Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-06-22
CHAPTER ky.

Randall had tried 10 think it all over, and
spell out its meaning in BIC own mind
and had utterly failed,
He walked up and down the terrace
the last thing at night, trying to solve the
enigma Of Mays strange behavior. And
this morning he had been on to the riddle
again, but he had to gre it up as prob
lem Of woman's inconsistency. that he
could not solve. But now for the inter
view with his uncle in the library.
well, lad, what is itY' asked Mr..
lRoyston. Nothing wrong. l hopper"
That is as you may think. sir; | am
in your hands. The fact is, uncle, with
out any beating about the bush, l am in
love, and want your permission to get
married"
Stay. 1.ay, not so fast. Randa.! First
of all, who is the ladyf"
Randall loked firmly at his uncle, as he
replied, "a great fayorite Of yours I'M
.cle-Miss Duncombe."
What! Miss Duncorabe! Why, what
do you know of Miss Duncombe, sir,
and how dare you propose such a thing
to meT'
81 have known her for a year. sir, and
love her so dearly that il do not wed
her, | shall never marry at all. AS TO
who she is, | neither know nor care, but
she is a lady, a worthy bride, In my
opinion. for a king; ard as to her family
and connections, neithe- know nor care
to know anything about them"
For a moment the bold reply took
away the uncle's breath, and he sat star
ing stupidity at his nephew; then he said:
How dare you talk such sentiments to
me, sir? I shall certainly refuse my con
sent. | thought you were about to pro-
pose for May. What is to become Of
her sir-answer me that"
well sir" said Randall coolly. and
rather haughtiIy, II suppose my cousin
will marry some day, when she falls in
love as l have done, and you are asked
to give her 10 the man Of her choice"
so you mean to say. Randall. that
you and May haven't bsen counting for
years?"
Certainly not; we have never done a
sbit Of counting; we have been brother
and sister, and care for each other as
brother and sister might, but nothing
further, | assure you, uncle"
We'll, WELL said the old man, after
long and thoughtful silence; Il will
rsee May, and after that l viii give you
a provisional. answer; OF course we must
for our own sakes, write TO Mrs. Chol-
mondely and kI more about Miss Dun
combe. What put the idea into your
head. Randall" he adds, presently: ''her
rbeauty. | SUPPOSE"
mo, sir, not altogether; partly you.
You told me you might make her Mrs
Royston If you were twenty years young
.er"
''Nephew, you have me there and /
am not going to deny it; she is a charm,
ing girl" And here the old man smiled
and then said, Mind. Randall, / have not
said yes yet aud not a word of this to
n single soul"
Certainly not, uncle" said the young
4. mar; "and you win give me an answer
tonight after dinner?"
Perhaps; don't build On it." replied
Ills uncle, and SO the interview ended.
There was lto need for a formal inter
view with May; Mr., Royston caught a
glimpse Of the blue Grape shawl in the
laurel walk. and strolled over to her
She was walking up and down quick
iy, though it was a sultry afternoon, and
very pale and beautiful she looked
thought the old man. Mr.. ROyston stop
: ped her in her rapid walk and drew the
little hand under his arm, aud begar TO
tx to her. He was a long time getting
ound to the subject, and she did not
help HIM one bit; but when he had told
the story of Randars hopes. then she
was interested and eager.
Dear uncle" she said IF Randall
loves Miss Duncombe. he will never be
happy unless he marries her; and. in
yx.in ha e. -
She is very beautiful, and do not won
der at Randall caring for her; she is SO
bright and fascinating, and so accom-
plished.'
And you would like your cousin to
marry her, then. Mny?" and he looked
straight into her eyes.
Dear uncle she replied returning
the look bravely. Il would have him do
anything that he thinks is for his hap
piness and he loves her, oh. so dearly,
SO il was all settled: and after dinner
Mr.. Royston gave a qualified consent.
and there was little scene. for Randall
was quite affected by his uncle's kim
ness; and the old man, now that he was
quite sure May was heart-whole and
fancy free. was no little pleased at the
turn things had taken.
So golden hours began for Maggie
Mrs. Downing. who had been to pay a
long promised visit to some old friends
was startled when she came home to
hear all this but strange to say. APPROX
ed of the match vastly.
He has had the pick of the country, ="
she said 20 Mr.. Royston and May He
has seen society in london and Vienna.
be has been in the best circles. and he
has chosen Miss Duncombe at last. Well.
I admire his taste; IL l mistake not. she
has good blood in her veins"
Mr. Royston wrote 30 Mrs Cholmon-
dely, and her letter in reply was emf
.nently satisfactory.
by the same post there was also a
long letter from the same lady To Mag
gle Il congratulate you" she wrote.
upon your facility for making new
friends, although l DO not w 9der at it,
And then, as slsa got into the letter. she
merged into the better motherly caution
and advice, and sweet, loving counsel,
that spoke eloquently Of the place Mag
gie still occupied in Mrs Cholmondely' $
heart Il SAW the death Of G.. L. an
nounced,' she had written You will
nov who ] mean ~ the initials. II
vas very sad; but perhaps all as for
the best. But let ME give you one piece
Of advice. Tell your husband that mart
Of your history 1T Fuiham: because Won
must marry him as q widow. and it had
better he told him before marriage than
afterwards"
II was very distasteful TO Maggie. this
dol fv... v.ss