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

the music room and tried to play,
but the music sounded discordant, and
her own voice forced and out of tune
and the room, although there was
large fire burning, struck a chill
through her.
She went into the drawing room,
passing the library door with a sud
den thrill. 1t almost seemed as if
Cyril was in there, and she could hear
the rapid progress of his pen.
Then a servant announced Philip
Dyce.
He came in, lepling handsonsr
than ever, the fire of success in his
eyes, and a warm flush on his usual
ly pale face, He had won the bat
tie, gained the prize. and could af-
ford TO look triumphant.
He came into the drawing-room,
hat in hand and Leola rose TO meet
BIN. Last night she had promised to
be his wife, and he might reasonably
have expected that he would be al
lowed to kiss her. but Leola rose
calmly and co1dly, and held out her
hand and he was fain TO be content
in kissing that
Her GOODNESS chilled him. and to a
certain extent unnerved him. Be
fore all the rest of the world Philip
Dyce was composure itself, never at
loss for word or smile, but his very
love for Leola robbed him of his
wonted strength and inflexibility.
Before the power of her beauty and
the nameless charm which belonged
to her, his impassibility and sang
froid required an effort to sustain
them
He drew a chair near to the low
fauteuil or which she was sitting,
and leaning forward, tried to talk in
his old natural and gracefully easy
manner, but it would not do; he had
something to say, a purpose to effect,
and instead of gliding on to the sub
ject as he wished to do, Leolas cold
face drew him on to it suddenly
against his will
Il am an early visitor" he said,
"but not too early to be welcome,
hope and ne hesitated.
Leola did not answer, but turned
her eyes. dull and expressionless,
upon him
''The fact is, Leola'-he paused
II wanted to speak to you about
business"
'Business?" said Leola
Not long ago the word sounded
pleasantly in her ears, for it was
from Cyril Kingsley's lips she was
wont to hear it.
Philip Dyce nodded. and turned the
ring on his finger.
eff Mr. Ford were here | would not
trouble you--he would see TO the
matter; but, after all, it is my happy
privilege to protect you from an
noyance"
Ieola waited with dull expectancy
What did he mean?
81 hate to speak of such thing.
but-this man, Kingsley may come
back
Leola started and averted her eyes.
The name thrilled through her and
sent the blood to her pale face. but
only for moment-the next she was
white and cold as a statue.
''Wel?" she SAID.
eff he should, how would you wish
me to act?" he asked. gently. HE is
still your servant-you do not wish
him to remain"
NO said Leola, after moment
pause.
Indeed he could not said Philir
Dyce, quietly; "the story is all over
the county. The fellow has man
aged to worm himself into great ia.
vor-"
What do you wish me to 1o?" in
terrupted Leola.
She hated Cyril Kingsley, of course,
but she could not sit still and hear
another and that other Philip Dyce,
speak thus of him
Il! My wishes are yours in every
thing, dearest" said Philip Dyce soft
ly But you would like him to go,
would you not?"
Eyes. he must go at once" said
Leola, with a',iver of the lips. eff
he comes back; but do not think he
will"
81 think he WILL said Philip Dyce,
with very good reason, land if he
should may I dismiss him."
Leoa hesitated a moment.
Eyes, she said, but family
Then" said Philip, with a low
laugh, al must have your authority
He may come back with Marsdens
daughter, and SET us all at defiance,
unless you--'
His words produced the effect he
desired At this picture of Cyril
returning with Polly Marsden-her
rival-Leola rose, the fire Of jealousy
and outraged love flashing in her eyes
"He shall not She said. walking
to writing table THERE" she said.
holding out a paper, her whole frame
Quivering IF he should come back
there is his dismissal; he must go at
once-at once,'
'eHe shalt" asserted Philip Dyce,
taking the paper with an inward glow
Of delight you shall not see him
again if can help It. And now
you will forget this unpleasant bust
ness altogether, my Leola. will you
not?" he murmured, going up to her
where she stood restlessly toying
with the jeweled pen You will
forget it-whv shanld ID trouble you9"