Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-12-20
8 = 8 = 8 . 3 3 3 . !: . . .
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( Christmas Roses )
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| eyes. 1 mad Just returned from 4
hard ride. Miss Dumaresque's visit
was unexpected, and, hot and dusty
as | was, l felt soiled and travel
stained beside her. Edward. fecog-
nized, with sense of irritation. had a
happy knack of fitting the occasion.
| He was cutting roses for her with a
| reckless disregard for buds, and I
drew near. filled with righteous indig-
| nation. After all, the roses were
mine. so ] imagined | might be per.
mitted to take an interest in their
welfare. Ordinarily l would have
grudged Edward nothing. even to the
half of my inheritance, and was al
ready beginning to be ashamed of the
| petty feeling that prompted me, when
he added insult to injury by saying in
his grave tones Miss Dumaresque is
a June rose herself, don't you think,
Ted?"
1t was one of his rare compliments.
and Miss Dumaresque smiled. well
pleased. | felt unreasonably ir.
ritated. 1t was pretty speech. and
should have liked 10 nave made ii
myself, and then should have had
the smile, too
| Nonsense. Edward" | said, quickly,
Miss Dumaresque is a Christmas
rose Her birthday is in December"
added.
Now, l am sure this was as pretty a
speech as Edwards, and 1 waited for
like reward; but, just to show how
unreasonable women are, she be-
slowed look of displeasure upon me
and directed her conversation to Ed
war
ward.
After that left him to 10 the hon
ors, aud retired, sulkily enough, into
the background
1t was not long before hSd come
To the conclusion that Miss Dumares-
que was a heartless firt, but did not
think that Edward would have had
the effrontery to carry on his love
making under my eyes. And yet, If
eyes and ears deceived me not, he
was now begging for the roses she
wore in her belt l had not thought
Edward could be SO sentimental In
exchange for all the buds have cut
you, he went on, playfully holding
his bouquet above her head. My in.
dignation revived. Not content, it
seemed, with mutilating the finest rose
trees in The county, he was now max
ing boast of the fact OF course,
Miss Dumaresque could do as she
liked in the matter, for at least she
would be giving away her own flowers.
not like Edward, who gave away mine
| but for my part | considered his re
quest in the worst possible taste
Miss Dumaresque looked down and
/ began to play with her flowers. Her
attitude and movement maddened me
far more than any words.
/ Presently | heard Edward say, hur-
riedly, Il must go," and there fol-
lowed sentences that did not catch. |
sauntered up and down he could not
wait long, | knew, and then my turn
would come. Suddenly | heard my
name.
Ted" My cousin stood at my ell,
bow. "Will you drive Miss Dumares
que home? | wish | could, but Aunt
Dora is waiting. and We are due at
the Grange. You don't mind, old
man?" He took my consent for granted
and hurried off.
The next moment | stood by Rose
Dumaresque's side and looked timidly
into her eyes. Yes. timidly! /, who
was more wont to affront women with
my bold gaze
My cousin has given you into my
c1arge." said, in low voice.
Her eyes fell, and my glance fol
lowed hers They rested on the
flowers still in her belt.
so Edward did not succeed in get
ting your roses?'' l said, with change
of tone.
She coloreJ. You viii think me
foolish, | dare say but somehow
never care to give away flowers that
have worn-unless IT is to some one
for whom | care great deal
don't know why, am sure"
My heart leapt at her words; clear
ly she was not in love with Edward
That was my first thought, and then
my jealous, suspicious nature put an.
other complexion on her words--per.
haps she was willfully misleading
me. Wen. would test her feelings
ana arrive at the truth.
That is TOO bad. said; Il thought
you had such great regard for my
cousin Edward"
Indeed have" she said. earnestly.
Il think there is no one / have a
greater regard for. or greater ad-
| miration."
made no response, and relapsel In.
to gloomy silence.
Presently she continued. clasping
her hands and speaking with some ex-
element, Edward has deep feelings,
but he is so narrowi"
was taken by surprise, and re-
sponded with some neat. Edward IL
true as STEEL"
Yes" she said softly; "he has all
the virtues"
Her words aroused the demon with
in me, and tumult Of jealousy and
thwarted hope.
Tell me, | cried wildly. IS he any
thing to you? Do you care for him."
thought If she had acknowledged
her love / would haze begged her par
10, n ~ s,oun I r,,ahf -1r so bavo