Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-07-05
CHAPTER XVI,

CHAPTER XVI.
Winter has gone ut last. Like the
sullen OLD man that he is. he has re-
treated grudglngly, with slow, tagging
step, before the advance of the all
conquering spring maiden. But he is
gone at last, the meadows, long i'm
prisoned in his strong hand, CLEAN
gre erly in the warm sun; the trees
pu. forth their buds with a timidity
that grows into strength with each
succeeding day. aud the birds sing
out their advent Song Of joyous sum
mer.
So warm is the air which sweeps
softly through the valley, bearing upon
its bosom the familiar sounds of
country life, the lowing of cows pass
ing down the hill to be milked. the
murmur of the innumerabIe bees, the
drea on the green, that May Seab. out
Of the old-fashioned casemere win
lows, and drinks in with peaceful
welcome the caressing breeze.
Very lovely her face looks, clothed
in its rapt expression Of serene enjoy
ment, and framed by the wistaria that
clusters in thu k punches all around
the window
With her small, white hands clasped
loosely on the sill she leans forward
and looks down the valley. Spring
that has worked so many miracles to
the land has been generous to her, and
has ouched the face, that was pale
as the lily all through the long win
ter. with its rosy fingers, and left a
delicate, peachlike bloom.
If it had also impaired gleam Of
its Joyous brightness to the large, dark
eyes there would nave been nothing
waiting to win for the beautiful face
the coveted title of happy" but even
springs subtle powers are limited
and there is a look of wistful weari-
less which defies even its magic.
Never for a moment, though the lips
and the eyes themselves smile, does
that look leave her. and it is-say
some-the subtle charm of the beauti-
full face.
1t is this vague faint touch Of sad
ness, of suppressed usefulness, which
attracts those who see her for the first
time-attracts and holds them as if by
spell, 1t is in the eyes where that
secret lies; her laugh though rare, is
light and buoyant enough, her voice as
clear and not seldom as gay as of old;
but those who are given to watching
her see that dreamy loo, that starts
I 10 ~ IA -
| ownr is silent aud il 4epose.
And there are many who are given
10 watching her Marley is not large
! place. but to nearly all, old and young,
May IS an object of interest-and of
/ importance.
When it was made known that the
vicar had chosen a young lady-a
mere girl-to be the mistress OF
Marley school, and when it became ap-
parent that the young lady was to be
accompanied only by a sister stir
younger, there was no little shaking
of heads Id wagging Of tongues, from
The squire's lady to Msr Cover at the
| post Office.
But the vicar met all doubts and
| objections expressed or implied with a
quiet smile Of confidence. And before
/ long Marley was compelled to admit
that his confidence was not misplaced.
The most critical could not but own
! that the school thriyed, the most cen
serious could pick no holes in the
! girls manners and conduct
And they were critical 70 q degree.
we couldn't be more closely in.
j spected, May" said Carrie, "if we
We're d couple Of wax figures 10 Mad.
anne Tussaud's What do they think
we are going 10 DO? Dance the can.
can OF the High street,"
When # was found there was no
dancing u the can-can or smoking OF
+ cigars, but that. on the contrary, the
/ two girls lived the lives Of nuns. and
were rather too reserved than other.
wise, Marley swung around, AMI was