Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-09-09
Cnly a 6irl's Love
CHAPTER XxxvII.
By CHARLES CARVICE

tAG jdSleu tdlAt % nc N~SSA ~ ~ 49,
Although it was known all over the
house, in five minutes, that Lord Ley
cester, the heir, had returned, there
was no fuss, only pleasant little
simmer of welcome and satisfaction.
The countess had gone 10 the earl,
who was dressing for dinner. to ten
"a the news.
4Leycester has returned she said.
The .arl started and sent his valet
{ ray.
What"
Yves, he has come back to US" she
said, sinking into a seat.
Where from he demanded.
She shook her head.
Il don't know. / don't want to
know. He must be asked no ques-
tons. Lord Charles brought him.
always loved Charles Guildford."
so you ought, out Of pity" said the
earl. grimly, seeing that your son has
almost led him to ruin
Then the countess fred up.
There must be no talk OF that
kind she said. You do not want
to see him go again? No word mus.
be said unless you want to drive him
away. He has been H."
Il am not surprised" said the earl
still little grimly, "a man can't Leaf
the life he has been leading and keep
his health, moral or physical"
But that Is all past said the
countess, confidently. Il feel that is
all past, II you do not worry him he
will stay, and all will 30 we'll"
"Oh, won't worry bis Imperial
Highness," said the earl with a smile.
that is what you want me to say.
suppose. And the glrl--what about
her?"
Il don't know" said tho countess
with all a mothers supreme indiffer-
ence for the fate OF any other than
her son. "She is past. too l an sure
of that. How thankful | am that Lee
more is herb"
'Ah," said the earl who could be
sarcastic when he liked. so she IS
to be sacrificed as a thank offering foe
the prodigafs return, is she? Poe
Lenore, am almost sorry for her.
She is too good for him"
For shame" exclaimed the count
ess, flushing; no one is too good for
him. And--and she VIII not deem IL
q sacrifice"
mo, | suppose not he said, fumb-
Ting 81 his necktie. 1t Is wen 10 be
born with handsome face. and :,
daredevil temper because all womea
love you then. and the best and fair
est think it VIOLA while to offer them
Sc yes up Poor Len0re Well. III
be civil to his Highness, notwithstahd
ing that he has spent small fortune
In two months. and declined TO nouor
my house with his presence. There.
he added, touching her check and
smiling, don't lie alarmed We will
kill the fatted calf and make merry
I'll he goes OF again.
The countess was satisfied with this
and went down to find Leycester ana
Lord Charles standing near the ire
Though they had only rented the
place for month, curtains were up
on al the doors and there was IRE
In all the sittingTooms. and ia the
earls apartments.
The countess held out her band 10
Lord Charles.
4 am very glad to see you, Charlie.
she said with her rare smile. You
can give mt kiss ii you like" and
Charlie, as be hlushed and kissed the
white forehead, knew that she vas
thanking him for bringing her son
back to her.
But we've got TO 90 back at once.
he said with laugh.
we cant sit down in this rig out.
and he looked ruetully at his riding
suit
The countess SHOOK her head.
You shall sit down in a smoke
frock II you ike she said but
there is no occasion. have brought
Leycester's 'htngs down. and it's not
the first time YOU have borrowed suits
OF each other, / expect"
Not by many laughed Lord
Charles. I'm so and dress. Where Is
Ley?"
LEICESTER had gone out of the room
quietly. and was then sitting beside
Lillian, his hand in hers, her head upon
his breast.
You have come back to US Ley?"
she said. caressing his hand. 1T has
been so long and weary waitingl
You viii not 20 again?"
He paused moment, then he looked
al ner
No" he said, in low voice. Nc.
Lii, shall not so again"
She kissed him, and as she did SO.
whispered, anXiously
"And-and-St Stella, Ley?"
His face contracted with a frown OF
pain ana trouble.
THAT is all past" be said, using hh
mothers words; and she kissed him
again.
How thin apd worn you look. "Ob.
Ley" she murmured. With sorrowtul.
loving reproach
He smiled with a touch Of bitter.
ness
Do I? Well. / viii wax fat and
grow mirthful for the future. he
said. rising. There is the dinner
he'll