Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-08-28

Earle was MS prOmlSeu "1AVS anu IL
wonld be true to her, trying his best
to forget the fair young girl whom he
loved better far than life itself. What
matter If his life were cold and
dreary? Others bad to suffer-why
not he? Better any suffering than
to fail in honor; better death itself
than to be untrue.
His love tortured him; he could
never forget it; that face was ever be-
fore him; the low, sweet voice never
ceased sounding in his ears. But
Claud Bayneham was brave man;
he could die, but never yield. The
sharper the pain, the greater the
struggle. the more firm were his re-
solves. He became an altered man.
He failed in no duty of kindness, but
he looked like one whose life had lost
it's charm. He was not sad or melan-
choly. never listless or moody, but
there was that in his face which
told the whole story.
Barbara Earle saw 1t, and Lady
Bayneham thought ali was not well
with her son. Barbara watched him
silently for days and weeks. until
she became puzzled herself. The name
of Lady Hutton's ward never once
crossed his lips. Once or twice she
purposely mentioned a party or ball
which Miss Hutton was 20 attend, bot
he showed no anxiety to be there.
Several times~the new beauty had
been discussed in his presence, but
he made no sign.
Barbara Earle was puzzled, and half
thought there was nothing in it but
collection of her own jealous whims
and fancies.
So a month of the brilliant London
season passed, and never once did
Lord Bayneham allow himself even
to look upon the fair young face he
loved so well Hilda could not UNI
derstand it. She knew nothing of the
engagement between the earl and his
cousin. 1t had never been men
toned in her presence, and she Won
dered, until wonder became pain, why
he did not call upon her or try to see
her She had never forgotten him;
that one morning had eolored her life
She had remembered him, thought of
him, dreamed of him, and loved him,
at she had never hoped to meet him
again. When he suddenly stood be-
fore her that night at Lady Morton's
ball her heart almost stood still.
Then he had spoken to her, had gazed
so long and earnestly upen her, had
seemed so utterly and entirely happy,
that she thought he cared a great
deal for her. And now it was four
weeks since, and had never once
sought her. Hilda could not under
stand. Every morning she awoke hop
ing to see him during the day, and
every day brought it's own bitter dis
appointment.
In the meantime, as Lady Hutton
had foreseen, lovers in plenty sur
rounded the beautiful young heiress.
There was no one more popular or
more admired. The beautiful Miss
Hutton" was declared to be the belle
of the season; but flattery, homage,
and admiration brought no pleasure to
her. She would have exchanged all
for one word from Lord Bayneham.
There was a grand fete at the Bo-
tanical Gardens, and Miss Earle wish
ed to attend 1t was arranged that
Lord Bayneham should escort both
ladies'. 1t was a beautiful day In the
beginning of July The sky was cloud
less, the air soft and balmy. The
gardens were magnificent. the flowers
in full perfection the show of roses
was superb, and crowds of spiendidly
dressed ladies surrounded them.
AS Lord Bayneham walked slowly
down one of the more retired paths,
following Barbara and the countess at
a little distance, the whole party sud
denly met Lady Hutton and Hilda.
They were surrounded by quite lit
tie court of admirers, Captain Massey,
hopelessly in love, and Mr.. Seton. who
never neglected an opportunity of
studying Hilda's face. There was a
murmur of polite greeting, a disper-
sion of the group of admirers, then
Lord Bayneham found himself
by Hnda's side His heart beat al
most painfully; he spoke a few con-
fused words, and those without look
ing at her,
The path was narrow and the
countess said. half impatiently, I'VE
cannot all remain together. l am go
ing to see the roses, Claud, you
wanted to look at the geraniums -
they are over there. Perhaps Miss
Hutton would like to see them
In less than three minutes after her
ladyship's little speech, Barbara Earle
found herself with Captain Massey.
The two elder ladies' enjoyed half
confidential chat over the roses, and
Lord Bayneham and Hiida were left
behind with the geraniums. She bent
over them, but he made no pretense of
even looking at flower. His lips grew
white and he would have flown FROM
the danger but could not,
Are YOU not well, Lord Bayneham?"
asked Hilda, looking up into his still
face
Yes" he replied. 81 am quite We'll
Shall We follow Lady Hutton?" she