Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-09-25
Lady Dutton's Ward
BY BERTnA N.
BY BERTnA M. CLAY.


her manner as she had ever been, but
there was with it quiet easy dignity
that suited her well. Barbara pri-
yately believed that in the solitude OF
the Swiss mountains Claud had given
his wife some lessons in worldly
training. Whatever had effected the
change, it was for the better; even
Lady Bayneham, proud and difficult to
please, was charmed by the graceful
ease and sweet dignity OF her sons
wife.
She has not Barbara's thorough
bred, patrician manner. said that
lady to herself; but It might have
been worse"
The tide of popularity rose strongly
in Lady midas favor. Had not her
every thought been absorbed in her
husband, her little head must have
been turned by the homage and
aattery offered to her; for no house in
London was so popular as Lord Bay
tneham's. His wife's lovely face and
superb voice, Barbaras keen intell-
ect and hrlgh wit and Lady Bayne-
hams serene and charming manner,
we're all sources of attraction. Thus
the time passed rapidly, like a dream
of Fairyland.
"Claud, said Barbara one morning
as she stood by her cousins side
watching Hilda carefully arranging
some roses, supposing life to be a
hill, you have attained its sumit;
what are you going to do now-sit
down and rest?"
No. he replied, with bright
hopeful smile. Il have done no work
yet
Il do not think ether love or
pleasure can ever till a mans fife,
said Barbara; "he must have some
thing of deeper Interest still
Il shall find it in politics" said Lord
Bayneham; we have had some brave
warriors in our family, but not many
statesmen. I shall make statesman
ship my aim. Look out for my
maiden speech next session, Barbara. ="
Are you serious?" asked his
cousin.
Il was never more so" replied
Lord Bayneham. 81 think at times,
and some months since / arrived at
the conclusion, that was bound to
do something for a world which has
been kind to me. / shall become a
/ model landlord. | intend to make
model estates Of Bayneham and Bryn.
mar. In politics l have some strong
opinions and ideas of my own, and
hope to make use of them for the
good of others. Never fear that /
shall sink into mere carpet knight,
Barbara. Happiness does not ener-
vate, it elevates me-"
He looked so handsome and so tri-
umphant as he spoke, that Miss Earle
gazed at i'm half in wonder, half in
admiration.
There" he said, with light laugh,
my career is disposed of; what about
yours, Barbara? No destiny is fair
or bright enough for your"
Il have my own ideas" said Bar
bara evasively: ut is time answered
those notes. How many balls have
we for tonight? Two! I shall not
ton of the deepest dye; / shall not
want to dance again for three or four
years. How pleased and proud you
must be, Claud. Hilda is the bel, go
where we may. She grows more
beautiful and charming. every day"
Frank, fearless Barbara, above ali
little mean jealousy or envy, was far
more proud than Hilda he~, elf of the
admiration she excited.
Il have asked my mother to return
with us to Bayneham, said Claud.
'HiIda would be sure to feel nervous
with a large party of guests, just at
first Is there any need for the cere-
mony of asking you to join US, Bar
bara?"
Not much" she replied, with
smile. Who goes to Bayneham?'
Il have asked Berthe" he replied
he has taken to politics. Only in.
aginc. Barbara, two years ago he wac
the most careless, easy-going man it
HdS pDSolbAG W LICENE hCW Ae h1aS
taken a kind of fever He is secre-
tary in some Government Office and
if he does get into Parliament l pre-
dict that he will make a sensation"
Barbara's face flushed deeply, she
hardly knew why.
Continue your list" she aid
hastily.
My mother has asked Lady Ora
hame: you know her pretty well,
suppose--fat. fair, happy and forty,
with a good jointure and possessing
what she calls the great advantage Of
belonging to some of the best fam
lilies in England. She is popular.y
supposed to be on the lookout for a
successor to the late lamented Sir
Wilton Craha:ne.
Let us nope she may find one"
said Barbara,
Then we have rival beauty in
the person of Miss Deverney; the
number of Graces must be complete,
you know"
What wretched compliment!
said Miss Earle quietly. You have
not studied TIE delicate art of saying
pretty things"
1t is dificult to satisfy you We
have my old friend Sir Harry Higham,
and one or two more eligibles. You