Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-08-21
Lady buttons Ward
BERTHA M.
BY BERTHA M. CLAY.

might surely unQ some moES SuASdOAS
expression"
Il fear am not clever at finding
suitable expressions, said Lord
Bayneham, with smile; they come
naturally enough to you, mother"
"You had better see Barbara this
morning" said Lady Bayneham, "and
ask her If she will consent to the
marriage being arranged for 2e1t
spring?"
Would it not be better for you to
speak to her yourself?" said the
earl hastily. Ladies manage these
things so much better than we do"
A decided frown darkened the
proud, beautiful face.
ARE the men Of your race content
ed to allow others to WOO for them?
she asked. contemptuously.
Lord Bayneham's face relaxed at
this compliment to her beloved niece.
You will find Barbara in the morn
ing room" she said; ''go and ask her
now"
Claud obediently enough quilted the
room. It was all a matter of indif-
ference TO him. II was not vitality
interested in it; it see I'd to him pre-
arranged piece of business, that was
part and parcel Of the responsibilities
of his estate.
In after years Ciaud Bayneham re
membered that scene. He found Bar
bara Earle in the morning room;
she was painting a group of flowers
with no ordinary skin. When she
heard his footsteps a deep warm flush
covered her face, and the hand that
held the brush trembled.
Barbara" sad Lord Bayneham,
'tif you are not busy, should be glad
If you coa!d spare me five minutes
Longer. If you like" replied Miss
Earle. My picture can be finished
tomorrow. Do you like the grouping
of those roses, CLAUDE"
YES" he said; there seems to me a
natural affinity between ladies and
flowers. Yor paint them better than
anything -
That is a pretty compliment" said
Bari ra; but Low about Rosa Bona
heur aid the horses?"
You are always hard upon my lit
tie attempts at hattery," said Lord
Bayneham. Barbara, want to talk
seriously to you"
Il am ready to listen" said Miss
Earl. What are we to have a
general election read something
of the kind"
Tt Is very different matter was
thinking Of" said the young earl, al
most at loss how to .atloauce the
question of marriage, the lady before
him looked so very cain and I'M
suspicious. Barbara" he continued,
making a desperate effort, my mother
thinks that we had better be married
next spring"
For some moments there was a
profound silence. He could hear the
ticking Of the little watch that lay
near the easel. but he could not hear
the quick beating Of the heart his
words had touched. Barbara Earle
waited, until every trace of emotion
passed before eIe spoke.
And are you of Lady Bayneham' s
opinion?" she asked
He remembered his mothers con
tempt at his awkward method of WOO
ing.
Il fear l am very stupid" he said
penitently; but you are so sensible,
Barbara; you know what l mean with
out my talking nonsense. l love you.
VIII you be my wife next spring."
She rose from her seat and stood
before MIN; ner dark beautiful eyes
filled with tears, her lips qulvered,
her whole soul shone in her face.
"Claud, she said earnestly, do you
love me?'
She held out to him her white Jew
elled hand, and he clasped it in his
own.
OF course l love you, Barbara" he
replied, his calm, clear voice never
faltering. Il have loved you ever
since we were children. Are you
willing to be my wife next spring."
He looked kind. anxious and affec-
tionate but If love be what Barbara
Earle imagined 1t to be, he had none
of It.
Il am willing" she said gently.
You are a dear. good. sensible
girl, he replied, and will do all |
can to make you happy
He touched her forehead lightly
with his lips; and, so the wooing of
Lord Bayneham and Barbara Earle
ended
Come with me-" he said and let
us tell the countess it is all arranged.
Mother" said tho o, ug earl, as they
entered the dawn groom, thank
Barbara for me; she has promised
to be my wife next spring"
You cannot r' uore of daughter
to me than you re BEEN" said the
stately lady, clasping the young girl
tenderly in her arms; "but the dear
est wish of my heart will be gratified
when | see you my sons wife. 1t is
now March" she continued; IL We
arrange the wedding for next May,
that will meet all our wishes"
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