Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-02-25

the reply. "It's a trait. The owner has
come back? He's boor, isn't he? Bar
bara, you'll marry him some time, and
own CroyIands. 1t would be just like
your luck Oh, you'd comport yourself
with sufficient dignity, only you'd b" sort
of throwing yourself away"
Where are you going:" asked Bar
bara, not liking his illusions.
ITO the Black Hills"
Basil. you are not strong enough.
TO get there, do you mean? Oh, yes,
am. To dig. 10 you meanf Well, may
be not They can put me 20 some use.
| suppose they have cemeteries out there,
for they're progressive. you know
A spasm of pain crossed Barbara's
face.
Basil. you want money" she said.
Right bad | do Was there ever n
time when | didn't want money? It's a
right handy thing for fellow to have
about him. But III not take any money
from YOU. Barbara Not red cent. You
have to work hard for it. and Id be
ashamed to take it after not paying the
other loans back l must say this.
though, Barbara, it wasn't because /
hadn't the will
/
softly rejoined.
'No, you didn't--cot even when kept
on asking. But it's bothered me none
the less Maybe that's n sign that I'm
not lost to all sense of shame. | hope it
is. Then too, how shabbily acted to
ward uncle. your dear, kind, big-heartei
old father. He's gore now, and ] couldn't
ask him to forgive me. even if | wanted
to. tell you, Barbara, there's no good
in me, and might as we'll give up.
His voice was husky and broken, aud
his eyes grew dim with tears.
~ ~ mustn't talk that way" Barbara
said, softly, encouragingly. her brown
eyes filed with pity. There is a great
deal Of good in you, and there's no occa-
sion for you to give up. Why you are
scarcely twenty-one. with life and the
world before you. Be a man, Basil be
a man.
Barbara. I've had no chance
Then make your chance. Rise above
circumstances; strike back; get OUT Of the
eddy, trust less to luck and more to grit;
rouse your energies, and"
Grin right into the face of destiny"
completed he. with a discordmt little
langh well | have, and do, and that
shows that I'm no coward. | intend to
live out my life. however long it may be.
or however full of pain. I'm going to
try new field. Barbara, there's one
thing | want you to do. ia Ike if you'd
let me kiss you before / went"
mo BASIL" she answered, with con-
tracted brows, drawing little away
from him,
q think you might" he pleaded.
Don't mistake me- Barbara" and his
hand shook as he lifted it to his mouth.
nd like to think back about il after I'm
miles and miles away. I'm sure 1t would
make me stronger. I'd be willing TO dare
and do. Oh, if my life had been but as
pure as yours
He clutched at his throat, for great
lump had lodged in it. \ scaldinG tear
of regret. if not of repentance, dropped
upon the back of his hand.
Barbaras heart was deeply touched
IF so you wish it, Basil" she said.
He leaned across the fence. and their
Inns met. He never knew whether she
had returned the caTess
May our HavenIy Father guide you
and keep you" she said, her eyes lifted
skyward, her face softly illuminated
"Rarbara. it may be that you have
saved me-" he So d. refectively, some
thing of agony III his tone. You may
never hear from me again, but if you do
it will be that I have acquitted myself
well. Somehow IT seems TO me I've TAX
en- new lease OF life. Because of that
kiss more than because of anything
you've said. Good-by, you dear, sweet
girl
lIn he continued y