Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-03-18
CHAPTER XII.

Miss Barbara was in her room, busy
wiring A check, received in compen-
sation for a sprightly little sketch, had
stimulated her to greater effort. She
felt herself capable of some grand
achievement; she believed that the day
was not far distant when she would be
able to comfortably support herself by
means of her pen.
Ii was in the afternoon, and the sua.
light fell cheerfuily upon the bright,
clearly kept window and across the gay
~ colored carpet Barbara's glow OF
composition was interrupted by gentle
knock at the door, and before she could
rise to open it. or say Come in" il was
pushed open, and Mrs. Rutherford stood
in view She was in Full dress. and had
either just returned from a walk or con
templated taking one.
Benson Is sick" she announced. He
has expressed a desire to see you"
Benson repeated Barbara. putting
aside her pen and going forward. What
is the matter with him r.
Il don't know" replied Mrs. Ruther-
ford. Il couldn't get much out of him,
though | manifested sufficient sympathy.
| am sure. No doubt you win find him
more communicative. judge so. because
he has sent for YOU"
Mrs. Rutherford disappeared. Bar
bara arranged her hair. then sought Ben
sons room. His face was pale. and
there was a troubled expression upon it;
there was feverish light in his eyes.
and his lips had shriveled look She
drew chair up close to his bed and took
his hand. A bright sparkle of recognition
came into his eyes.
Benson. what is the matter?" She
asked.
Miss Barbara, | am goinA t, die he
solemuly said, Before many hours It's
a presentiment. I've had warning, you
see. We always have in our tamily."
1t was an absurd notion, no doubt, hat
she did not care to argue with him about
it. His tone had been grave ana meas
ured. He stared at the ceiling for min
ute, and then resumed;
II have a request TO make, Miss Bar
hara. However. you may regard it more
in the light Of a commission. After I'm
gone, | mean.
lie jerked out his words not because
be was in pain, but because of repressed
excitement Whatever the commission.
he certainly regarded it as one of great
Importance.
why do you select me?" Barbara
asked
Because l know l can rust you" he
S aid. Il have thought it ~. over, and it
Gems to me as if you were to come to
Croylands Just 10 do me this favor.
can't tell Mr.. Rutherford and | don't
want to tell his mother Win YOU prom
ise?"
Il don't know what it is" she STAN
mcred Il may not be just the one, nf-
ter all. 1t may not he in the least agree
able"
IF you are not willing to put yourself
out any in order to obhgc me. why. Of
course. we win not talk about il" inter
rupted Benson. in n disappointed tone.
"Oh, | didn't just mean that" cried
/ Barbara. coloring. but l am conscien
/ tious. you know. and If | ever made Il
/ promise Ia keep it, whatever the sacri
/ fee"
/ Just SO. Miss Barbara just sou ana
| his face lit mp again. THAT is WAY
thought of You Indeed. | know OF no
body else, and wouldn't die satisfied. l.
/ will not be large demand upon youi
time, and your be amply compensated
In one respect it concerns you more thar
i. does me or anybody else-that is. Il
am not mistaken In my differences. NuC
| don't think that ! am. I have prepar
ed two letters did that expecting =,
be sick, you see. They are on the bures,
yeuder, and l wish you 70 take possession
of them now. They arr directed 10 you
One is to be opened Immediately aftc
my death. and the other not until
He paused and looked past her. hi
br0ws corrugated. Rarbaras brown eye
We're keenly watching him,
"B, rbara," he said, starting in afresh
you are very worthy girl II Mr.
Rutherford doesn't know Il nov, he'll
find it out some time, aud l can see yer.
we'll what lis mothers wishes are in tn
matter. Hen propose TO you. He'll asl
you to marry him. II he does. do not ,