Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-12-23
CHAPTER I


nuisitely rounded figure. her pure, fresh
esonplexion, her wavy, reddish-brown
1air, and above all, her large. lustrous,
earnest brown eyes. which showed so
-<searly the true, gentle soul within. A
-e~aanly step sounded near I e window,
and the tall figure or her cousin Vance
zgpcared on the yerandah.
~Oh, here you arer' he said 1--WE
seen searching the whole house for you
sFanldn't you ike a ride in the cool of
gzfee -norningp
iyhen did you ever know me to re
xszse a ride r
-.Not often. / confess Well get on
ruur habit, then, and I'll order the
assrses''
Marcia disappeared at once. Vance
aNezaf to the corner OF the verandah, and
gave utterance TO a peculiar, long whis-
Sc. Tall. broad Of shoulder and strong
$50 linab, with a fair complexion. sunny
asane eyes. golden hair aud dropping mus
rsxcGas. he was a splendid specimen OF a
rnobie young Kentuckian, a man to be
EaStinctively loved and trusted. as he
xas, and deserved to be, whoever he
srent. His call was promptly answered
ny small negro boy, who came tum-
nlIng around the corner Of the house,
sSneking bis woolly head with a giggle
.ass he asked:
want me. Marse VanceT'
Go down and tell Sam 10 saddle Miss
Mareia's horse and mine. too. aud have
them round here in ten minutes. And
don't let the grass grow under your feet,
esifher"
Hi ne 'spect it gwine grow ober my
~ n
10 do his masters bidding.
Vance turned 70 90 into the house,
and met Squire Douglas coming out
Any commissions to-day. uncleY' he
askad. Marcia and | are going to ride.
~ you have errands, we will ride to-
ward town.
No. thanks have none to-day"
The old squire seated himself in his
xreat easy chair and Vance ran lightly
ap to his own room When he came down
asaia Marcia was standing beside her
father. drawing her long buff gauntiets
gver her dimpled hands. tie dark-blue
1sids u her stylish habit thrown over
Ser arm, the blue piume OF her hat float
Eng down to her pretty sloping shoul-
Sers.
sam appeared at that moment, lead
xaR the horses up the broad carriage way
which ran past the end OF the house, and
curved down the lawn to the great gates.
Tsace ran down the steps. Marcia paus-
@1 20 kiss her father good-by, aud fol
lowed him.
SLEEPY tllis morning, SamY' asked
Vance Il thought you might be, it took
you 50 long To bring the horses"
'.Dis yer beas' de fault q dat. Marse
Vance,' grumbled sam. Better watch
her. sahl she's got tempe- IN her dis
.nornin'. an eft We don't look out she'll
sOss ye cher her head. deed viii she,
MaFse Vance
tpon't be scared. sam" answered
Yaaes. lightly RED Arrow knows her
Gnaster Hold her head while help
Miss Marcia.
ne lifted Marcia TO her scar. arranged
Aer bride. and vauited lightly into his
eva saddle. One touch 70 the Feins.
and the willing steeds were OF. Sam
marching before % open the road gate.
Squire Douglas following them with an
Mnectionate gaze from his chair on the
sernndah.
what a glorious morning. said Mar
sis. as they let the horses so slowly
Aoun the yellow road Look. Vance,
at gender boat See how the sunlight
,sfriRc4 the paddles and turns the drops
90 diamonds, Isn't il beautiful
She drew rein and paused. the better
~ admire the gorgeous panorama OF hill
aand dale spread cat before them, the
Alright river winding in tie foreground
like a silver ribbon.
at is beautiful, indeed said Vance.
Il den't think We need rush of to for
sign lands 70 behold grand scenery. when
snch magnificent views lie az our own
doors Whittier shall cur footsteps tend
Up the hill or down the glade 2 " he
quoted.
Suppose we rid over to Leslie's. l
Aaven't seen the girls for a week"
"All right so be t. I am a gallant
Inight. at any iady's command" said
Wsaee. bowling with the air OF mock chiv
airy which became him 80 well,
Thea she bids you sun yourself in
Maggie I.eslie's bright eyes, replied
Mareia in the same vein.
III ] dared 50 much, Lionel EDWARDS
would treat me to sundry glancss rather
black than bright Bat won't that be
short rider
'.Oh. / only meant to make a call
shere. and then 80 where We please"
SO mote e be Come. Red Arrow"
And they broke into a light capter which
soou brought them 70 River View, the
l. beautiful home u the Lesies
The riders were seen from the house,
ana Mag and Myra. fresh and blooming
as the Baltimore roses which climbed the
old portico, came running out 20 welcome
them with true country hospitality.
They greeted Marcia with warm kiss
sm. aud Vance with kindly elasping
Aands.
I'VE are so glad you have come. -
-ried Maggie. "Fiorry Edwards is here
Sow you shall stay all day, AID Wen
aaee a good time. ice. Joe. put up the
Aorsee."
The Leslie girls were pretty, spright-
s. maidens Of eighteen aad twenty, Mag.
che elder. was dashing brunette. Myra
"A h1ndsume blonde golden haired and
blue-eye6. gentle and loving There was
- brother handsome, reckless. good
Asarted Dick. whose admiration for Mar
Gia was patent to everybody.
"Diek has gone 10 Lexington to-day.
Hen be awfaliy yexed when be finds
sou were here" said Maggie. But here
Sa Florence"
lionel. Masgis's sweetheart, was Flor
Ey's twin brother They were both tall
Mnd graceful, with the same dark hair
aad clear, deep-gray eyes. and IL not
strictly handsome. were very attractive;
sad those who knew them best loved