Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-09-11
Lady Dutton's Mard

BY BaRTnA M. CLAY.

out, anu TSluSt " 1uAhA H. ASNA 49,
is free. l have told him so, and
nothing can change or alter my de
eision: it is made for life. My great
est grief is the sorrow know it will
cause you"
For once Lady Bayneham had moth
ing to say; she was too angry for
speech, too bewildered for remon-
STRANGE, too much annoyed to care
for further conversation.
"You can leave me now, Barbara,
said the countess haughtily. Il can
have no respect for any one VINO de-
liberate,y breaks a promise and
draws down ridicule upon those who
love her best Have you considered
in what a cruel position your conduct
places Claua
HE will be strong enough to bear
it," replied Barbara dryly. Il have
not remarked any change in his looks
or his spirits have you, aunt?'
Considering that Lady Bayneham
mad said that morning in Barbara's
presence, that her son had never
looked better,sh could make no
reply.
Let us be friends. aunt said
Barbara gently. and there was a
wistful tone in her voice. Let US
be friends, dear aunt have no
one in the world but you"
Lady Bayneham was, however, too
angry for any reply.
Il can but hope and pray, Miss
Earle, that you may soon return to
your senses" she said. "Will you be
kind enough to leave me now; the
dressing bell has rung. presume
you did not hear il"
That was all the consolation Bar
bara Earle received in the greatest
trouble Of her life.
CHATTER XII.
That evening fate was kind to
Hilda Hutton The agent from Bryn-
mar came over purposely to consult
with Lady Hutton as to some al er-
ations making at the Hail. So il
happened that when Lord Bayneham
called in Park Gardens, he was told
that Lady Hutton was engaged, but
that Miss Hutton was in the drawing.
room.
Il will see her" he said, trying
to look as though she were a sub
stitute for Lady Hutton, and signally
failing in the attempt.
When the drawing-room doors were
| opened, there was no one TO be seen:
but Glands quick eye discerned the
floating of white dress ia the dim
light of the conservatory, and instinct
told him to seek his love there He
walked so quietly that she did not
hear him, and he stood for mo-
ment lost, as an artist might have been
in delighted admiration at 80 fair a
picture. The golden head and fair
young face shone brightly In the dim
mellow light There was dreamy
smile on the sweet lips, as though
| pleasant dreams were with her She
was bending over some choice white
lilies, and they were not so fair ana
pure as She thought Claud. She did
not look surprised when re uttered
her name, and the smile dc uened as
though the pleasant dream had come
true.
Mamma is engaged she said in
reply to Lord Bayneham's few words
The agent is here from Brynmar
See, Lord Bayneham, he brought me
these lilies himself all the way.
1T was very kind of him." saiQ
Claud; Il am not sorry Lady Hutton
is engaged, for came purposely TO
see you"
In some yagu, indistinct way
Hilda knew wha' vas coming. Her
simple loving hear futtered and beat
SO quickly that she could harui,
breathe. She did not even follow
every word he said; but, when he
ceased speaking, it was as though
some exquisite strain of music ceased
Yet she would have deferred, If she
could. the speaking of those words
that were to open a new life to her
She longed to hear them, yet felt
frightened at them.
"Hilda," whispered the low voice
at her side, do forget those lilies
for one moment, ard look at me Can
you guess what | have 70 say?"
The shy, sweet eyes did not meet
,his own; the little hands still trembled
amidst the white blossoms
q am jealous of those flowers,
said Claud impatiently as ne removed
them. Il want all your attention for
once, and for a few minutes. Hilda.
10 you remember that May morning
| IN Brynmar woods?"
/ remember it well, replied 4
faint, half-fright~ned voice.
do you know" said Gland eagerly.
4 loved you then? 1t was the fairest
sweetest picture my eyes ever fell
upon, as YOU stood IN the woods, with
the bluebeils in your hand could
hardly tear myself away longed
there and then to kneel at your feet
and Cifer YOU rs | do now my life
and my love. have never thought
of anything or any one since saw
you. Until l found you again, my
life saw one long dream Of misery
Hilda. There never was love SO
| strong, 50 deep so true as niue, Is
there any hope for me-"
There were few minutes OF I'M
broken silence; then a gentle, bali
sad replied, How could you care 81