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

the WOODS ana hOuF, ana III view u tue
fact that she had exerted herself to have
him express his preference for her.
He might have done so had not his
mind been occupied with Barbara. He
had been unjust to her in his differences
and unkind TO her In his speeches. and he
had neglected to apologize to her. He
felt that she bad a right to look for that.
There's a pretty picture" cried Miss
Wentworth, pointing. "A veritable pair
of lovers, Miss Bradleigh as pale as Mar
guerite, and Dewan as fine a type OF
man as any woman would wish 10 see.
Barbara and Mr.. Dewan were stand
Ing beside a great gray bowlder He
was talking very earnestly to her, and
she now and then lifted her eyes in
shy. appreciative way to his Her atti-
tude was girlishly graceful; the rim OF
her hat shaded her piquant face She
was tearing wild rose to pieces, as il
in deep thought.
HE loves me, he loves me not, quoted
Miss Wentworth, bestowing upon Brice
a glance which she meant should be very
bewtching.
But Brice wasn't looking at her nor
at Mr. Dewan. He was looking at Bar
bara. There was an uneasiness at his
heart for which he could not entirely ac-
count Was he impressed as he had
never been before with her loveliness and
worth? Did ii occur to him that Charlie
Dewan might appreciate her and carry
her away from Croylands2 Quite likely
he was and quite likely it did. He was
yexed at Miss Wentworth for having
decoyed him away; decoyed was the
word which seemed the most applicable.
what has Mr.. Dewan been telling you
that is so very entertaining" Miss
Wentworth asked
Barbara looked up and blushed. She
had not heard the approach of Ler
friends A steady stream Of light seem
ed TO flow from Brice Rutherford's eyes
to her.
Indeed she has been entertaining
me-" declared Mr.. Dewan, coming to
Barbara's help, like the considerable man
that he was "She has been telling me
of a pretty little Indian legend connect
ed with lhe river Longfellow himself
could not have made a better word-paint
ing of IT,"
They walked down to the bank, the
ladies together and the gentlemen fol-
lowing.
81 have forgotten my parasol" Bar
bara announced 1T is on tie top of a
large bowlder," ana she prepared to re-
ascend the banA.
"Allow me to get it," Mr.. Dewan ex-
claimed. springing forward.
"Oh. no." she said
Miss Bradleigh, I'll go with you"
Brice said.
"If you wish to-" she replied in her
quiet way.
They went off together not single
suggestion of alacrity in their gait.
ave been left" Mr.. Dewan said, with
a coinical shrug.
I'm here" reminded Mis- Wentworth.
at serves you right! You monopolized
her MI the afternoon"
Just as you did Brice," he retorted,
laughing softly. Il have a suspicion
that you planned it."
"If so. did 1t for your sake" replied
Miss Wentworth, with frightening color.
"You know we are simply friends. |
wanted you TO get acquainted with Miss
Bradleigh. She is little demure and
trihe sanctimonious. maybe, being a cler-
gymans daughter, but she's true, prime
girl nevertheless
wan right heartily. "s'he is winning in
her ways self-possessed. appreciative,
imaginative. yet sufficiently practical"
You have been shy of me this after
noon" Brice said, keeping close to Bar
baras side.
They arrived at the gray bowlder.
Brice secured the parasol and handed it
ia her, their hands coming in contact.
Why did the touch of her hand thrill him
ms no other woman's hand had ever
thrilled him?
He yearned to take her in his arms
under the fascination of her exquisite
Iovcliuess But he did r I dare to, She
stood within m atmosl Iere of purity,
He was way of on the outer edge of it
and she beyond his reach.
Miss Bradleigh, | owe YOU an apol-
ogy" he said. about what said in my
allusion to kisses"
A warm glow came to Barbara's
checks. almost as red as the dainty coral
Din which she wore at her throat. She
ncryousy opened and closed her parasol.
You followed me to the ravine that
night" she said, an accusing CLEAN in
her brown eyes.
y
with emphasis. II came upon the spot
by the merest accident. | didn't know
and | misconstrued / twitted you about
it and am heartily ashamed of it, SOW
that l know how blameless you were. 1t
looked like taking a mean advantage.
ana passionate and indiscreet ard rollicky
aud all that. but l won't do mean thing
if ! know il.
His voice shook with emotion, and
Barbara watched him out Of the corners
Of her eyes.
And that other affair? oh. Miss
Bradieighr'
She tried to catch his meaning.
You suffered terribly for my sake
You saved my life The bullet lodged in
the window frame on line with my tenn
pie. Believe me. when l tell you that
my gratitude Isis profound"
Il believe you sir" Barbara replied,
surprised 10 find her voice so steady
What else could ] have done? I didn't
make much Of 1t and didn't want you TO
know didn't ell your mother until
she gave me TO understand that you blam-
ed my cousin Basil oh, sir, be on your
guard against the knave."
SHE turned TO go. Brice leaned against
the bowlder.
You prefer Mr.. Dewan to ne" he
said
"Ah, indeed? | wasn't aware of it.
] don't make up my mind so quickly as
that. ] showed my preference, | be
Hcve''
You admit that much?" Brice asked
his face cloudy.
Didn't you notice? ! declined to al