Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-02-17
r,uApTER NNII

When Vance left his kind friends he,
promised TO visit them again, should he
remain IN the city any time. He went
from Mr. Herbert's straight to 20 Blank
street. and asked to see the mistress of
the house lie was shown into dingy
parlor. hung with faded curtains and fur
nished with old-fashioned furniture. She
came in directly. an elderly lady. as fad
ed and dingy as her house, with "land-
lady" Iegibly written all over her tired
face.
Did you wish TO see me. sir?" asked
the woman. with stiff bow.
Yes. madam" Vance returned her
bow. and with native courtesy placed a
chair for her.
She sat down. a pleased expression
dawning in her faded face at the I'M
usual attention, and said in a more cor
dial tone;
Perhaps you wish rooms. sir?'
NO, madam. am not a student nov.
though used to be one" answered
Vance. pleasantly. Il called to make
some Inquiries regarding the former own
ers of this house. Mrs Burke and her
daughter"
Mrs Burke is dead, sir"
Il am aware of that fact Beyond it
| know nothing Does Miss Burke still
own the house?''
NO. SIR: / own it,"
"Ah. | beg pardon il my seeming CD
riosity annoys you. But | have come
long journey TO find Miss Burke. Do you
know where she is?''
Il have not the least idea. sir I did
not buy the property directly of her. but
! of the man who acted as her agent His
/ nam, was Brown. He has removed with
/ his family 10 Texas. but l have no idea
/ Of his address,
I Gould you suggest any one who
would be likely to know it2'
/ NO, sir ! couldn't Miss Burke has
/ been searched fer. and not found" She
/ looked &eealy at Vance for moment,
and added, 1T can hardly be possible
that you are"
The missing ausbnnd?' supplied
Vance, as she hesitated. NO. madam.
nor any relation TO either of them. New
erthelcss. / am strongly at work in her
interests. Ny name IS Douglas, | am
from Frankfort. Kentucky. Stay. |
win give You my earl and II al any time
yon chance 90 hear of Miss Burke and
would send the news to my address. il
would be great favor
Il would do IT, with pleasure. Mr..
Douglas" said the landlady, quite won
Ity Nauce's frank, courteous manner.
My name is Beach-Alrs. Lydia
I Beach,
Thank yoc." said VI >. producing
his note book. Il viii just write that
down. for fear l forget it. You know
the nane Of the man who was reported
TO he Miss Burke's hush0ndT
Il believe not. | did once, bat | seem
to have forgotten it now"
1T might be of service 10 YOU to know
g." said Vance, lie took another of his
0 own cards. wrote Louis lie Dru'' OF
S the blank side, ana gave it to Mrs. Beach
S sayu, There il is
lie pru" Yes, yes, that is it" sait
She Il had quite forgotten it
p 'NcS. / need not trouble you long r,'
saji Venice, rising
/ Mrs Beach rose also, Indeed. Z wis,
6 | could he of service ~ yaS, Mr.. noUs
@ las s'ic ,ail earnestly 'Stop'--I ma.
q give yoa one Ntt}e iteW / eau tell yN'
the name Of au old eoiored woman WI,
4 formerly uve3 with the Burkes os ser
want. / heard that. for want OF 2 bette
g place Miss Burke stayed with her bcfor
J she LEFT tie city Ii AMY enc can civ
S yea any information. she can. Her nam
is II rr,t SpaUldug Size lives in a Il.
S door, At the very eud Of the next stree