Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-12-09
BY JOHN STRANGE WINTER

with Harrington sat down beside the
young lady, and they simultaneously set
to work with such vigor to make things
pleasant for one another that it was
quite a beautiful sight TO see them.
But no paradise lasts long without It's
serpent. Nor did theirs Before Har-
rington had been sitting there a quarter
Of an hour the ungainly figure Of one
Major Pottinger doomed in the distance,
alone and advancing with that peculiar
gait which in n wild beast Is called
proving" ooh, here's that horrid
Major Pottinger," cried little Miss Dull
Gle, in quite scared tone.
Lady Bardinge's eagle eye had. how
ever, already discerned the enemy. "Mr.
Harrington" she said. authoritatively.
and yet with a pleading ring which fairly
touched Valentine. do me favor. Take
my tighter to see the flowers, the
horses anything to''--she broke of
short and looked at him, and Harring-
ton FASTENED to let her see that he I'M
dcrstood.
Certainly, Lady Bardinge; shall be
charmed he said, getting up from his
chair Mt once. Shall We go this way"
he added to Dulcie.
"Oh, yes" said she. starting off at
good brisk pace. Anywhere to get out
Of that dreadful mans way. DO you
know, he really frightens me? Yes, real
ly. If it were not for mamma-but
mamma always knows that to do"
That's a very good thing for you; the
fellows an awful brute" answered Har-
rngton. but we're all right now"
1t was quite true Lady Bardinge was
usually equal to any emergency She
was in this case. 1t happened that the
redouhtable Major Pottinger was pos
sessed also Of an eagle eye, ia common
with her iadyship and when he deserted
little Miss Dulcie, whom he was by way
Of admiring he quickened lis pace and
began to crowd on all sail--that is to
say be brought well to lie font all his
attractions in clean lingerie and new
gloves Then when he saw the lacy turn
off with her cavalier and go hastily in
the direction of the Ride he quickeneG
his pace yet more and fairly gave chase.
But her ladyship was one too m my for
him. She was a person Of commanding
presence, with prominent nose, a reced-
ing chin, and that kind Of high-pitched
yet mellow voice which betokens familiar
when Major Pottinger got within a cou-
pie Of yards Of whore she sat, abe put
out an exceedingly long parasol and stop
ped him. How do you do, Major Pot
tingerY' she said in such bland and gra-
cious tone that the major Immediately
made a display Of purple and fine linen
such as would not have Ill become a
blushing school girl or The window of a
baby shop-"I have not seen you for a
lcng time"
1t was true enough. She might have
seen him many a time If she would. but
it did not just then suit her purpose to
say so.
"H'er--h'er," stammered the major.
1.-THE fact is I've been a good deal in
Viennah lately; | haven't had tune to
look my friends up yet. Her--h'er-but
/ shall be delighted to come and pay my
respects to you"-and here the linen
came to the front again. as If silently
assuring Lady Bardinge that Il was of
the most immaculate description and
quite worthy of being invited to her
house ''Haw-h'er--what day did you
say you were at home, Lady Bardinge1 ?"
II did not say | was at home any day."
said Lady Bardinge blandly. II had my
last reception a month ago, and we go 20
our place in the country the day after
tomorrow. Next season? oh, never
make engagements or promises from one
season to another We may all be dead
before them. Must you 60? Ah.--good-
by--a pleasant autumn to you. Yes"
she went on, as the major numbered OF.
"he is dreadful person, but / think /
gave them TING to get away"
So effectually did they get away that
Harrington went home with them to
lunch and then - friendly dinner at
the Welcome Club, aud finally reached
his chambers just before midnight. when,
with a solemn face. the respectable ex-
butler handed him Gen. Vnndeleur's card
bearing this urgent message:
"Importan news. Come TO me at
once"