Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-08-12
She made the same gesture.

AND We ask you TO do the same"
Butt" exclaimed Frank, white with
suppressed excitement and indigna-
ton.
Jasper glanced at Stella, almost
with an air Of command, and Stella
went over to Frank and laying her
hand on his arm, bent and kissed
him.
1T must be SO. DEAR" she said in
a low tremulous whisper. DO not
ask me why, but believe it. It is as
he has said, ineviIaDlv. Every word
from you in the shape of question
will add to my mis-will only pain
me. Do not speak, dear, for my
sake!"
He looked from one to the other,
then he took her hand with curious
expression in his face,
I will not ask" he said. 81 will Be
silent for your sake"
She pressed his hand and let it
drop.
Come" said Jasper with a smile,
that is the right way to take 1t, my
dear Frank. Now let me say word
for myself, it it this, that you do not
possess a truer friend and one more
willing and anxious to serve you than
Jasper Adelstone. Is that not so?"
and he looked at Stella.
YES" she breathed.
Frank stood with his eyes cast
down; he raised them Tor a moment
and looked Jasper full in the face,
then lowered them again.
And now," said Jasper, with
smile and in lighter voice, you
must take some refreshment." and he
went to the cupboard and brought out
some wine. Frank turned away, but
Stella, nerving and forcing herself,
took the glass he extended to her and
put the edge to her lips.
Jasper seemed satisfied, though he
saw that she had not touched drop.
Let me see." he said taking out
his watch, there is train back in
half an hour Shall we catch that?"
Are you coming back with us?"
said Frank in quiet voice.
Jasper nodded.
IF you will allow me, my dear
Frank" he said. calmly, Il won't keep
you a moment"
He rang the bell as he spoke AMI
ScIivell entered.
There was sign of any kind
either in his face or his bearing that
he was conscious of anything out OF
the ordinary having happened; he
came in with his young old face and
colorless eyes, and stood waiting pat
iently. Jasper handed him some let
tiers, and gave him instructions in a
business tone, then asked him if the
brougham was waiting.
Eyes, sir" said Scrivell
Come them" said Jasper, and
Scrivell he'd the door open and bowed
with the deepest respect as they
passed out.
1t was so sudden a change from the
storm passion that had just passed
over them all, that Frank and Stella
felt bewildered and benumbed, which
was exactly as Jasper wished them to
feel.
His manner was deferential and num-
BILE but fully self-possessed; he put
Stella in the brougham, and insisted
quietly upon Frank sitting beside her,
he himself taking the front seat
Stella shrank back into the corner,
4 1 l. sol CT a r.
ing out of the window, and avoiding
even a glance at the face opposite
him. Jasper made no attempt to
break the silence, but sat, his eyes
fixed on the passers-by the calm, IN,
serutable expression on his face never
faltering. though triumph ran
through his veins.
The train was waiting, and he put
them into a carriage, lowered the win
dow and drew the curtain for Stella,
and at the last moment bought &
bunch of flowers at the refreshment-
bar, and laid it beside her, Then he
got in and unfolded a newspaper and
looked through it.
Scarcely a word was spoken during
the whole journey; it was an express
train, but it seemed ages to Stella be-
fore it drew up at Wy2dward Station.
Jasper helped her to alight, she just
touching his hand with her gloved fin
gers, and they walked across the mea-
dow. AS they came in sight of the
Hal, shining Whitley in the evening
sunlight, Stella raised her eyes and
| looked at it, and cold hand seemed to
grasp her heart. AS if he knew what
was passing in her mind, Jasper took
her sunshade and put it up.
The sun is still hot" he said and
he held it so as to shut the hall from
her sight.
They came to the lane-to the spot
where Stella had stood up on the bank
/ and looked dowa AT thA rlnt1,rHA5 aues
which she had learned to love; sne
breatneu srenr prayer ynar s41e
might never see them again.
Jasper opened the gate, and smile
began TO form on his lips.
Prepare for scolding.' he said,
Tightly You must put all the blame
on me"
But there was no scolding; the
old man was seated in his armchair,
and eyed them with mild surprise and