Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-04-27
M a G G i G S H e a r t

as if she were her own daughter. and
spared no pains or expense to push her
forward in her studies.
Archer Grenfell had called soon after
her arrival, and had been introduced to
her by Maud. and the three had had a
long and very pleasant chat together.
and had laughed and ked as IL they
had known each other FOR years.
He was a studious looking young gem
tleman. There was nothing distinguish
ed about him: he was simply of middle
height, tolerably wen made, and with a
good-looking. though not handsome, face.
He had a pleasant smile End genial man
ner. and Maud loved him dearly. She
had eoaxed him in her pretty manner to
tell her what he had though Of Mag
gle.
You wish me to answer you truthful
~, l suppose?' he had returned, smiling.
VERY well, then, this is my opinion: She
is the most exquisitely beautiful girl |
ever saw ia my life, and the most fasci-
nating--present company excepted, of
course. And if had a brother, l would
take extraordinary pains to prevent him
meeting her"
ooh. Archie how unkind and unjust"
says Maud. gently.
"Your mamma did not tell you who
she was, I suppose? If there is not a
history belonging to that life, am much
deceived in my study of human eharac-
ter 1t may have been very pleasant
and happy history. for aught know to
the contrary, but such is my convic-
ton"
"Oh, yes, think 1t must have been,
Arehie--she is so happy. so gay, and we
all love her so dearly; she is perfection.
II | had had a sister, | think | could
not have loved her more"
A very grave expression settles on the
young mans face, as he listens TO this
fervent speech.
do you know who she lived with be-
fore she came to your mammal be asks,
presently.
''No, Archie; but she is a protege of
mammals. and l am so happy With her,
that have never thought of asking any
questions. Oh. indeed, she is very nice!
You know that costume you were silly
enough to admire poor little me in so ex-
6 ssiyely-weH, that was Miss Dun
eombe's choice. Does she not dress pref
tilyG''
s'Yes, dear" he replied thoughtfully.
Exquisite taste. BY the way, Maud, is
there any truth in the report of Ernest
paying attention to Mary Courtenay, or
is it the Same old story p
"Oh, the old story, Archie" replies
Maud, laughing merrily. "As far as
Ernest is concerned, he took mamma into
his confidence s0emnly when she was
in town this last time, and declared he
had not yet seen the woman who was TO
be his wife. Poor, dear Ernest, he evil
IDENTITY thinks there is a fate in mar
riage"
And so do l." Archer had replied; Il,
of all others, ought to think so, and with
gratitude, too"
And he kisses the bIushing girl low
ingly and prepares for departure.
Maud is to have just one season in
London; and, at the end Of it is To be
married. She is perfectly content with
her future prospects, and thinks of moth
ing but the happiness she foHdly fancies
she can see in the dim future.
Nothing can be fairer than the pros
pect at. present, and if she is a little dim
sighted with excess of happiness, who
shall bid tile scales fall from her eyes,
and give her a peep beyond the curtain
No; in har innocence and purity, let
her drenm on in ecstatic Inconsistencies;
the burden Of life, even ON her fair
shoulders, wiz begin TO press heavily
and YEARLY ere long But, just now,
it is pleasanter 20 watch her as she runs
into Maggie's room with cameIlias, red
and white, for her companions hair.
dressed already, darling!" she says,
reproachfuIIy. "and / have kept Annette
from you all this time. How have you
managed itF'
"wen. dear, Annette got everything
! ready for rae before she came to you
and you know always do my own hair;
/ besides, I have always been accustomed
/ TO dress myself"
And she smiles so contentedly and hap
! pily and looks so enchanting that Maud
| bends down aud kisses her affectionatnly
| See, Maggie, have brought you some
| flowers. Which color shall it be for the
| hair, red or white?"
| 1t is a pretty sight to see her eonsid
I ering gravely, and bringing forth argu-
/ ments. now for white, now for red. She
| cannot fix upon the color at last. and
/ calls In Annette, who decides in q mo
meut that the white is correct, and Maud
| again presses her lips to Maggie's cheek
! and runs off to finish her toilette.
/ And here is the strangest thing of all;
I women pet this young creature. and
/ caress her as a fond lover might--as
/ poor George had done in the old days
Of the love idylI among the sweet scent.
ed hawthorn. and cherry and apple
/ blossoms. in the grand old woods OF
/ Burnham. and the white-blossomed or