Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-04-01
BY FRANK II. sTAUFFER

bEy hGaSts--- DeBdH Tue IdJOI.
"Oh. let up on that!' interrupted
Weatherby. what does I-didn'tcatch-
her-name care about all that? 1t was a
mistake that You ever came out Of the
eight alive"
Barbara chung to Mr.. Dewan's arm
as he led her from the room.
1T is just awful" she said, her voice
trembling, look of disgust upon her
face.
He was leading her out to the foun-
tain. The stone dolphin was pouring a
steady stream from his distended jaws.
They stopped and watched the Spires ding
spray. which glinted like silver in the
| light of the rising moon.
| Mr.. Dewan looked into Barbara's face.
| There was a hushed ex Dression upon it.
| Hrs eyes had an intros pective CLEAN in
them. Did she really care for BTice
And was she hurt and worried over what
she had witnessed?
! Miss Bradleigh. l have enjoyed your
/ society very much" he said Not only
this evening, but upon all other occa-
! sions.'
II am glad to know il" she simply
said.
lit has been more than mere enjoy
ment," he continued. wishing that she
would look more directly at him. In
parting thus from you / realize that |
am leaving behind me one who is very
precious to me. If | only know
There is great deal that we don't
know" interrupted Barbara, REFRESHING
her agitation. And it is best ma! be
that we don't"
You'll be beset with no end of suit
ors while l am away" he gravely said.
Il don't mean of the kind we saw to-
night. but men far more worthy. You
don't want me to say what is in my mind
and heart 10 say, and maybe | ought to
profit by the intimation. You may care
more for me than ! know. or than you
may know, possibly. l wish that it was
so, so far as you are concerned. This Is
Acknowledging kind of n speech, /
know, aud I'll end It by saying that when
you are asked to decide--nO matter how
often-you may think to yourself, if you
want to. I can have Charlie Dewan any
time care to let him know
1t was an odd way Of bringing it
around. but Barbara did not even smile,
for she saw how much in earnest he was.
Il have never met any one more wor-
gravely, and with heated face IF /
have any preferences l must not allow
them to influence me now, or at any 9th
e. time maybe. | cannot make you I'M
derstand me. and it doesn't matter
Weightier things occupy my mind now
/ burdened myself with them to-day, or
rather saw them assume definite shape
do not complain, remember. for | did
it of my own fgree will, and in the same
way I'll take up all duties that may fall
in line with it. 1t is a demand for
love different from that which a husband
would demand. yet none the less neces-
sary and-contnuOus,"
Her voice shook and he saw that she
was trembling in the moonlight.
Il don't catch your meaning" he said.
slowly. a little sadly. II know. however.
from what you have said. that it
wouldn't be kind in me to persist"
She offered him her hand in a pleased.
girish way.
Miss Bradlegh, may write to your"
lie asked.
IF you care to-"
And s2r will reply?''
''0l, the matter ought to be mutual"
she said. with silvery little laugh
A little later and Mr.. Dewan glanced
at his watch He still had time to make
the western-bound train by brisk walk.
He babe Barbara a kind adieu. then
hurried away.
She stood alone in the still moonlight.
her left hand pressed TO her temple the
gentle wind toying with the brown
fringes of her hair, her eyes shadowy
from intense thought.
MIR. Dewan is so manly and consider
ate" she murmured. He loves me. L
can have him any time | care to let him
know That is what he said appre-
ciate the honor. btu it cannot be. Is 1t
possible that | love-Brice2"
4 shout of laughter came from the
parlOr.
"Oh, how that must make his mothers
heart ache she thought
She returned to the house and reached
her room unobserved.