Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-02-06

back to the old useless life. of which
Ii was utterly sick and tired and
ASHAMED"
He paused and Jack Wesley glanced
ar him trife less savagely.
II had hard time Of it, Jack. ]
never knew the value of the coin until
I'd lost it. l hadn't any idea how
beastly il was to live in a wretched
little attic in an out-of-the-way street
until I'd tried it; and the worst of it
was that 1t looked as If l shouldn't be
able to live even in an attic if de-
pended upon my artistic skill. The
picture dealers wouldn't look at mo
and quite right, for | couldn't paint
then worth a cent-and l was walking
up and down Waterloo Bridge trying
to make up my mind as to which Of
the pleasing occupations I've mention
ed I should turn my hand to when
you found met"
His voice dropped a little, and he
looked at the grim face affectionately
and gratefully,
1T was a friend wanted, man
who knew the seamy side of life, and
could give me a helping hand, and you
did it. 1t was you, Jack, who en-
couraged me to work on; it was you
who persuaded the dealers that there
was money in ny dagbs; it was y0u
who, standing by like the friend VIC
read of in ancient history, but very
seldom see, have kept me going and
pushed me up to where I am"
Yes. Under the impression that
was dealing with square man not a
fellow who would turn round on me
with his viscountship!"
You think | ought to have told you.
Well I tried once or twice. I tried
down at Sanueigh at The Chequers.
But | was right to keep my secret, for
you would have thrown me overheard,
as you'd like to do now, I dare say"
4 should assented Jack promptly
But you're not going to- rerorted
Cyril But l haven't done yet. We
went down to Santleigh. I'd an idea
I'd like to see the old place that would
be mine some day. if cared to claim
it.
Yes; I'm not certain l should ever
have claimed it. I've been happy as
Cyril Burne, far happier, than I was
as Viscount Santleigh," declared Cyril.
| 'and I'd made up my mind that Id
| keep as / am. The earl-my uncle
had offered to buy me out. He want
ed to cut off the entail, and have the
place and the money TO do as he liked
with, to leave it to whom he pleased.
But somehow I rather kicked at this
and 1 refused. I meant to live on
what earned | was proud of every
penny I got. Proud of it! That was
the only reason. But I'm glad for an
other reason that | didn't sell my
birthright Santleigh will be hers
some day, Jack; not for years, hope
but some day it will be hers, and I'm
glad I've not sold my inheritance
Not that 1 care about 1t for myself
No, I'd rather be known as Cyril
Burne the painter, than the Earl OF
Arrowdale with rent roll a yard Ions
and a seat in the House Of Lords"
Amy fool can be an earl, Jack" he
went on, but it isn't everybody who
can write a good book or even paint
a decent picture Thems my senti-
meuts. and though I'm sorry / deceive
you, don't think youu De hard upon
me"
He stopped opposite his friend and
held out his hand, looking down upon
him with the frank smile that was tull
OF grateful tenderness.
| Well I suppose it's moro your mis-
fortune than your fault your being a
viscount,7 ne said; and I'll say I'll try
to forgive you and get used to it; but
the artist games played out now,
imagine You'll go down to the Earl
What's-hisname, and. striking an at
titude, exclaim, Behold your nephew
the viscount! come to claim my
cousin for my bride!"
Cyrirs face softened, and a rapt
look came into his eyes the look of a
man when he hears The word bride
and calls up the vision OF his beloved ;
but he shook his head
No. Jack, not that didn't tell
You that until the other day / had
laeyer seen the earl"
Mo-"
NO My father-his brother and
ne quarreled years ago. don't ta!:,i,
it was my fathers fault, because the
earl somehow has managed to quarrel
with all his relatives. Why, his own
wife" He stopped You should
see him, Jack. He's like a Lord Chua-
terfeld made out of steel and beautj.
fully FURNISHED
He drew himself up and fingered an
imaginary eyegIass. and looked so ike
| the earl that Jack, though he had not
seen his lordship smiled
How such a sweet beautiful. an
Cyclic creature as Norah can be his
daughter"
But She must take after he.
mother. poor wcman Jack. hag
father had kept her from him until
the other day Isn't he an amiaJ IL,
! tenderhearted party?"
And what do you mean to do, my
lord?"
Punch your head If you call me
my lord again, for one thing" said
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