Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-04-22
CHAPTER xytIT


Brce and Mr.. North seemed brought
naturally into close fellowship. There
was much about the young attorney that
gave evidence Of mental ability, united
with much that was genial
Miss Bradleigh seems like an excel
Jent young lady" he remarked.
yes" assented Brlce heartily
shell make an excellent wife for
somebody" commented Mr. North. BEN
son took fancy TO her, didn't he? Well
II don't mean in that way" he added
with smile. qualifying his words.
miss Bradleigh is one to make friends
wherever she goes" replied Brice She
-Snjoyed Benson's confidence. l believe"
= And that's why he left his money to
ner," Mr. North said.
His money! exclaimed Brice. Il
didn't know he had any"
His savings, no DOUBT, and not small
sun, either. The insu, ance upon his life
was an item, too"
Did he have his life insured?" Brice
asked.
For ten thousand dollars"
"Ahw CALCULATED Brice. WHY that
aeaves Miss Bradleigh quite well off :"
Il didn't say it was left TO her abso-
mtcly.' Mr.. North said, AT least
didn't mean to. She has the disbursing
of il, however
In the meanwhile Barbara had put
aside the riding habit and had dres sed
herself for the interview with Mr.. North
Her wardrobe was not an extensive one
but all Of her dresses were becoming to
her, not only fitting her to perfection.
but suitable in fashion to her figure and
in colors 10 her complexion. " hen she
met Mrs. Rutherford in the sitting room
she looked so sweet that the old lady's
face beamed with pleasure.
You have had pleasant time. |
know she said.
"A very pleasant time. indeed" replied
Barbara. "Bri"e could not have been
more consderate and entertaining. He
was adroit enough TO extract promise
from me-"
All" exclaimed Mrs. Rutherford. her
eyes widening, her face sparkling. They
are engaged she thought, with Il thrill
of pleasure.
III epers uaded me to stay
~Oh!" calculated Mrs Rutherford.
Il have quite a surprise for you Bar
bara said. lie didn't borrow that money
after all. He didn't mortgage Croylaads.
Here is the uncompleted document"
Mrs, Rutherford glanced at the paper.
There's that much to his credit" she
said half begrudgucly.
He has changed considerably" Bar
'bara declared.
You 10 influence him. il seems" Mrs.
Rutherford said. redectively. Since YOU
lave concluded 10 remain NJ Croylands.
perhaps / ought to he satisfied Mr.
North. however, may induce you to
change your opinion"
Il don't know why" replied Barbara.
Il haven't seen him yet; that is, To talk
with him, ! mean, He is standing be
side the fountain now. III JOIN him.
Mr. North smiled sofil$ when she ap-
preached him. His business was about
little Eftie, but il wasn't of much impor-
tance. that Barbara could see He had
a g-eat dead to talk about. though. some
how, and it necessitated replies from her.
Bdce watched them from a path on the
terrace and became uneasy
He's got a perfect right to talk to
her. know" he muttered Il had the
same uncomfortable feelings when l saw
Charlie Dewan standing so close to her
beside the huge gray bowlder. I'm not a
loye-sjck schoolboy any more"
lie turned into path which led 20
the woods. He wasn't satisfied with
himself or about Mr.. North's visit. In
the evening Mrs. Rutherford came upon
him in the sitting room,
sit down and talk, mother" he said
+l'ye been busy thinking
Good enough employment, provided