Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-04-18

[ did not mean to speak, it was I'M
wise. foolish of me, for how could
you, in this short time, have learned
to give thought to me-to me who
am so unworthy Of you"
10 not-do not go on, pleaded
Leola.
But I must" he said, yehemently.
4 have told you that loved YOU, l
cannot call back my words, even if l
wished 10. and I do not, Leola," he
said. earnestly. Il do not expect
that you will give me back the love |
feel for you. but l ask you to let me
hope-let me have something to look
forward to. If you take hope away
from me-say, Leola, that I may still
be your friend, and try to win you
for something dearer, sweeter-
mo" said Leola! Be my friend"
Yes he said Say no more,
the rest l viii wait for
Ieola turned pale.
Lord Beaumont she said, in a
low, firm voice, what yoa ask, what
YOU wish. can, feel, never be-"
She stopped for from behind
them came low, suppressed cry.
They looked round quickly. and were
startled to see Cicely standing behind
them fixed, it as appeared, in an at
,itude OF terror, staring over their
heads.
Naturally they instantly looked in
the same direction. ana saw at first
nothing; but Lord Beaumont. spring
ing TO his feet, was able to look over
a low bush, which hid them from the
river bank, and saw what nad so
alarmed CiceIy.
Leaning against the dam half
crouching. was a man: his face was
turned towards the mill wheel. and it
was the face that had startled Cicely.
Il startled Lord Beaumont for a mo-
ment, and rendered him speeches..
It was Slime. and he was staring down
the channel and at the wheel with
glaring, bIoodshOt eyes that looked
like those Of some wild. ferocious
animal that watches lis prey and
longs to spring.
Taken in conjunction with the
blotched, sodden face, and thin, cruel
lips, those eyes were terrible.
quite unconscious of being watched
himself, for the bushes hid Leola,
Lord Beaumont and Cicely from his
view. he was INDUCING in a feast of
malicious longing and burning for
revenge.
What was it he saw? Not the
channel. dry and sunburnt, nor the
wheel. motionless and still with the
sralwart figure standing beside it.
No; half-drunk, with furious craving
! for revenge and spite, he was picrur-
ing to himself the water pouring in a
mad torrent down the channel, the
wheel whirling round, and the stall
wart figure caught mp and writhing
helplessly in its embrace.
Lord Beaumont was only dumb
for a moment, then ne sprans towards
the channel with an angry shout.
You, Slime what are you doing
thera2"
Slime started as if he had been de
tected in a crime, and, without q
word, dropped down behind the dam.
and crouehed out of sight.
By the time Lord Beaumont had
eaped into The dry channel, climbed
up the other side. and gained the river
bank, Slime had disappeared.
More upset and discomposed than
he would have liked to Own--he was
an artist, and the murderous looks in
the mans face had impressed him
more strongly than they would have
done most men-Lord Beaumont ran
back.
Where has he gone--who was it,
asked ClceIy. still pale.
only Sine said Lord Beaumont,
.rying % laugh. Il think I have
frightened MIN as much as he fright
ened GU, Cts. He was leaning over
there half asleep, I suppose"
Oh, no" said Cicely, he was not
| asleey. What was he looking at o.
couldn't say-admiring the mill,
suppose. Upon my word, would
get rid of that eccentric individual,
Leola"
Il Willie shall leave the place, e
said I.eola, With a shudder What was
he locking at, Lord Beaumont" she
asked looking earnestly down the
channel
! fancy ne was IoOkins at nothing
in particular" said Lord Beaumont
too intoxicated 10 see anything sing
lily. Let us call Cyril
! And he shouted his name
/ Ieola turned quickly.
Il am going back with Miss stan
hope. Lord Beaumont she said. hur.
| riedly VIII you ash Nj. Kingsley
to do as he thinks best about the let
ter?'
Must you gog" said Lord Beau
uont, impiOrinsly
But L.eoIa seemed quite in hurry
to return. and els had disappeared.
They were not afraid to 20, because
Slime could not have approached them
until they reached the house withou,
being seen by Lord Beaumont,
What is the matter?' asked Cyril
4, he came up and looked quickly
after Leola.
The ladies bave poue bacI, Did