Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-05-27
CHATTER WV

The next day Brice visited Phladel-
phia and appeared at the Office of Mr..
Gilbert North at ten o'clock in the fore
noon, the hour which he had named 10
the gentlemen who wanted to purchase
the barrens
They were there on time. but discov-
cred that Mr.. North was at New York.
whittier he had gone with Barbara. as
the reader will recall. After cousuita-
ton the business was hhaded over To
Dir. North's clerk, who proved just as
efficient.
The deed was signed. witnessed and
delivered. and the money paid 10 Brice.
He smiled grimly as he put il into his
wallet, for he thought Of the pgrnose to
which he had intended to appropriate it..
or to lavish it. rather, upon Miss Went.
worth during a marriage tour through
Europe.
He was disappointed at finding that
Mr.. North was not at home. for he had
expected 20 learn through him of Bar
bpra's whereabouts, lie politely ques-
toned the clerk, but that gentleman
either could not or would not enighten
him ia any respect. Brlee deposited the
money in bank, returned 10 Croylands.
remained all night, and went to the city
the next day.
Mr. North was In his Office. He recoc-
nized BrIee I'D welcomed him. yet felt a
little nervous. for he OWNED the nature
Of his erraud.
Il regret that I wasn't here yester-
day" Mr. North said. MIR. Patton and
his friend should have notified me"
Your clerk was able 10 attend 10 the
work" replied Briee Miss Bradleigb
has LET, rs. That isn't news to you. how
ever | fancy
We'll. no, Mr. North felt himself
called upon TO aiuit,
''She came directly hither?"
Yes"
what reason did she give for tho
the---sudden uotiong' Brice inquired.
''She said things were not plcasau, any
longer at Croyiauds. or something to thai
effect"
What did she say about mcT'
'She said that she didn't want you TO
know whittier she had gone"
ON. calculated Brjce. rigid look
coming to his face My crrand here is
10 fad out where she IS. Am | 70 I'M
derstand that you will decline 10 ia
form meT'
Yes" replied Mr.. North, uneaslly.
Such was my promise to her"
Il can't ask you 20 Violate H." Brice
slowly said. ~ must find out through
sofut other source. And how about the
chlld%
They are together My PROMISE in
cludes both"
TO that I may demur," rcjoined
Brice. while I have no claim upon
Miss Bradleigb, ] certainly have upon
the child, You know that ! am her
father. / did NOT know the child was
alive. l cannot imagine why Benson
kept the matter from me. Your attempt
to hide my daughter from me may in
volve some legal points which you hay,
not yet taken i0to consideration. perhaps
II nay WIFE
Your wifey' interrupted Mr.. North
with a swift glance. Whom do yot
nse3n by thatF'
Whom but Margcry Bcnsoa?" Bric,
sternly asked
SO Narscry was your wjfe1 Pray
why Aid Benson keep IL sccret?"
You cant explain many things tina
Benson said aud did, rejoiueL Rrice
Possibly he never knew. Margtry couh
have told him had she cared 80. W
were married by Rev John Dallas.
know how mother wolld 80 on, go I TAI
away. ard while | was gone Marger,
died They told me that the baby died
and was buried with her"
As he SPOKE he took from his poke
+ the marriage certificate and handed
/ 30 Mr. North. wbo had so admit 10 him
self taet Il Tsoye an autheatic look.
I An his does not absolve me frum m.
4 promise so Miss Bradleigh," be slowl
said but II gives the matter a differ
east aspect. ! would have 40 be goyeru
ed by 81 in giving Mss Bradley Ia
+ advice for which she may ask me- D.
( you object 10 my informing her Of tn
matter, provided She does not know 60
Il have no objections Rrice replied
In fact. I desire &C. I dolt vans he
/ 20 eilsfiS is>2 worse than | am. My cbjec
T Is not to get possession Of the child o
I Of any money left 70 her by her grand
/ father. still less do I vcaat 60 dcfraut
/ her cut Of any rights she may have il
! Croylands. Ny object is 70 S@7 lis
/ Rradleigh--to obtain her forgiveness
help her Ia the tsust which was dsls