Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-11-20
Lady Dutton'e Ward
BY bERTnA
CHAPTER XVII.
BY sHRTnA N. GAY.


found few thorns, and she La>- nothing
much that required thought; but this
night, when young heart near her
was breaking sith sorrow, Lady Bay
ueham could not sleep, for she was
thinking. She knew the world well;
its strange ways were old legends TO
her. She had heard many stories
where a handsome, accomplished man
of the world prided himself upon win
ming the liking of beautiful young
wife. The whole artillery of Irritation
was a well-known business to Lady
Bayneham. Her sons wife was very
lovely. and no fair face had ever
ghone In those old lis; she was also
very young and childlike; often
enough had the countess smiled at her
naive remarks, for the world was
sealed book to her. She was as in
nocent, guileless, and unsuspictous as
q child. Mr.. Fulton was man Of the
world; handsome and fascinating; old,
it is true, but with charm and grace
OF manner more winning even than the
freshness of youth. She suspected
nothing serious He dared not attempt
to make love to her sons wife under
her sons roof; but in all probability,
he ha amused himself by trying to
get up a sentimental friendship with
her How else account for those
notes? And she was so young and so
inexperie ICED, ii was impossible to
guess what she would do. If note
had been clandestinely slipped into
Lady Baynehams hand, she would
calmly and quietly have torn it in
pieces before the writer's face, without
the trouble of words. She had seen
how Hilda blushed and trembled when
she received the note, and the brilli-
ant, experienced woman of the world
felt something like pity for the young
novice.
II have no doubt" said Lady Bay
neham to herself, that she is dread
fully puzzled what to do over the mat
ter. Poor thid!-she is so simple
and so sweet. think must tell
Claud.--he will know just what to do;
and If speak to her, she may consider
it interference"
The countess believed she was per
forming a kindly, motherly action In
seeking her son, and telling him what
size had seen; accordingly she was the
first In the breakfast-room Mr. Full
ton, in accordance with his arrange
ment on the previous evening. left
while the morning was still dawning.
Barbara Earle had taken breakfast,
and gone out into the grounds. Lady
Hilda was in her room. hence the
her son entered she went into action
at once. With ner second cup Of tea
she commenced a preamble.
II think you know me too well,
Claud, ever to suspect that could be
capable of any impertinence or inter
ference; is it not SOP
The earl assured his mother that
she possessed all the cardinal virtues,
and no faults.
Il am speaking seriously. my son."
continued the lady. II have a sir cere
liking and affection for your beautiful
wife; but she is very young, and
knows nothing of the world She is
so innocent and simple that I mention
to you a circumstance have observed.
which in another would not have ex-
cited my attention.
What has Hilda been doing asked
Lord Bayneham with a smile: has
she broken some terribly severe law
of etiquette?''
NO. replied the countess; LADY
Hilda's manner is perfect. It is not
that; but our late visitor, Mr. Fulton,
was very handsome man, and one
who could facinate where he chose"
Well, and what can that possibly
have to do with Hilda's shortcomings ?"
demanded Lord Bayneham quickly.
IF you will allow NE time, Claud,
l can explain said the countess with
dignity. "on the first evening OF his
seemed struck with Hilda. Mind, In
sinuate nothing against him; he is on
ly man of the world; but I believe
he has been trying to get up a senti-
mental kind of friendship with her"
What makes you think so?'' asked
the young earl indifferenty, for he saw
nothing remarkable in any one admir-
ing his wife
Il noticed little circumstance that
struck me rather unpleasantly,' re-
piled Lady Bayneham. II saw him on
two occasions slip a note into her
hand"
You must have been mistaken
mother" said her son quickly, his face
flushir~ hotly. My wife would never
receive letter from any one"
''TI is true" continued the countess /:
Il do not say there was anything In
them; for knowing Hilda to be one
OF the purest as she is one of the lovli.
est of women, am sure there could
be nothing wrcng about 1t. would
speak to her myself. but it is a delicate
matter to interfere with; but with a
few well chosen words you can put her
on her guard; she Is so very young
and inexperienced
You are very kind, mother" said
Lord Baynenam, rising hastily; "bnt /
cannot understand how a note could
have nothing In it, / must see Hilda
and ask her about it,
Do not be rash or foolish, Claud,"
said his mother; there Is no necessity
Tor any scenes or any emotion. Speak