Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-02-08

Continued.

ana COIIuSeu 10 turn aside, and q
black-an ltan terrier, delighting in the
name of Nix, was on the point Of rum
ming her down when, with a sudden
ness that brought the dogs and not
only the dogs, but Sir Heron himself,
who mad set off running-to a stand
still girl darted from a gate on the
side of the road, swooped down upon
the kitten, and, regardless of its claws
and the yelping dogs whipped it under
her sealskin.
So sudden and swift had been the
race that the dogs We're stage cred for
moment; the next they were all
around her jumping and yelping with
half-playful, halfangry excitement.
Sir Heron, recovering from his mo-
mentary surprise, strobe forward, and
was in the midst of the clamoring
crew. and knocking them right and
left before. half minute had elapsed.
But in that half-minute a picture
had photographed itself upon his mind,
which, unlike most photographs, was
not likely to fade quickly
1t was the vision of a girlish figure,
instinct with the grace of youth and
beauty, standing, with erect head and
flashing eyes, daring the army of
furious dogs. The autumn sun fell full
upon those flashing eyes and upon
face smitten with beauty.
With her blood-red lips hllf-parted
to allow the quick, painting breath to
escape, a roselike flush on her cheeks.
with soft, golden-brcwn hair, dis
heveled by her rapid rush. she made a
picture in the autumn sunlight that
an artist would have given ten years
of his life to have seen and painted.
SO rapt and absorbed was she in her
errand of mercy that sac did not know
Sir Heron's nearness until he was by
her SIDE knocking to the right and
left with no sparing hand, the discom-
fitted dogs, who, baked and disap-
pointed, withdrew to a distance and
eyed the couple of spoil-sports with
the most emphatic disgust.
When the dispersal had been COM
pleted, and not till then, Sir Heron
turned to her and, raising his hat, was
about to speak, when he was struck
damb By meeting full-blank a pair of
scornful eyes which seemed to dare
him to utter a word.
For a moment he contemplated the
angry, passionately angry, stare in
profound and puzzled silence then,
with an effort that surprised him by
its force, he said, in his calm, low
toned bass:
Il am very sorry; I am afraid my
dogs have caused you a great deal of
alarm. Pray accept my sincere
apology"
But to the humble effort at atone
ment there was no softening of the
dark-brown eyes which, to Sir Heron's
amazement, seemed to grow sti,l more
scornful and naughty Still painting,
she stood with the kitten huddled up
under her jacket, her figure drawn to
its full height. the color coming and
going upon her face.
Sir Heron, his eyes chained to her,
waited a moment that seemed an age,
and in which admiration for the proud,
beautiful face struggled with vague
perplexity.
It was novel experience for him to
sue for pardon and find it denied. The
moment passed, and he spoke again
Believe me. I am most sincerely
greved that my dogs should have
caused you so much annoyance. VIII
YOU permit me to see if the kitten is
injured?"
The brown eyes flashed and the red
lips compressed tightly, then opened
to give passage to a decided, naughty
"No!"
Sir Heron stared first into her eyes,
then dropped his own, and inclined his
head with an expression of proud hui
mility
81 see he said, "I have angered
YOU beyond all hope of pardon. At
least let me speak in my defense;
the greatest criminal is allowed that
much | nave been walking in the
woods, and unconsciously wandered
into the high road l say unconscious
Iy: had I been more attentive to my
whereabouts, l should have Kept a
sharper lookout on my dogs. This
accident was CduSSu ny my CdE6lSSS-
ness, which l should have regretted if
it mad merely resulted in harm to the
kitten. but as it has worked worse
mischief in alarming and annoying a
young lady, hasten to offer my most
heartfelt apology, which I trust she
will accept"
And as she does not think the
apology worth accepting, then let it
be followed by the immediate absence
of its maker" retorted May. with a
curl Of the lip, which brought the blood
to Sir Heron's dark cheek.
With gesture of his hand elo-
quent of his surprise and disappoint-
ment, he bit his lips, and. raising his
hat, was about to turn and obey this
plainly expressed desire for his alb
sence when a sharp little exclama-
tion of pain pulled him Up again.
All tae hauteur had vanished from
the face, and left it white and maiden
II sweet.
There" he exclaimed, appealingly,
you are hurt. Surely one Of the
dogs
mo" she said, the color coming
back again no, your dogs have not
bitten me"
Then that an-that miserable kit
ten has eratched you Let ne beg