Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-07-13
CHAPTER VVVI

L
Randall had been telegraph for. and
the message was mercifully worded to
the wretched lover, only pressing him to
come on that night. He caught the ex-
press, fortunately, or he would have had
a special train. so madly anxious and
excited was he. He had been about ali
the day through, buying all sorts of pref
" things that he thought might be ac-
ceptable to his bride-things that she
could not possibly want, but that would.
at least. show how much he had her al
ways in his thoughts-and he went home
to his hotel tired, yet very happy.
"A telegram for you, sir" says the
hail porter; came this morning, just
after you went out, sir
Thank you.'' he returns, lightly, then
goes up to his room. springing up three
stars at a time. in his happy eagerness
to seq what it is. Some commission"
he thinks, they want me TO execute at
once" and then he tears open the en-
yelope. end stands transfxed.
Miss Duncombe taken III: come down
at once"
He stops for nothing. but leaps down
the stairs and says, Get me a cab, quick
quick
They reach the station in good time
with just few minutes TO spare. and
he gets his ticket PUSHES through the
gates. and is impatient till they are slow
~ moving out of the station. then he
buries his head in his hands, and tries to
think.
Mr. Royston had sent the carriage
and had given strict instruct ms that
not word was to be said by the SER
wants.
Presently they arrive at the front door
of the Hall. A sudden fear strikes Ran
DIAL as they come up 10 the darkened
house. from which there is not a glimmer
of light, except in the hall.
Why, what is this?" he exclaims; mo
lights-all the blinds drawn"
When the door is opened he is met
by Mr.. Royston and May. who take him
by the arm. coaxingly. We'll" he says,
rapidly, chow is shef--can / see her?'
No. dear" replies May, pityingly;
come into the library"
"she is dead" he whispers. May ?
My darling. my Maggie. where is she?
She is not dead! 20, nor
Randall says his uncle, ''be :. man;
others have had as hard a fate to bear,
and
"Uncle-May-onl one word: Is she
dead?"
Yes, dear boy" replies his uncle,
throwing his arm round him.
And Yes" whispers May, softly,
kneeling before him, and taking his hand
oh, Maggie," he says; and then he
looks at them-such look of awful woe
-such a wistful glance of agony-that it
breaks Mays heart, and brings great
tears to the old maL's eyes.
Randall" sobs the girl" Randall, try
to bear it. dear. for my sake-for all our
sakes-most of all. your own
Don't. May" he says-.don't speak
10 me, dear, Ny heart is breaking
What will become of my life now?'
1t Is solemn scene, this; and pres
emily he asks. Can see her. uncle?'
The old man looks at May, and she
says wait till tomorrow. DEAR
Watt he returns. fiercely: "E'hen I
have been looking forward all this time
TO see her? Not an hour
Their they go mp to the death cham
Der. and the attendants leave, and he
looks down on the bride in her last sleep.
They steal away, Mr. Royston .1d
May. and he is alone with her and his
heart. So RE c;-,.t ;,.ls-c9 ~. and the
morrow co-.es, with its sunshine and
shadow. md active life, and we are back
iu Brighton once again.
Here are Mrs. Choimondely and Err
nest. and she is reading n letter. and
chewing it with tears. She folds il up
presently. aud says. Ernest dear. /
have just had shocking news. The lady
who was struck with lightning is our
Maggie: and they want me TO 60 10
them"
Mother" exelaims the young man;
and then he gets up hastily, and says.
Excuse ne. / shah be back in half an