Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-03-15

Continued.

SliHE Win Il par vi NHAIG hlu SlONCS,
and with his opera hat crushed under
mis- arm. The wealthy owner of
Gresam House Is generally blessed
with red face but tonight it is as
scarlet as the red silk handkerchief
which lies concealed in his coat-tail
pocket. and which he will use in pref
erence 10 the white cambria one when
ever he an get a chance of doing so
unseen.
What is the reason of the mysteri-
Gus affection which old Chancery
judges and men of the Dalton stamp
have for red silk handkerchiefs?
Tonight the worthy gentleman's
face is not only crimson, but full OF
self-satisfaction and pride, and he
holds his head we'll up above his large
collar. and clears his throat with pom
pous emphasis.
May stands for a moment on the
stairs and looks at him with mingled
pride and irritation.
1t would be false to say that she is
ashamed of him; she is only and
simply annoyed that he should consent
to go where his want Of breeding and
purse proud vulgarity will meet with
derision and contempt.
How pleased papa looks whis-
pers Carrie
why does he wear such an enorm-
Gus collar and a frilled shirt? Not
that it matters, for no eye could rest
long enough upon him to detect it.
One. two, three-six diamonds, and all
as big as peas. Lady Letchford will
think we own diamond mine. And
no one-no gentleman at least
wears diamonds now No matter!
Lead on, l scent the battle from afar!
THE battle-I don't understand"
says Carrie, but May only laughs, and
tripping lightly down the stairs in her
white satin clad toes, leads on to the
carriage. With the usual little fuss
which attends all Mr. Dalton's move
ments, they get seated, the four-head-
ed footman mounts to the box, and
they start.
Five minutes late already says
Mr.. Dalton. consulting an enormous
keyless repeater which he wears at
the end Of a gold chain, strong enough
to hold a mastiff
we shall be quite early enough for
Lady Letchfold," says May with grave
significance.
And, indeed, so it would seem, for
that lady. sitting bolt upright in her
high-backed chair beside the drawing
room fire. was looking anything hut
delighted at the approach of the visi.
tors
Il hope-I ope we have not made a
mistake, Rose" she said. looking up at
the tall exquisitely-clad beauty who
stands warming one small foot at the
fire.
"Mistake?"
The old lady mods almost patheti-
cally.
Yes, do not feel at all convinced
that We have done the wise thing I
almost wish we had told Heron that
we were going 70 call, and had waited
to see how ne took it, When l told
him that we mad called. and had ask
ed tncr 20 dinner, he showed the
greatest Indifference; it really seem
ei as if he didn't care; and--and he
has been in the most awful
Temper said Rose Vavasour, with
a smile, lever since Yes, I know;
but notwithstanding all that. I do not
think We have made mistake Where
is ne now?"
Dressing, suppose" answers Lady
Letchford, but doubtfully. "Of course,
he has not said he is going to dine at
home, and have no reason to supbosx
that he is going out. but he may not
put in an appearance at all"
"Oh he would not be so unmerciful
as to leave us to bear the brunt alone.
Ought they not to be here?"
Yes" said Lady Letchford; "but
this sort of people think it is vulgar
10 be punctual. There is the carriage,
| think"
II was the Dalton carriage, and it
dashed up to the broad stone steps
that led to the hall as if it were the
travelling chariot of an emperor en-
tering conquered town.
~
colored livery contrasting finely with
the gorgeous giants who lounge in the
Gresham hall. comes forward and the
guests are ushered into the hall
The hall of the Void is perhaps the
most picturesque and imposing part of
the mGlsion It's oak-paneled sides
run clear up to the bare rafters of the
,imbered roof In the center stands a
long carved table, at which Charles
the Martyr flying from long carved
table. at which Charles the Martyr.
aying from Cromwell and his Round
heads. snatched hasty meal. High
up above the gallery which runs along
the end hang the torn and battered
tanners of the Letchfords; from the
panels scowl smile and frown, accord
ing to their respective dispositions
The dealand-gone men and women of
that naughty race A dim religious
light" falls softly from dozen candles
in an ancient candelabra, and from
sconces projecting from the walls
lighting up the painted arches in the
portraits, and enduing them with a
ghostly suggestion of life.
As they enter. a noble St Bernard
and two slim. patrician greyhounds
arise from a Persian rug in front Of
the wood FIRE. which burns in the huge,
dog-ironed chimney-place, and come
-nifing inquiringly.
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