Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-05-18
CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVIL
There is no Disgusting the fact thil
Christmas day Ernest was supremely
joyously happy. He had lost all his sur
prise and bashfulness, and had founC
something to say to Maggie that haC
taken the form Of very feryent thank.
for her presence Of mind and bravery Of
a memorable occasion now past anC
gone. Aud she disclaimed all merit 81
earnestly, and with such innocence, thai
he felt she really meant what she said
and so he was inexpressiby charmed.
They had all been 10 church in the
morning-the Colonel and Mrs. Chol
mondely Archie and Maud. aud-and-
there was no help for it, thought the
careful, fond mother-Ernest and Mag
gle Ii had happened 10 be dne, sun
ny dag. Ernest and his companion
were much looked after. lie thought il
very strange at first. IA place so little
like country town. that a new face
should attract such extraordinary atten-
tion. People had a strange knack Of
looking back after them. too, that pres
emily began to be more fattering than
pleasant; and as they entered the vesti-
bule OF the church, there was a general
nsurmur of admiration. and some little
crowding to look at them. TO Ernest S
great establishment and Indignation.
Just the same coming out Of church,
and along the sunny lawns for a little
blow before going to luneheon-every
.oae seemed resolved to have a look at
them. The Captain remarks upon it
S vixen they reach home, and has not much
admiration for the good taste and man
ners of the inhabitants.
The pleasant luncheon hour passes,
and the Colonel and Archie go to look up
Some old friends, pressing Ernest to 60
with them. but he prefers staying at
home and listening to the music Of Mag
gie's voice. for this woman has taken
+ him captive. and he is well content 10
lounge in the drawing room, saying but
little. but being petted and made much
Of by his sister and mother.
At length it is time to dress for din
ner and he is in his room, half asleep
and half awake, sitting dreaming before
the FIRE The spell already Is on him
heaviiy, and he is yielding to it, and
F, makes no effort to battle against the
strain.
Why should heE' he thinks-this
fair-haired fatalist. lie has to meet his
fate somehow, at some time Of his life;
why not here and now?
II is very joyful quiet dinner. his
Christmas night An angel Of peace Aad
seemed to have spread his wings over
abe house, and the ripping, happy con.
versation flowed on. and they ate and
drank Of the best, and gave no thought
70 the future. or regret to the past
BY and by the gentlemen leave the
lining room rather earlier than usual,
perhaps. and then there is a happy fam
iiv party; so quiet, and soft, and low is
the enjoyment that every now and again
they can hear the "Mistletoe Bough'
reared out, and takeu up by a male and
female chorus 10 the lower regions; for
the servants have their party as well as
their kind and thoughtful mistress
The night draws on, and by aud by
comes the wishing each other the old
1ish Of a merry Christmas aud happy
New Year and Good nights" and the
Colonel and Archie take their departure.
Ernest does not 90 upstairs with bis
mother tonight. but says he shall have
little stroll So she kisses him as
usual and is fain 20 tell him 10 wrap
t1p il he goes out. and presently a kiss
Tor Maud and Maggie. aud Mrs. Chol-
mondeiy retires.
For a moment the mad thought Of
kissing Maggie, too, sets his heart pal.
plating and his whole frame trembling;
but he is fortunately wise ia time. so he
on!v takes her hand. that he has already
got 10 know so well, and kisses it more
than once. and with rather trembling
lips
She does not think anything az this,
-3his child woman. only decides in her
,oMn mind that Mauds brother is very
nice. and falls asleep as gently aud quiet
Is as an ufauL
Ernest il Gandering In the darkn- s..
mp an3 down, up and down; looking far
away into the black, clouded sky, smoE-
ing and thinking, and very happy, only
-far a little pain and doubt that is gnaw-
ing at his heart.
Is il the splash OF the waves. or is IL
tho young man whispering, Il wonder
If she could learn TO love me. aad would
Ennrry me:'
The silkcn threads were around him.
binding him with a firm security. and the
dreaming young man rather likes the
bondage. Presently, humming little
song. lac returns home. and 10 bed per.
chance to dream; to build n golden sun
lit castle that shall be brougF down
with an overwhelming crash az may
half bury this fair mans life ia It's ruins
and leave behind only an awfal dc>o'a.
Eioo and despair.