Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-01-27
CHAPTER yT.


Vance and Marcia, leaving their young
friends in Frankfort. rode gayly home
1t was the first ride they had enjoyed
alone together since Mr.. lie Dru came
II was so like the old. happy time that
they were sorry when the familiar gate
way came into view. Marcia hurried up
10 her own rom TO take OFF her hat and
habit before dinner
What dress shall bring, Miss Mar
shy7" asked Rosa, who was in waiting
as usual.
Bring my pink tissue" said Marcia.
Something. she could hardly tell what
prompted her to wear the dress she had
worn when she last rode iii her cousin
the eventful day Of Mr.. lie Dru's ar
rival
She put Il on now. and fnstsued some
sprigs OF sweet-fern at belt and bosom.
She was rewarded when she met Vance
In the hall, on her way downstairs. He
stopped. and smile good to see lit his
fine face, as he said warmly
Ny dear little grill You look mcre
like your own dear self than I've seea
you look in many a day"
why, haven't been like myself
lately y asked Marcia, hastily
~Not altogether" answered Vance.
He put his two hands on her shout
ylers, bent his tall head, and looked kind
IL, but keenly. into her face My dear
little sister, is there nothing troubling
your Are you quite tappy? he asked
tenderly.
Marcia faltered FOR an instant, but the
thought. "Floreneer' acw into her brain
she controlled herself, md, raising her
eyes to. meet his, she answered:
ITO be sure. Vance. Why shouldn't /
be happy1'
Il don't know, Marcia: but sometimes,
of late, have fancied you were not"
He suddenly drew her into his strong,
kind. brotherly clasp, laid his cheek down
on her bright head, and said. as il in sol
emn benediction. Heaven bless my little
cousin. aud keep her life bright forever. "
Then he released her: and neither OF
them dreamed how needfui that earnest
benediction was at that moment, or how
near the cloud vas even now, lowering
over her fair, young head.
Vance went on 70 the parlor. but Mar
ella turned and fled back TO her room
she must struggle for composure before
she could present herself dow nstairs,
What had Vance seen7 How much
did he guess? Oh, she must guard her
secret better than that So well that no
one could guess she had one, How kind
he was. how good On. how could she
bear life. knowing that bis best love
must always be given to Florence, Flor
ence. Florence! How the name rung IN
her ears Yet FIorry was q noble girl
worthy even OF Vance.
A tap at her door startled her, and
Miss Madelins's voice said in the hall
Marcia. if you are dressed. your papg
wants you In the library"
Yes. aunt, I'm dressed. I'll com,
directly" answered Marcia. rising ant
smoothing the last shadow from her fail
brow before She went TO meet her faith
or A summons from him was rJthinl
unusual. so she did not expect any start
ling disclosure. But one glance ut hii
race as she entered the library told he
that something more .hau common haS
happened,
What do you want, papa?" she ask
ed. seating herself on hassock besid,
his chair, claspiug her dimpled hands
over his knee. Are you well to-day
You look very sober, | think.
Quite well, darling. aud happy re
piled the good old Squire, fopdly sfrokin,
her brown hair. We'll and happy an,
anxious 10 see my little girl bappy. too.
She felt as though something very i'm
portaut was about to take place. She ss
silent leaning her head against the aru
of her fathers chair, waiting for him t
speak again. Presently he asked.
Is my birdie tired Of the old home
nestY'
NO, papa! No. indeed replied MAJ
Ella. quickly Why should | be-"
Youth loves change daughter"
''Not /. for one. papa. No doubt Their
are grander places. finer sights II III
world. NJ | do not long for them. | ue'
er want TO leave my dear old home an
my good old papa. hope you are NJ
thinking - sending me away
mo. darling. | shall not send 20
away. While / live, l could hardly col
sent to let you 80 for more than fe