Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-08-15
CHAPTER XxxVI.

have been full of triumph and joy;
but his arm and side ached, and his
heart was fun Of hatred against Cyril.
If ! could see him lying dead the
day of my marriage l should be hap
by, quite happy" he muttered, his
eyes glowing sullenly and malig-
nantly.
Then he heard a light footstep, and
he tuned to find that Leola had al
ready entered the room.
Ii was growing dark, and the fire
alone gave a red, uncertain light to
the luxuriantly furnished room,
He could not see her face, but
something about her, about her at
titude, upright, and full of energy,
started him uneasily.
She stood beside one of the tall
pre- dieu chairs, one white hand
grasping the back, the other elinched
at her side.
Her face was turned toward him.
and looked white and set. but he
could not see distinctly anything ex-
cept the dark flashing brilliant eyes.
He came forward with a murmur of
impassioned greeting
Il am here again, Leola." said
Philip Dyce. in his softest voice. Il
cannot-must | confess it2-be happy
or at rest away from you. And be
sides, for an excuse. / come to tell
you that have accomplished an I'M
pleasant task, and that you will not
see that worthless fellow again"
He paused, but Leola did not look
up.
Philip Dyce came towards her, and
rested one knee on a chair near the
prize dieu, then bent forward.
He came back. he went on. AS
/ feared, and"
you made haste to insult him.
said Leola, so suddenly, though so
quietly, that her voice. strained and
unnaturally suppressed, sent the
blood 70 his heart wi h a bound.
Leola," he murm ned
you made haste to insult him"
repeated Leola and the fire mounted
to her face. Yes Mr.. Dyce, 1 can
quite believe it,
'Leola,' he Re peated, in a tone Of
remonstrance, these are strange
words Why 10 you speak-why do
you look so Have | offended Won?
Have done anything wrong?"
Ask your conscience" said Leola
in the same suppressed voice "But
go on with your story-or shall I fin
fsh it for you? You found Cyril
Kingsley, as you expected. and you
proceeded to insult him"
Philip Dyce grew pale. What had
she heard 2 How much did she
know
Insult Is a strong word. Leola," he
murmured. with admirable compos-
uTe. Il acted according 10 NV iuda.
ment OF what was best to be done IN
der the circumstances-saw him and
dismissed him. I could do no less.
since you yourself had placed his
dismissal in my hands
1t was an indiscreet speech, for it
sounded like a taunt.
The blood sprang 10 Leolas face
4 did. she said, her hand tighten
Ing on the chair because / was a
fool | believed in all you told me
and allowed myself to become a tool
In ycur hands. Your taunts are nv
Eghtest punishment Go on. sir If
you care to Tell me how vonr insuIts
were received.
Philip Dyce sprang M. his fare
white with passion
But you may spare Yourself" said
Leola, with biting scorn. for I have
heard how you were beaten You went
too far Mr. Dyce"
Philip Dyce wiped the persplra.
ton from his forehead
Are you mad, Leola2" he qaspea
NO, said !.eola. with a bitter
smile, but 1 have been. for be-
ney.d you" "
What does this mean" he cried
"9Nhat has occurred TO chang yon
thus: left you a few hours ago
LETT you to carry out your wishes to
the best of my poor ability. and I re
url-"
To find that I have recovered INV
sfnses, broke in Leola. passionataly
Ito find thai have discovered how
completely [ have been deceived"
BY whom" he murmured wetting
his dry lips and Sighting his com,
posure.
He would stand to his guns to tbe
last.
Leola stopped short.
BY whom?" he rapaascd-onot bv
me. And my life, ms heart is omen ~
you. Leola. What has aarnapad !
cannot even surmiso. V-hafsva- ),
may be that you have heard. and has
thus turned you against me I am
rePdy to meet it. For Heaven SAKE
do not torture me thus wautou,v,o
He was very clever, and an admir-
able actor but It wa mol all ACTING
here. He really was tortured by the
Ignorance II the exact extent of bp,,
knowledgr
= have been deceived" said Leola
"Cyril--Mr. Kingsley whom Won
have Just left has come back-aIone,~
"Alone, yes" said Philip Dyce
@But is that fact sufficient cause for
such treatment as you are extending
to me?"
HE has come back alone. and he
went away alone, said Leola. her
heart beating fast
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