Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-05-10

He laughs softly.
Il don't mean all the sins of your
schoolgirl Iife-I pass those by; but /
mean that though IL have much to
hide and bury, you Lave nothing-il
is like an open book. Darling, l could
not bear that you should have any
secret from me, | would be the death
blow, not to my love-aS there is
Heaven above us. | do no think that
could debut TO my happiness.
May. as you love me, let the book be
open still, and the page plainly writ.
Steady, Dutchman!"
With a little sudden culver, she
tries to draw her hand away, but the
strong fingers holi it in firm grasp.
Heron" she says In whisper. halt
hesitating, half fearful, II want 10
tell you something"
He tarts. more at her Tone than her
words, and his eyes devour her face
angiously.
So anxiously that her heart sinks
Not now--not now while he is happy.
Why should she spoil this, the one
happy day of her life, with his hand
caressing her, say; THE miserable
wretch whom you, a short time ago.
saw flying for his life, is my brother,
AMI if you marry me VIII be your kins-
man How can she say this and
chance feeling his hand unclasp and
throw hers aside Not now, Some
other time,
Oh, fatal cowaruicei how often hast
thou brought ruin in thy train. MOI
now. a more convenient season." is
an epitaph that might be written
above TIE tomb OF many hope that
Gouriehed like a flower, till conceal
ment. mat fatal canker-worm. blasted
its fair life and laid it low
May hesitates, ard. womanlike. her
opportunity is lost.
TO 1eil me something" he says
with searching smile "Well?'
No. she says drawing a long
breath. and looking asiIe. NO; let
ii resi-. Heron, you know I-I-love
you"
For answer he puts his arm around
her, and draws her TO him
Forgetful of the high read. and re
eardless of publicity. she nestles
closer. until her head nearly lies
against his breast
love YOU" she breathes. her
eyes fxd on mis- with rapt intensity
that IS full Of passionate prayer.
Heron. if--if-at any time you are
led 10 doubt-lf-oh, I can't explain
But you win remember Whatever hap
pens To cause you 10 think Ill Of me.
loved YOU
He benis his head until his lips
touch. for an instant, her warm. half
parted ones.
II is answer enough With a shake
of his head the Dutchman turns into
the avenue Of Gresham House; Carrie
wakes up and looks around. ami May.
with a half-guilty flush, draws away
from the arm that reluctantly releases
her.
Papa will be waiting on the steps
with his watch in his hand and his
heart in his mouth" says Carrie.
laughing mischieyously He has a
horror of horses even when they are
snaillike ones, and harnessed TO a
heavy landau. This morning he asked
May if she was going to be strapped
in, and when she told him that she
was not. he turned pale AT this pres
ent moment he is wondering which Of
us has broken our neck. and hoping
that it isn't Nav"
Sir Heron laughs. and gives her
something like a shake as he lifts her
down, which he does as if she were a
child.
Il pity your husband. whoever he
may be. Miss Carrie" he says, he
will have tease for his wife. There
run in and show papa that your neck
isn't broken. Goodnight"
oh. he doesn't care so much for
mine, now" retorts Carrie. But
you are not going yet! You will stay
You can put the Dutchman in our
stable. Let George take him, do"
Heron glanced at May, but her face
is turned aside, and there is nothing
in the shape of an invitation about
her
- ~ thoii no uS says, IL take
the Dutchman home He might kick
your stables down. Perhans may
come in later" he adds, in a low tone
Jc May.
She gives him her hand.
VIII Eou?" she says, softly.
Quite satisfied, he presses her hand
lovingly. and mounts to the perch
again.
'Good-by. for the present" he says
raising his hat
The Dutchman gets upon his hind
legs. makes several praiseworthy at
tempts to knock the groom's head
off and then dashes away.
Al the bend. Heron turns arouna
May is still standing on the steps
him. and as he turns she
puts the ungloved hand--the hand he
has been holding-to her lips.
Not till he is quite out of sight doe.
she enter the hall
As she does so, Carrie comes bounc- /
ng out Of the lining-room
Papa isn't at home. May He
vent 10 London soon after we left; /
here was a telegram. Thomas says
md he hasn't come back. 1t is late
or him, isn't it?"
Yes" SAYS May. aDsently. lie
viii be here by dinner time. no
ioubt. You will go and dress now"
she says, pausinc g.l me s,ci~s