Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-10-02

for came OF last ne NHotS hSl5HDOA
hood round Bayneham seemed alive
with the rolling of carriages. The
Castle was one blaze of light and
warmth. The ball was brilliantly
and numerously attended. 1t was
something like dream of Fairyland,
the rich hangings, the fragrant ex
otics, the little scented fountains that
rippled so unsteady, the cleaning Of
jewels, the sweet, soft music, the
bright, beautiful faces.
Lord Baynenam felt proud or the
ladies' of his house. The countess
was dressed with more than her usual
magnifceaee Barbara wore beauti-
rul costume of green velvet, with rich
golden ornaments Lady Hilda
looked more beautiful than she had
ever seen her, in some wonderful
combination of white satin and costly
lace, with the far-famed Bayneham
diamonds shining in her golden hair
and round her white neck.
/ Hilda was the queen of that brill
liant throng, admired and fiattered.
The homage of great and famous men
I boating round her-her every word
received with smiles, her every wish
complied with.
She bore her honors meekly, with
sweet, unaffected grace, never for
getting in this, the supreme hour Of
her triumph the wants and wishes
Of others. Her guests declared Lady
Hilda was perfect hostess; no one
was forgotten or overlooked.
The great county magnate, the
Duke of Laleham, had purposely de-
4 layed journey he meditated, In
order to attend the Bayneham ball
He opened it with Lady Hilda, who
delighted her stately mother-in-law by
the way she conyersed with one
whom the countess held in high
esteem. Soon afterward the duke,
eonversing with Lady Bayneham, ex-
pressed his great admiration OF her
sons wife.
1t was brilliant and successful even
ing, more so, perhaps, to BERTHE than
anyone else. He secured two waltzes
with Barbara, ard probably spent the
happlest moments OF his life in the
conservatory with her.
Barbara" h. said. as they stood
watching the lamps that glowed like
pale moons among the green plants
Barbara, do you accept or refuse my
it4le PRESENT."
THE golden apple" she said, with
smile. Neither Mr.. Carlyon.
hold it in reserve"
is there any hope for me, Bar
bara?" he said, his handsome face
flushed with joy. I have loved you
ever since knew how to appreciate
what is noble and good. Could you
ever care for me?'
1T viii depend upon yourself" she
replied. when you come to me
with some claim to admiration and
respect, you shall have my answer. /
shall say more when you have accom-
plished some Of those great deeds we
spoke Of
With that answer BERTHE Carlyon
was content
CHAPTER XVII.
No one enjoyed the ball at BG,gne-
ham more than the stately countess,
who rejoiced in seeing al those OF
briilianey and note In tie county as
sembled under her soA's roof. She
listened with exquisite delight to the
praises the Duke cs Laleham lavished
upon his young hostess. As Barbara
could never be mistress of that grand
old castle, it was well to have some
one whose beauty and grace were so
universally admired.
When Lord Bayneham Joined his
mother, asking her to take walk
through the rooms with him, he was
surprised and delighted to find that
for the first time she spoke with
warm affection and admiration of his
wife: still more when they came to
quiet little boudoir. where Hilda
had sought refuge for a few minutes
repose.
Tired she said, in answer to her
husbands quostion.-"just a little.
Claud. am tired with pleasure and
happiness; it is all so brighht and
beautiful"
Lord Bayneham smiled. To Hilda's
great surprise. the countess, who had
never embraced her since her we'd
ding-day. went up to her. and kissed
the fair face, that flushed with Joy as
she did so.
You have charmed me this even
ing, Hilda." said Lady Bayneham
kindly. II shall begin to believe that
you win all hearts
She passed on, leaving the husband
and wife together
"Claud," said Hilda 81 am too
happy I had but one shadow of
trouble. that was. feared your
mother would never love me. But
she docs: she will care for me al
most as much as she does for Barbara
Earle
"a great deal more" replied Lord
Bayneham, looking at the fair, low
ing face.
Then | have nothing left to wish
for. said Hilda, with a sigh Of I'M
utterable content
Al cannot stay with YOU, Hilda,
said the young earl Rest for .
few minutes, then l will fetch you"
She smiled as he looked at her; and