Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-09-09
CHATTER XVIII


| looked keenly bout me, to discover
who the occupants night be. could see
only two-George Redruth and his moth.
er. The old lady looking very white
and stately In her robe Of black velvet.
sat bolt upright in a quaint oak chair,
working at some fancy work. Near to
her was her son, Iounging carelessly in
low easy chair, an open book upon his
knee. He certainly looked very hand
some in his spotless clothes and snowy
linen: and | wondered little that his
mothers eyes rested upon him with such
look Of affection. George Redruth was
not Il man who bore upon his person the
impress Of his soul He had a fair face
anal a specious manner; and any stranger
looking at him would have believed him
utterly incapable of cruelty or wrong
doing.
My uneeremonious entry startled both
mother and son. They both looked at
me with nm expression which was hy no
means amiable. They both asked what
my business was There that night. l
turned to Redruth and said. as quietly az
| could:
My business Is with you. sir. What
| have to say had better be said to you
alone"
He moved uneasily IN his scat, and
darted at me from under his brows a
look Of bitter hatred thought his face
grew very pale. but he made an effort
20 preserve his cold manner.
You are verT mysterious" he replied
"hHt since y0', have thought II worth
your while 70 force your way upon us
az you have dore. yen had better say
your say and so. before | order the SER
wants 20 turn you out"
"You had better be- careful" | replied.
Once more | warn you--what you have
30 hear had better be heard by you
alone"
lie made \ movement forward. and
was about to follow him, when there
was another interruption Of a most I'M
expected kind Old Mrs. Redruth rose.
and. making a stately motion with her
hand, said;
You shall not leave me. George. .'if
he means to Insult you, let him do so
before your mothers facet
II insult himf' l said. You don't
know what you are saying. have re-
turned 10 my home 10 obtain justice; 10
force a bitter wrong 10 he righted, / am
here for that now Whatever happens.
po blame can be attached to me- am
willing to speak to him alone. but speak
| | mean to before leave this house to.
night Tell me--is it true that in two
days yon propose to wed Miss Graham p
Yes answered bis mother; lit is
true Now, sir, what hnva you to sayT
This. that you son had better think
well before he goes to lead that lady to
the altar; because he knows as well as
that that marriage can never he"
George what does be meang" asked
the old lady. gazing from one TO another
in trembling agitation
"Fxr heavens sake. mother. kecr
calm said George Redruth. who wa,
himself terribly agitatrd. then he turned
again 10 me. "Trclawpey, leave tn,
house" he said III you have anythin
70 say to me, seek me again. my mother
is I'll. and a scene such as this promise,
to be will kill her,
Il told you | was willing 20 speak tc
yea alone" said. "but since that caa't
! be- other folk must hear. am here to
/ day to ask Tor justice: you hest know
why aud for whom. no You mean &
I do it2'
''You speak in riddles, which fan Z,
/ understand"
Il am spcaki..s 81 the woman who's,
heart you have broken and whose lifl
/ yau have destroyed ia the name Of ny
/ cousin. Annie Peudrason I refuse to al
/ low this marriage 20 90 oa.'
/ l. expected 70 See him cover befor,
| his blow. but ! was mistaken; he was
/ evidently prepared fer anything / NIGH
/ say,
My good mar" be Said, ceo'ly. yoJ
are ~avinS, or worse Nou take. ! knew
Sc y,cy tender interest 10 Miss Graham
! welfare. and think yea viii bee able &,
degrade me in her eyes But y5a ar
mistaken Both Miss Graham and my
mathr know me goo wen to believe ON,
word Of whay you say"
DO you deny" | sad. "iae stoN
] which ! have heard iram my cousir &
! ipsg'
What your cousin may or may no
t nave told ven Is no cunctFt. II Ssiue
I What ia she 20 mer'
''She IS your ~if5 returned.
Stil he Fetsised his Geld impressive
manner: but the old lady looked az hin
with troubled eyes. II was nothing Il