Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-07-17

/ never thought for a moment OF her
!, beauty, or the admiration it was sure
to excite. I wrapped her warmly in
thick crimson opera cloak, and saw
her comfortably settled in the car
rage. To my great regret, l could
mot accompany her, for had been suf-
fering severely from sharp attack of
bronchitis.
Mrs. Steele, a friend of ours, who
resided at Elm Villa, near Fernside,
offered to chaperone Maggie for me;
so / did not see what I felt sure
would be my child's success.
/ / knew they would not return from
the ball until very late; so l ordered
a fire TO be lighted In Maggie's room,
and some of her fayorite hot coffee
prepared for her. sat up myself,
for was anxious to hear how she
had Jared. 1t was between three and
four in the morning when l heard the
sound of carriage wheels on the gravel.
III rushed down atairs to meet my
child. She ora not lock in the least
degree tired or fatilyued; her face
radiant and bright as summers
morning
"Oh, Deenai" she cried, 81 am so
sorry you could not go; it was most
beautiful! | have enjoyed myself so
much that l can hardly be quiet while
talk about it.
| Il am glad it was pleasant, DEAR"
answered; ''but l am older than
you, and should not have enjoyed It
so much. What made it so charm
ing?"
| The music and lights, the dancing
everything. Then she stopped mo-
ment, and the bright flush deepened
on her sweet, glowing face.
With whom did you dancer
asked, for the blush raised a faint
suspicion in my mind
/ First of all with Charley Steele, .
she replied; his, sisters looked so
handsome, Dena, they wore blue
velvet dresses"
"And afterwards" I said, with.
fear, cruel disregard of the Misses
Steeles grandeur.
The bright flush came again. She
tried to speak quite uneoncernedly.
After that" she said, 81 danced
with strange gentleman visiting at
Mrs. Hopes"
who is hep asked again.
"A Mr.. Walter Rivers" she replied
'He has been staying at Mrs. Hopes
some time
IL Il ,y-ae xx,~s,, dov-s,,1 hon, c,,;ot No.
voice had become. She was pulling
to pieces the beautiful bouquet I had
arranged with so much care for her.
Was he good daneer?" I asked
quietly.
She seemed to regain confidence
when she found l made no other re
mark.
"Oh yes she said. looking up at me
with her shining eyes. And, Deena,
he has such beautiful face-just like
your picture Of Sir Launcelot,' so
bright and cage, yet with a halfsad
tsmile"
do YOU know who he is at all?"
inquired. 81 was NOT aware that the
Hopes had any visitors"
Yes" she replied, quickly, he
told me all about himself; his father
is solicitor at Northington and he
is in his fathers Office"
Going to be solicitor, suppose?"
l remarked carelessly.
YES she replied; ''he is so clever.
] Deena; and he said, he would give
anything to see you"
my dear little sister! even if
had not suspected something before,
that one speech was quite enough
How came you to talk of me, Maggie?"
said
mfr. Rivers was talking all about
his home,' she replied; "and that led
me to speak of mine"
81 dare say he would like to see
Fernside / remarked.
i Dear me, Deena." she cried, her
innocent eyes opening wide, how
came you to guess that! he cid say
so"
Yes" / continued, "he has heard
without doubt what picturesque old
place it is, and would like to visit it..
why, Deena," she cried. her blue
eyes opening still wider. that is word
for word what he said, How could
You guess it?''
when is he coming?" I asked. dis
regarding her question.
Mrs Hope said she would drive
over tomorrow to see YOU and offered
Mr.. Rivers seat in her carriage" she
replied.
Well, darling, we must do our best
to entertain them said. Now
drink your coffee; you will be asleep
all day tomorrow"
Indeed I shall not" she said, with
bright smile. Il wish 1t had all to
come over again. | could have danced
four hours longer"
4 shall begin to think you a living
teetotum Maggie. if you talk so
answered.
watch her as she payed with the
/. spo over her coffee-eup, and | knew
then the meaning of the bright flush
on that dear face, of the ght in those
sweet eyes. and the mus ng. quiet
smile whicn parted the red lips My
child had found her woman's heart
IShe was beginning the sweet dream