very differently
to me. For shameT
Not in the least disturbed by this at
tack. Mr.. Hunter said. smiling;
"One cannot always speak the truth:
il would be rude sometimes, and on that
occasion unkind."
Lucy's eyes were kindling, and she an
swered cxcitedly.
'There is other proof besides what you
think, There is a Providence watching
over us, who will not allow the innocent
to rest under suspicion. The time is com
ing wheu lie viii be cleared-that l
know"
Mrs. Burton gave her n quick, resent
full glance.
$50 you are setting yourself on their
side. But it is easily explained | know
this much. my child has been foully muir
dered. and whoever looks forward to en-
joyins these lands can never do so with
out thinking that they have been stained
with blood. But let them plot as much
as they please. they win be disappoint
cd
Lucy is not plotting said her hus-
band. timorously: "she is only trying TO
defend her friends. After all, God alone
knows the truth"
Yes that he is murderer"
THAT he is Innocent said Lucy
"Yolr brother knows it, too"
Mrs. Burton started. He nonsense,
What do you meapT
Il mean that he saw it all--that he
was in his room all the time; and why
has he ren'gnned silent? You eau ASK
him"
In moment Mrs. Burton had left The
reem, and presently returned with her
lr her,
listen 10 this" she said. at is said
here that you We're at your window the
day my caild was murdered, aud could
have seen it all"
He colored
Who says 500"
The family say so, and farther. say
they can prove it"
"Oh, Mr.. Tom Burton, | suppose" he
said bitterly. You are still on his side.
Miss Lucy Forager. So they are schcm-
ing. making up evidence. it seems. Why
should You NEEDLE IN it?'
They simply want to clear thei, faith
crs name
But is this truc?" said his sistc, I'M
patiently.
at is" said the other, coolly
You hear said Lucy eagerly VI
knew he would not deny it,
Mrs. Burton turned pale. This is worry
strange" sue said that YOU should have
concealed this. 1t will make no differ.
ence in my opinion. You could have seen
NOTHING. | suppose the. have brought
you round. Its wise of You to he curry
ing favor with the next heir"
MIR. Ralph was not much disturbed. hut
looked over at Lucy with an air of re-
pPoaeh,
Il SUPPOSE" he said your friend Mr.
Tom Burton has been made aware of this
joyful news"
He does know Of it. said she
And suppose will act on it. tbiuS
Il wonld be highly imprudcnt on his par
II merely throw out the hint"
Still, " said Mr.. Burton, lit seems hare
that my unfortunate brother should ro
have every and all advantage. whethc,
he be guilty or innocent. No one woul,
rejoice more than ! should that his III
uccence was established; it, would tax
away half the bitterness of our loss.
With me it would make it un Idura
bic, said his wife, tierccly. Il can hea
the loss SO long as know that they ar
being punished. What is this trumper.
proof Of his guilt or innocence TO me
He has a long account TO settle. whicI
he shall work out slowly in misery an'
Indebtedness"
AS for that Mrs. Burton" said Lucy