Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-06-15
NJ a g g i e s II g a r t
-; 80

he could every official under his control.
they heard him with great caimness in
his otitEsl capacity, and wished in their
secret hearts that the escaped prisoner
would get clear Off
In vain the governor funnel and fret
tel, and raved aud strobe to and fro;
II did not help the matter, or do any
more good than the advertising of il in
every newspaper in the kingdom. 1t was
never very clear, even to the clever men
who inspected the grim building with A
view to locking the stable door now that
the steed was stolen. only that the work
men had been Mt work on the roof, and
that there was missing coil of rope
and workman's rough pilot jacket.
1T will he r. membered," said news
paper paragraph. that Notwithstanding
the extraordinary vigilance displayed by
the governor and officials. n young man
named George Temple, who was commit
ted for FIVE years penal seryitude for the
crime of forgery had managed to make
his escape. Nothing had been heard of
him till Wednesday last, when nearly the
whole Of the prison clothing, though
much worn yet perfectly recognizable.
was found on the banks OF the river, and
there was little doubt that the unfortu
nate man, finding it impossible to live,
had committed Suicide. or been drowned
in attempting to cross the river.
This sensational paragraph was read
with flushed cheeks and paipitating heart
by Maggie herself 1t was one Of her
favorite amusements. reading the inter-
esting part Of the newspaper. and so she
saw this minute account of his DEATH
this George Temple, forger and escaped
convict, and for the moment that she
remembered him as her husband. n great
sob had risen in her throat. a great pain
in her heart; but having paid this tribute
to his memory, she felt 50 lightsome and
gay, she breathed so freely, and was
so happy that she could not stay in the
house, but roamed into the woods. trip
ping along with great JOY in her heart,
and a great song in her voice.
She has known Randall st. John just
tw, I've months-only one year-and
what delight. what ecstasy she has
known in that year, She stops presently.
leans against the trunk Of a giant oak.
and looks back to the day she met him
first. when the woods were just putting
on their russell suit as they were now.
"Randal" she murmurs, with happy
Randall. my loyeP
Then there is great crash through
the brushwOod, and the voice she knows
So we'll the music she loves so dearly,
that fills her heart with an exquisite
pain, says. Maggie Maggie, my dark,
beautiful darling, / love you! love you.
Oh let me tell you or my heart will
break Say | am not Indifferent to You,
deareSt--say you care for me ever 50
little. Oh, Maggie, Maggie and there
are sobs in the young mans voice as he
looks up ut her. Love me. my darling,
as | do you--as | do you"
lie is kneeling here, at her feet, on
the russell moss. and trembling anxiously.
And what does Maggie do? She knecls
beside him in au earnest, loving. wom-
anly fashion. rare to see, and she wills
pers. "Randa! my sweetheart, l loye
you-I love you.''
Then there is a passionate embrace.
aud they seal the confession with long.
loving kiss. There they sit Randall
very exaeting, now, till Maggie pulls ont
his watch in imperious playfuluess; and,
arm in arm. they stroll homeward, meet
ing May, across whose sweet, fair face
passes dreadful spasm Of suspicion and
pain. Then to dinner. with the happy
secret between them, that is to be Sc
e-et for such a few hours now. and
dreaming and wandering in fairy land,
this newly bet' athed couple.
"The world for love. and the world
well lost" is Randals thought as he
dresses this evening, with a new joy
and content irradiatng his face. And
May, in her own room. is speaking com
fort 10 her heart, With a nnmeless fear
and dread for which she cannot account,
aud trembling apprehension in her
voice very pitiful 70 see
Randall does not speak OF his love to-
night but says lightly, as they prepare
to leave the room soon after the ladies'
"If you can spare me an hour tomorrow
morning. should be glad
From eleven to twelve suit yoT Gan
dalT' said Mr.. Royston, not d ming
Of what was coming. IF so, | Il be
in the library at that time
Thanks, uncle, that will do mira
bly," And then they go into The draw
ing room.
"Who is for a game Of whist?' asked
MI, Royston,
Not l." said Randall: II can't be
quiet tonight. Besides, l want to talk
to May"
SO the two sit down, and Maggie plays
so badly that Mr. Roystou wins the first
game which he announces with a chuckle
OF delight But the room is empty by
this, and May and Randall are in the
conservatory, half-coucealed by 4 flower
ing shrub
Presently he speaks to her-~vcry soft
ly. very lovingly rs in the old days, he
fore the dark. bcwitchjng woman had
ever been heard Of at Changmoor, and
seats her comfortably in one of the lawn
chairs TINT are scattered here and there
through the glass building.
II have something TO tell you. May.
may eonhde in you. may | not 2"
She murmurs something. and he
presses her hand; and she returns the
pressure ever SO gently. aud then he
continues. "Nou know, May, how l have
always come to you in all my trruble
from the time we were children 'oGether
how often you have consolied me, and
how dearly have always loved You"
She whispers. Yes. Randall" and
there is no pretense now 10 keep back
thShappy tears.
Seeing this he says. Dear Sister
My" and kisses her cheek And then
he goes on. never needing the paliug
face VI the frightened, hulf-petulNut at
| tempts To withdraw her hand. We'll.
dear, as | have always brought you my
grief first, SO tonight bring YOU my
JOY To share with me. and TO tell you first
my happy secret. think you must have