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

one else 10 lalh " hiAbs
They passed on quickly; but on en-
tering the room that seemed to be
reserved for conversation and hirta-
ton, they met rarbara Earle and
Lady Bayneham.
Claud never looked at his cousin S
face, or he would have seen upon IL
first an expression CT unqualified
surprise, then a wistful lock Of some
thing like des air. In che excl ement
Of his happl ess re forgos that
Barbara had sc ' tAe treasured pic
ture. and woult recognize his com
panion's beautiful face.
Lady Bayneham spoke to Miss
Hutton, and then introduced Bar
bara Earl to her. Barbara said
some few courteous words, but the
very tone of her voice seemed
changed as she did so.
All. this was his secret. He had
seen Miss Hutton before; and her
face had charmed him so much that
he had painted it! How every
feature must have dwelt in his mem
oryi Where and how could he have
met her? She was very lovely, and
a sharp pang shot through Bar
bara's heart as he noted the grace and
perfection; of that delicate beauty
but a still sharper pain struck her as
she saw her cousins changed face;
IT had never lighted up SO for her.
He had never looked at her as he did
al Miss Hutton, and she was his prom
ised wife.
Just then another gentleman came
to claim Miss Hutbon's hand, and Bar
bara Earle was left with Lord Bayne,
ham. He seemed to awake from a
bewildering dream. His eyes for
lowed every movement of her figure.
He watched her until she had passed
from his sight; then he turned with a
profound sigh to Barbara. His short
bright dream was ended. The plain,
cold. hard reality was before him;
Of what avail, if he had found her
again? What could it matter? What
if she had given him her sweetest
smiles and kindest words? What if
she had remembered him as wildly
and as truly as he had thought of her?
1t was all of no avail He belonged
to another. His promised wife stood
there before him, looking with sad,
wistful eyes in his face.
Gland" she said gently, you have
met Miss Hutton before tonight,
have you not?"
only once" he replied then there
flashed across him the remembrance
of that picture which Barbara Earle
had seen and admired He grew con-
fused and embarrassed; she looked
on quietly and calmly. Il saw her
under such peculiar circumstances. >
he added, feeling that some explain
alton was due, in such pictures
que spot, and with such beautiful sar-
roundings, that l made little sketch
of the scene. You saw it, Barbara? r
Eyes, saw it, she reriied, and
it was a good painting. How well
you remembered the face Claud, if
you only saw it onca."
Barbara could net help that little
bit of malice.
TT is one not easily forgotten" he
have the pleasure"
Barbara, for the next waltz-may /
Not one word more did the cousins
exchange on the subject.
replied coldly Are ron engaged,
Later on that evening Barbara
Earle sought Miss Hutton She
wanted to see more of her, 20 know
what was hidden under that lovely
face; and she found her by Lady
Lady Hutton's side
Have you seen those rare japoni-
cas-, Miss Hutton?" she asked. They
are in the long drawing room; Lady
Morton is very proud of them. If
you are fond of flowers, they will
please you.
Il like flowers almost better than
anything else in the world" replied
Hilda they have been my com
panions at Brynmar shall be so
glad to see them.
You are not unlike one yourself, -
thought Barbara Earle. Il wonder
what 1t is you like better
The Two girls walked down the bali
room together. They reached the
stand on which the japonicas were
placed. and Hilda bent her beautiful
face over them, The room was nearly
empty: Captain Massey and Mr.. Seton
We're at the other end They stood
watching the young girls bending
over the flowers There could not
have been greater contrast Hilda
so fair and brighr and radiant, her
shining golden hair and rich white
dress; Barbara Earle. dark and state
ly, noble soul shining through her
eloquent face, giving it beauty all
its own
That would not make bad pic
ture," Captain Massey to the artist.
What title should you give it?"
Il hardly know" said the artist
musingly. Miss Earle is my highest
ideal of a beautiful noble woman.
Miss Hutton is the truest type OF
lovely girl. could not say to which
l should accord the palm. could
not choose between them"