Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-01-14
CHAPTER XIV.

NNpeulLion. nad wisely kept It's nature
secret from his family They were not
therefore distracted by suspense. In
deed, for the sake his wife and little
ones, Ned Burton was still keeping up a
brave front though the wolf of despair
was gnawing at LIS heart. The new
friends he found in this fresh place over
whelmed him with kindness; theS were a
warm-hearted and rough people, and
pitied this honest fellow, who, they had
an instinct, had seen far better days He
was so frank. so straightforward, that
every one felt sympathy, especially with
his charming wife and children. Every
one had agreed that something was TO
be done for the Burtons," and it was
soon found out that there was an oppor-
tunity. relation Of the capitalist who
had supplied. one post was going out TO
the colonies as governor of some impor-
tant place, and he had actually promised,
when he came down on visit and met
Ned, that he would really try and see
what he could do.
The great man, whose name was Sir
Duncan Douglas. soon arrived, and Mr..
Douglas, the generous capitalist, had got
up a high festival in his honor. He had
issued invitations for a sort Of grand ban
quet, to which he had asked all the inn
p0rtant personages in the neghborhOod.
The capitalist lived in magnificent style.
and the entertainment was TO be worthy
of his wealth.
Ned found himself looking forward
with something like hope TO this meeting,
and this idea Of going out 10 new coun-
try, and leaving all that miserable story
behind, even though he had to begin life
over again. He was in the prime of life,
strong. full of spirit, and this struggle
with the wlds and forest of a new land
was what he had often looked on with
complacency. This would give him Cccu-
patton, distract his mind. while he kept
up that grand waiting for the4ay of jus
tice which was to come SCOOTER or later.
when he would be cleared. His family
were for the first time full of joy and
hope. and Bis wife went with some excite
ment to the trunks, to choose out some
of the old finery. to do honor TO the coca
sin. They set off at last for the sort of
castle where the feast was to be- 1t was
a new place, but handsomely built and
furnished
When the Burtons ep cred the room
was full of company. Tie governor " as
10 the center of tn. group, on the rug Vt
honor, and the host at once brought for
ward Ned to introduce him. Mrs. Bur
ton. who had not lost her charming man
uer, was made known to Mrs. Governor.
The dinner began, and was magnificent,
and indeed all seemed to the Burtons,
though pretty well used to magniticenee,
like a dream.
After dinner, when some music was go
lug on, the moment for condolences, n lit
til concert was held---the governor, the
host and Ned You shall come out with
me as secretary. Mr.. Burton" said the
former, with n good salary. You can
bring your family with you, too. | can
refuse my old friend here nothing, but
NJ the same time | must say that like
you"
Ned was overwhelmed with joy and
gratitude. Details were then gone into.
Everything was delightful and promising.
even to the long voyage, for our Ned,
who enjoyed the sea and everything con
uected with it, He would have given
anything to go over TO his dear wife and
pour out all the joyful news. The lights.
The flowers, the handsome objects scatter
ed round the room, the beamlng. kindly
ciai softness, that seemed almost unreal.
He himself found his old spirits return
ing, even his old power of telling good
stories. of which he had n gift.
1t was now about midnight, and a little
dance had been started for the Young
people. Ned was looking on at the run.
and really enjoying it, when servant
came up and put note into his hand
He looked at il with some surprise.
Who could be writing to him ut that
hour? An underlined feeling of doubt.
aud even alarm, began to steal over him.
He opened it and read these words
Il have found out the corner in which
you hid yourself, and have learned the
pleasant arrangements your friends have
made for you. | shall not allow sou to
impose on honest persons.
AT once. and on this night. inform
them that you cannot accept their offers.
] 10 not choose you to leave this couurry.
Further, you must give up your present
place | shall make you wander like
hunted gypsy.
Refuse, and send mp Tor Mr.. Doug
las and tell him all
A film came before his eyes. the lights
seemed to grow dim. His wife saw fis
agitation from afar off. and with a sort
of agony. She was beside him in mo-
meut. and had read the fatal warning.
1t is of no use" he said, in low
tone of despair she wishes to destroy
us, and to kill me. Let her give up
now, aud will make no further struggle.
Let heavens will be done"
II will go down and Sc her She il
woman, she must have some heart. |
viii throw myself on my knees before
her"
Now came up the host and his danch.
tiers. We are going to have a game Of
romps, to wind up the night with. You
must join, the girls Will take no excuse.
Come, lead him of, -
Ned. with CHASTITY smile, was led
away. He was still, as il were. in n
dream. The musical laughter of the chill
dren and young girls sounded strangely
in his ear. He did what he was told.
1t was that diverting game with chairs.
which are set out in the middle Of the
room, while the music plays, and the com
pany walk round the chairs hand in hand
until the music stops ABRUPTLY when
there is n rush made TO secure seats. II
was attended by screams and shouts Of
laughter. but it was almost tragic TO see
the face of Ned Burton, who mechan
ically joined in The excited romps
While ;G": engaged. a pale. stricken
face appeared at the door--that of hi,
wife. now returned from her wretche,
mission She glided away to & cornel
and sank upon a sofa. 1t was a Straug,
thinA to see her looking over at her nus
band, who was In the whirl and merrl