Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-03-11
CHAPTER IN.

ChAE IEh IN.
When they reached the rivers edge
they found Miss Wentworth and Mr.. De-
wan already in the boat, carrying on what
looked very much like a Irritation.
Miss Wentworth glanced keenly at the
handsome couple as they approached.
Their faces were not as sealed books to
her. She was quick at reading emotions.
Her brows slightly contracted as she said
to herself:
There is an expression of triumph on
Miss Bradleighs face. He has paid her
an honor He proposed. no doubt. There
Is a halfsurly, half-dsappointed look on
his face. She either refused his offer or
else is holding it In allegiance"
The little wharf at Croylands reached,
the party landed. Miss Wentworth and
Mr.. Dewan assembled the well-trodden
path. Brice pulled the PROV of the boat
upon a fiat rock and securely moored it.
Barbara stood few yards distant, her
white muslin dress plainly defined against
the mass of green shrubbery.
1T was kind Of you to W for me"
Brice said.
II was suiting myself" replied she.
The others went on"
II thought you had again manifested
your prefer ence," Brice said
II have ne objection to your thinking
So" Barbara rejoined
He tried to read her face in the dim
ness. He offered her his arm, and they
walked toward the house, which was not
yet in sight. Barbara seemed uneasy,
and started into every cluster of shadows.
You are thinking of that tramp"
Brice said
Yes sTr Rutherford He'll make an
other attempt"
II bea~ a charmed life, Miss Brad
leigh"
Don't say that. sir"
"Ieastwise, he hall not make you
suffer again." Brio, said, in a strong.
sympathetic tone.
When they reached the house, supper
was announced. The n al discussed, they
all adjourned to the pa lor. Mr.. Dewan
and Miss Wentworth ST X together, she
Mt the piano, his voice IA deep, pleasing
bass.
Brice talked TO his mother on the sofa.
She was richly dressed. her air refined,
her face placid, her gray hair put away
in becoming coils. Barbara sat near,
feeling tired after the exploits of the
afternoon.
What a pretty alto part this must
ber' exclaimed Mr. Devan as he scanned
the piece of music they had just been
singing. DO you sing alto. Miss Went
woorth2'
Il do not" replied she.
You have not asked Miss Bradleish,"
suggested Mrs. Rutherford.
Excuse me-" Mr.. Dewan said, with a
|
perhaps"
After "a manner" answered she,
with a smile.
pray, ohlge me" he said. offering her
| his arm.
She blushed hesitated a moment. He
led her to the instrument, and the three
sang one ballad after the other. carrying
their parts with correctness. Brice lean
ed back and listened,
Do YOU hear that alto?" his mother
asked in an undertone. "A soft ripple of
chords, not too strong, yet clear as a
bell"
'She has a most excellently trained
voice" admitted Brice.
Say, we don't want TO have all this
to ourselves exclaimed Mr.. newan.
I'm venture now that you sing tenor.
He was looking at Brice. who shook his
head.
Il read your poem" Mr.. Dewan said
joining Brice.
Il didn't write any"
who did? Somebody here at Croy
lands"
"Why?" asked Brce.
Because it's about C"o~landS TIL,
, Old Woods at Croylar r., the title
Here's a copy of the M >as le,"
He took the maGan2e IN his poke
and handed it TO Brio lrbara wa
seated NJ the piano, with soft pcda
down, playing few choice airs half tim
orously. after such long interval With
ont practice.
Brice carefully read the poem lie wa
l intelligent enough aud idealistic enough
30 appreciate Il. 1t was nm eloquent oul
= burst finely descriptive. and almost 81
deep and huShed and weird as she o.,
I | woods themselves.
t Miss BradleiEh wrote il" he thought
5 why, it's absolutely fine, And sueh
: gushing apostrophe, hublling over with
j. yearning de>ns to stay, and stay sh
shall
E He almost poke the words aloud, th
' idea had takca such a hold upon him. II
: glanced over TO Barbara. She had stou