Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-09-18
CHAPTER LII.


alliance with one whose claim 70
high Or noble lineage she was wholly
ignorant of AumbIed her. Pride was,
without doubt, the master pas on o.
her life; but there was another al
most as great-that was love for her
only son. He vas perhaps the only
being that she ever loved with
thorough, self-sacrifcing devotion.
True, she was fond Of Barbara; but
had Barbara been penniless, instead
Of a wealthy heiress, the countess
would never have planned that mar
rage for her son.
Il was early on the morning follow
ing taat the young earl sought his
mother. After sleepless and anx-
ious elaboration. he resolved upon
making an appeal to her affection.
that, he thought, she could never
Withstand; and he was right ia his
conjecture. He appealed TO his mo
Tiers love, and won from her a
most reluctant consent TO his mar
rage with Lady Hutton's ward.
How nobly Barbara has behaved
she said with a deep sigh. She
would have made a fitting mistress
Of Bayneham; and l misiudged her
so cruelty; | thought she had played
you false, Claud."
mo one living is. or can be. more
true than Barbara" sid Lord Bayne-
ham; but there is fate in love,
mother What sent me hat May
morning into Brynmar woods?"
Then, in his own simple and truth
full way, Claud told Lady Baynehalu
the whole history Of his love; his
first meeting with Hilda, his struggle
to forget her. and his intense happi-
Aess at finding himself free to WOO
nel, and Lady Bayneham was
touched in spite Of herself.
she is very fair and beautiful, -
she said; but, Claud, there is one
thing give my consent with certain
conditions. Remember. Hilda is not
Lady Huttons daughter, she is only
her ward am saying nothing
against her; I suppose her to be a
distant relative Of Lady Hulton's 5,
adopted by her because she is child
less; but I must insist upon every
particular Of her birth and parentage
being laid before US. 1t is nothing
but right; the Baynehams, of Bayne-
ham, never married beneath them.
of course; you are right, mother
fhsa vi u
will give us every information, /
know. / have heard that Hilda was
the daughter OF her dearest friend !;
but I shall see her this morning, and
shall ascertain all the particulars for
you"
Il suppose she will inherit all LAZY
Huttons fortune" said the countess.
Il have thought about it." replied
her son indifferentIy; she Is peerless
hersef; but have no doubt she viii.
1T will not be so bad after all. =
said her ladyship complacently, IF
her pedigree is all right"
Lord Bayneham laughed, and,
elated with the concession he had
n from his proud mother, went to
seek Lady Hutton.
There seemed to be a strange calm
in the house when he reached it.
The windows were all closed, and the
servant who opened the door looked
unusually grave az 4 serious
Can l see Lay Hutton?' asked
Tlaud. Is she engaged ?"
Her ladyship is seriously I'll, my
lord, was the man s reilly; she was
siezed with 1T last evening, and
has not been conscious since
Is Miss Hutton with hire. ne en-
quired, inexpressibly shocked at the
news.
Miss Hutton has ntsef left my
lady since she was taken ILL.," the
man replied.
Il hope to hear better news this
evening said Lord Bayneham as he
turned away.
He felt like one in dream; the
sun was shining brightly. the streets
were crowded with gaily-dressed peo-
pie; life. gaiety. and happiness
seemed to thrill through the summer
air; yet over the house he had left
hung the dark shadow of illness, and
perhaps approaching death. He went
10 his club, and there wrote his nrst
love-letter, telling Hilda her sorrow
was lis. and asking to share 1t. Let
me see you this evening" he said,
Just to give you some little cousola-
ton.
When the letter was gone, Lord
Bayreham felt more at ease To 10
his mother justice. she was startled
and shocked to hear Of Lady Hutton's
illness.
1T would be most awkward if any
thing happened just now" she said.
Il trust, at least, that she viii re-
cover consciousness"
The day passed slowly, Claud long
ing for the evening, when he could
see Hilda and share her sorrow.
A dark cloud hung over Lday Hut
tons magnificent house. The servants
moved noiselessly and spoke in
hushed voices Grave physicians met
and consulted how best to do battle
with the grim king of terrors.
In luxurious chamber lay the |
lady so suddenly and awfully stricken.