Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-08-14
Lady Dutton'e Ward
BY BERTHA M
Continued.
BY BERTHA M. CLAY.

There were times when Lady Hut
ton asked herself if she had done
quite right. She had taken this young
girl from her own natural sphere of
life; she had taken her from her par
ents an brought her up in the midst
of luxury and wealth as her own
child Had she done well in trying
to alter and shape a human destiny to
suit her own purposes? Should she
not have been contented and resigned
when her great bereavement came?
These questions haunted her at inter
walls; but even had she been wong it
was too late now to undo what was
done. The cottage from which she
had taken her could never again be a
home for the graceful, accomplished
girl, whose every word and action was
full of refinement The beautiful
young peasant mother could never
now take her right place as superior
C her child.
1t is . serious thing to undertake
to shape out or alter a destiny, and
so Lady Hutton felt it, But her
plans were all arranged, she hoped
that Hilda would preserve her beauti-
full child-like simplicity: nothing like
it was ever seen In the great world.
AS soon as she reached her seven
teenth year. Lady Hutton intended TAX
ing her to London. With her beauty
and prospects, lovers In plenty would
surround her, and from them Lady
thing different from the general run of
MODEST and the best; but not one word
of these plans did she ever mention
to Hilda-
Her heart will be untouched
thought Lady Hutton; "her fancy will
be free. If I use my influence, she
win marry whom I please, and that
will be the MIST eligible man who
presents himself. She viii be some
thigh different from the general run Of
young ladies. shall have no trouble
some love affairs with her"
: With her talents and wealth Lady
Hutton could do much, but she could
not control fate.
Once, and once only. had the CIR
asked any questions about her par
ents.
Mamma, she said one day to tht
stately mistress Of Brynmar, 81 an
not your very own daughter, am II"
Who has been talking such non
sense to you. Hilda?" was the i'm
patient question.
Elspie, your old housekeeper," re
Piled Hilda. She says I am you
adopted daughter. and that have an
other mother liTtHg away from here.
"Elspie win leave Brynmar II
hear of any more gossiping," sale
Lady Hutton haughtily Listen Il
me, Hilda You are my dear adopted
child; no one else In this world has
any claim upon you. had a little
daughter of my own once, and when
she was taken from me, you supplied
her place. You have no friend but
myself
Lady Hutton said the young Cir
earnestly, who was my mother? Tel
me something of her"
Her fair young face was pale and
wistful.
There is nothing to tell you, my
dear replied Lady Hutton; "she was
my friend--we were children together
Il adopted you; and surely, Hilda,
you want no one else save me?"
Seeing that the very mention of the
matter agitated and annoyed Lady
Hutton, Hilda never alluded to 1t
again; and as years passed on, and
she grew older the fact that she was
only the adopted daughter Of her
stately benefactress grew more vague
and indistinct.
1t was pleasant life when HiIda
reached her sixteenth year. for then
Lady Hutton dismissed her governess
and masters.
You must give yourself up to
reading now" she said, "for a few
months, and then will take you into
what you will think another world. +"
The large library was thrown open.
and Lady Hutton selected the books
and Hilda read for the first time mas.
ter pieces of poetry and prose that en-
chanted her, Srch reading was the
one thing wanted TO complete and per.
feet her.
The beautiful young face which
bent over the volumes was a poem In
itself. 1t changed with every thought.
sometimes glowing, bright and radi.
ant, again sorrowful and half sad.
From the fairy world OF poetry and
romance she learned something of the
mysteries of life, the mystery of hu.
man love and human suffering-never
dreaming it would one day reach her.
d
One beautiful morning in May. Hllda
rose earlier than usual. Elsple had
told her on the previous evening. that
any lady who for nine mornings to
gether bathed her face In May dew
would be beautiful forever. Hilda re.
solved to try 1t, and on this particu-
lar day rose almost with the sun while
the 7Iw still lay upon the flowers, lit.
tie dreaming that on that day the
tragical story of her life would begin
A golden glow seemed to have
aH.VW