Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-08-01

CHAPTER xxxlV.


saddle speeches..
When and how did this happen?'
he demanded, so abruptly, that Cicely
shrank. Forgive me, he pleaded,
IF ] seem abrupt and rude. But you
see" and he smiled with sad bitter
ness. Il am not a woman-wOmen
can bear those things so much better
than men, and loved her so pas
sionately!"
The anguish in his last words wrung
Cicelys tender heart.
She put her little white hand on his
arm sympathetically.
Don't mind me, Mr.. Kingsley, In
deed. ! know how much you must
suffer, and will tell you all know"
"Yes-all," said Cyril, nodding
eagerly, but with a dull, benumbed
voice. He was literally stunned by
this astounding blow.
1t was at the ball, lhink,' said
Cicely; at least Lady Yaux rode
over to Howth the next morning,
and told the countess.
Lady vaux.' echoed Cyril. Why
was she in such haste?"
He is her brother" said Cicely,
softly.
Yes. yes. and she was glad, Of
course said Cyril. passing his hand
over his brow; and it was at the
ball. Great Heaven, that woman
can so soon forget! That le so
fair should be so false-and so soon"
What are you saying?" said Ctcely
half Indignantly Why do you say
that Leola is false. Mr. Kingsley?
Surely she was free to accept Mr.
Dyce though she may have been IN
wise,"
No, she was not freei" shouted
Cyril then instantly Forgive me,
scarcely know what I am saying Do
not notice my wild words, but tell NE
all you can, all you know, every
word Miss Stanhope. feel that
you are my friend! Tell me all.
beseech you"
Il know so little,7 said Cicely
sadly, for Cyrirs distress touched her
deeply and frightened her; she had
never seen a man struggling with
mental agony before.
fDyce saw LeoIa the other morn
ing; was at the Abbey when old
Marsden brought the letter FROM his
daughter, saying that she-she had
gone with you.
Cyril groaned impatiently
''Leola tainted" continued Cicely.
Cyril started and struck his hand
on The saddle, causing the horse to
jerk up his head.
"She believed it them" he cried.
What else could she do?" said
Cicely. You were not there to deny
tt"
4 was on a fools erraud." NUT
tered Cyril, with self reproach.
''Well9"
Well said Cicely, she tainted.
and Gerald thought she was very i'll.
Doctor ThOrna was sent for. and be
lieve-for l have not seen L.eola her
self, though I have been up to the
Abbey twice I believe he warned her
against any excitement"
Yet she went to this BALI" said
Cyril.
Insisted upon going, '.sald Clcely
and never did she seem in spirits
better nor more lovely"
Cyrils face grew haggard.
Better spirits!" he groaned. Am
! mad, or is she really so false and
heartess? Go on-pray go on, Miss
Stanhope"
i don't think there is more to
tell" she said sadly. Mr.. Dyce
mist have proposed to her during
the evening and been accepted. for we
heard that they were engaged the
next morning"
and this-all this has happened in
few days, few hours" muttered
Cyril, staring before him in amaze
AN in q few hours Three nights
ago / had her in my arms. and heard
her VOW that she loved me Oh. I
must be mad"
Poor Cicely almost began to think
that he was, he laughed and spoke
SO strangely. At LAST he turned to
her appealing his handsome face
working in his excitement.
Miss Stanhope, help me. You
are woman and woman's wit and
acute brain are needed here-a man
alone is Of no avail There has
been trickery deception-yes. and
forgery"
Forgery, Mr. Kingsley"
Remember The letters in yo,r
counterfeited handwriting" said
Cyril. Remember the girl Narsaen.s
letter. There has been torg.ry.
how do we know that there NAV nat
be personal violence? Leo,a NAV
at this moment be forcihly detain.a
within The Abbey"
Cicely shook her head.
That would be impossible" She
said, confidently one crv from,
Leola, and every soul in the place
would rush 70 her assistance h
would be bold man who would ven.
ture To make a prisoner of Leola
Dale in her own Abbey"
This man Philip Dyce. who is at
the bottom of all this"
Can you say thar" said Cicelv
Il am certain of it," said Cyril; 81
mistrusted him the moment I FIRST
saw him, and he hated me But 70,
h3r suefpr1of{o~g