Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-01-20
CHAPTER TX

These good, old-fashioned Kentucky
folks did not wait until the hour when
ordinary people 20 to bed to begin their
Eevels. The hour was yet early when
Marcia ran down to the parlor where lie
Dru and Vance were waiting. Squire
Donglas and Miss Madeline had also re-
ceived cards, but the Squire had declin-
ed
Miss Madeline was going, and in her
rich black satin and rare old lace, look
cd fair and lovely, in spite of her fifty
years. Marcia was in cloud of white
tulle and frosty lace loOped with deli
cate green vines, her slender waist knot
ted with 4 sash of pale green satin.
Milky pearls banded her white throat
and round wrists. She had never lock-
ed more lovely in the eyes which were
raised to greet her coming, Vance drew
a deep, inward sigh as he glanced Mt
her. lie Dru pretended to hide his eyes
with his hands.
Miss Marcia, / won't dare go with
You" he cried, laughingly You will
he certain to fade into beautiful mist
wFSath and vanish away, and your good
papa win accuse us Of kidnapping you"
The little party of four We're soon in
the carriage, and shortly afterward ar
rived at the Leslie mansion, where n
number of guests had already assem-
bIed
Florry was there, dressed in pure
white, without jewels save a small dia-
mond cross attached to narrow black
velvet ribbon. and worn around the neck,
II had belonged to her mother. and was
therefore of great value to her. Flor
ence was very happy in LioneFs new
happiness, and il was this which made
her smile so sweet when the little party
from Douglas Hall drew near.
But Marcia read it differently, and for
one instant her heart rebelled. The next
she gave Florence a warm greeting, aud
took seat close beside her. Vance and
lie Dru standing by their chairs
All the beauty and chiyary Of Lex
ingtou and Frankfort, as we'll as the
country seats around were there that
night Dr. Burnett was among Them
towering near pretty Myra with "A deep
light IN his dark eyes.
Dix kept close to the Hall group, but
wore dolcful a face that Marcia pri-
vatcly asked Maggie what was the mat
ter.
Dear knows" answered Maggie Tie
aas been as cross a. bear all day. but
nobody can tell why"
Il was late in the evening when he
ehanced to he near Maggie and Marcia.
NheH Marcia sujd:
Dick, are you siekT You look as Il
gou were attending yong own funeral"
Perhaps / am" srpwied Dick. not
answering her question. Come and read
the service over me, VIII yuuE'
Don't 90. Marcia said Maggie.
laughing 1t isn't the funeral service
he wants to hear, its the marriage ccre.
Snony,'
"Shan't be likely to need it before you
do growled Dick again
Marcia had no idea Of what Dick real
~ meant TO do, and moments escape
from the warm, perfumed parlor would
be very pleasant 50 she willingly tonL
Dicks arm, and allowed him to lead hen
out upon the cool. mooa-ht piazza To q
chair beyond the range OF the parloi
windows.
Marcia, must have a Ii tie talk Mil
you" said he. abruptly, as he leaned hi.
folded arms against CIe of the huge Pill
lars supporting the double piazza. 'l
know I'm no more fl Tor the society o.
ladies than a Jimson bur is for pow
der puff except ,hat at heart Ia dis
before I'd injure g girl or see any on,
else do it, But you can make just wha
you please Of me, for | love you. Marct
Douglas, There's the long and the shor
o. ii. and I cant keep it in any longer
dare say the young gentleman fruu
South Carolina is ahead 81 me- but b.
don't nor can't love ven half as we'll 81
do
"Ob. Dick. I am very sorry TO hea
this said Marcia. gently and gravely
as he paused abruptly
Sorry. are yo1T Is that uliT' ques
toned poor Dick. Cant you say some
ching more, Marcia