Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-08-03
CHATTER Nv

In ieEs than a week | found myself
sole tutor TO the Rev Obadiah Porter's
pupils. Martha was right Miss Judith
had grown tired Of the work, and, seiz-
ing tire opportunity Of my initiation. re-
linquished it altogether. | now dined in
the paror. but took the rest OF my meals
in the kitchen, where | also spent my
evenings. BY and by Martha called my
attention to a great alteration that had
taken place in her mistress. There was
a worn. anxious look in her face; and
she seldom quilted her own room. Then
we began to notice that Mr. RodwelPs
visits grew more infrequent. and at asst
ceased altogether.
One day Mr.. Porter informed me that
he was going to London for a few DAYS,
Such an event had never happened in
my memory; it was to NE the climax OF
all the changes.
To you. Shas," he said. ~ commit
the care of the precious lambs OF my
fold, and you must also give an eye to
household affairs. as my daughters
health is not strong az present 1t is n
great trust, but you will prove worthy
OF it. You are almost like 4 son to me.
Silas."
He paused upon the last words like
one struck with sudden idea and while
he stood gazing AT me. a strange look
stole across his face. Fer the first time
nj his life he took my hand; his clasp was
cold and clamHly; he meant to he kind
and caressng, but had never felt SO re-
PEELED against him. | shdddered with
a boding presentiment of evil
While he was away Miss Judith took
all her meals III her own ROOM Thus
the house was almost entirely under the
care Of myself and Martha
On the fifth day after his departure.
Mt ; In the evening Mr.. Porter returned.
| was in the front garden NV this
ground was kept sacred 10 him and his
daughter. hut having great love Of
flow ers and having acquired some
knowledge of gardening. | had Of late
hs'Gn privileged to tend the beds. and
Pune the shrubs Of this exclusive spot.
/ had DO desire 70 presume upon this
priv as | greatly preferred the more
extensive grounds that lay at the hack,
which were free to all. \ wsll of about
ten feet in height separated this garden
from the road. When | saw Mr. Forter
come through the gate ! was buSily en-
pioyea ia cutting away the dead bios.
SONS from very fine rhododendron hush
which stood near one ~ the parlor win
dows Although | was ~ fun sight he
did not perceive me- The bush stood
between me and the window. which was
wide open, and entirely concealed me
from any one who might he within
heard my master cutter the room. and a
minute afterwards he was joined by his
daughter. whom heard eagerly ask him.
What he had done-had he been sue
cessfuI:"
He has gone to Paris. was the reply.
in a harsh tone.
Gone to Paris, Oh. what will he
come OF me--what will become of me %
heard Judith cry. in tone Of despair.
Il loved him very dearly, But he can
not, he will not. he shall not desert me-
But he has done IL. His last letter
was quite enough. And now he's gone
of TO Paris. TO get out of the way OF
| your reproaches.
But Il he went 10 the worlds end
/ he should not get beyond the reach OF
my revenge she cried. excitedly, But
/ how do you know he's gone? Who told
you so2 Perhaps you have been pur
poselv decciyedf"
Nit such a fool. They'll have to get
mp hetimes to deceive me. In the first
/ place. | never made any inquiries my.
/ self; friend that they couldn't suspst,
did thar for me He left ten days ago. ~
! What shall | do-what shall | do?
And what shall / do?' he cried. in q
savage tone. And l heard him smash