Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-12-30
CHAPTER III.

AFAA Instantly ANA ASA NtA@ hhAA "a
s1g. magnetic gaze Of his dark eyes upon
aers with an intensity which made them
drop quickly, and brought the warm
eiood swiftly to her round cheeks.
Miss Douglas" said he, when | sci
cut TO visit your father this morning
bad 40 idea | was to be SO favored by
f8rtane."
In the last part Of that sentence Mr.
lie Dru for once told the truth
Bur Marcia could not guess that the
arst part was ali lie, so she asked
kindly:
did you come to Kentucky on pur.
p0se 10 see papa, Mr.. lie Dru?"
THAT was my main object. Miss Doug
las"
when did you reach Frankfort she
asked.
Last night. Miss Douglas"
But why did you not come oat to the
HAL At oneeT pursued Marcia. limo
eentiy.
''oh, II was entirely too late to think
oe disturbing any one then" responded
Louis, promptly.
"A guest never disturbs papa, no mat
9er what hour be comes" said Marcia.
%And cannot think OF anything which
asutertaia at his own freside your father &
tsoa. Vance win be delighted too Did
z understand you to say you were class
mates =
For three years. at old Yale, Miss
douglas. If remember rightly, he lives
s1eHF you. doesn't hep
Yes. Uncle John died two years since.
and Vance, al my fathers express wish,
HE d -
y3wa estate. which joins ours, aud assist
ing papa besides. Papa thinks be could
not get along at all without Vance"
Happy fellowr' murmured LIE Dru.
II wonder il be knows how much he
Is 10 be envied In living under the same
roof with hts charming couSinr
Mr.. lie Dru. / greatly dislike Hat-
terry" said Marcia, very hauehuly.
Il sincerely bee pardoL. Miss Doug
las said he, Il should not have offend
esd. but You see am a plain. honest sort
Of fellow, aud so apt to express adrnira-
fion when see anything very beautiful,
that I forgot our acquaintance was only
paeasured BY moments, az yet. When you
know me better, you win not mistake
frank admiration, even though bungling.
" expressed, for mere empty compli-
Enent'
His manner was so simple. his low
tones SO dangerously thrilling, how could
Marcia doubt his TRUTH She gave him
an artIess look and smile, and said,
ssweetly:
am not offended, Mr. lie nru"
Before he could have spoken, they had
Eerehed the great iron gates, which were
ewung open by two little negro boys who
were on the watch for them Bidding
him enter with pretty wave OK her soft
sittie hand, Marcia looked up into lie
Dru's face. and said quaintlyi
Welcome t. Douglas Hall, Mr.. lie
Drur'
But, oh! little guessed the innocent
child that she was welcoming TO her
paradise the serpent who had come 70
blight its beauty!
They cantered gently up the wide,
smooth carriageway 10 the house, where
Squire Douglas d Miss Madeline ere
uxxlousiy waitirf;. and the negroes were
gathered At the corner OF the verandah.
eager 10 hear what had happened
vague impulse prompted Marcia to
wish for her father TO help her from her
hsorse. But Louis instantly dismounted
and stood at her side, extending his arms
VTffh fine gaiiantry which poor Vance.
true gentleman though he was, could
saot have initiated TO save his life.
What has happened daughter ask
ri the old squire, Fastening to meet them
as they e,-me up the steps. we have
been terribly frightened. Where is
Eance?r
e oming papa, with a sprained an
sEle," said Marcia.
Thank heaven il Is no worse thar
chat" fervently calculated the old gen
alcman. But yeu bring Us a guest,
Marcia"
yes. papa, one you will gladly vel
come said Marcia smiling. while the
younger man revereutly took of his hat.
lie is the son Of dear friend This is
Ar, lie Dru, from Charleston"
What! Simon lie Dru's SOM Do
really see Simon lie Dru's sonT cried
Ehe good old g ntleman, extending his
Sands and warmly clasping those OF the
young man Are you Louis lie Dru,
actually Simon's boy2"
himself, and 40 other" said Louis.
Aeartily
We'll. we'll! I'm glad Of it. I'm glad
s8f IT. Both hands. sir. both hands. Why.
Ehis Is too good 10 be true, that Simon
HJe Dru's son has really come 10 visit bis
gathers old friend, away out here in
Kentucky"
~ es, sir, he has taken that liberty"
said Louis. giving as winning a smile to
che silverhaired Squire as he had given
SO the brown-haired girl.
Taken the liberty? Done us the hon
or. you meant Well, sir, welcome TO
douglas Hall. A thousand welcomes,
$Here, sister Madeline. come here, come
acre. Come and take Simon lie Dru's
Soy by the hand. BY both hands, as
1ave- Louis my sister, Mss Madeline
douglas"
Louis bent over the plump hand which
Aunt Madeline held out TO him, saying.
respectfully. Il have often heard my
sather speak OF Miss Douglas Il is a
great pleasure 10 me 10 meet her"
None the less SO TO US. l am sure, A."
said Miss Madeline. II Join Ia my
Bspother's welcome 10 cur house"
Yes, our house" said the old Squire.
You may remember 10 have heard,
IoJis, that Providence was pleased years
Bgo 10 remove Mareia's mother from our
uaidst. Since then my sister has nobly
sled he- place IN cur home"
Il am sure you have been fortunate in
having &C kid a sister"
Indeed we have. Indeed we hsve.'
lrepeated Squire Douglas. warmly
my brother is partial" said Miss
Madeline, smiling. Mr.. lie Dru, you
assemble your father very much. The
last time ! saw him he stood inst vyhe-e