Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-04-22

lAdl 1t HdE ug4A5 8AekE nc G1aA
done before-conceaIing his heart
from her, meeting her with secrecy
and evasion, and his proud, hnely-Cem-
pered mind revolted at the necessity
for it. "A little. ! was just consider
ing that l had not grown older by
score OF years, and had not been doing
anything particularly wild. Have they
been telling you any dreadful stories
about me, mother, and persuading yo1
that matrimony is the only thing to
save me from ruin. and he laughed.
The countess colored.
NO one tells me any stories res
pecting you, LEICESTER, for the simple
reason that / should not listen to
them. / have nothing TO do with
with your outer life, unless you your.
self make me part and parcel of it.
an not afraid that you viii do any
thing bad OF dishonorabIe, LEICESTER.
Thanks" he said, quietly. Then
what is it. mother? Why does this
advice press so closely on your soll
that you feel constrained TO unburden
yourself?"
Because feel that the time has
come" she said; because have your
happiness and welfare SO closely at
heart that | am obliged to watch over
you. and secure them for you If can. :"
There never was a mother like
you!" he said. gently. But this is a
serious step, my lady, and / am
shall I say slightly uLprepared. You
speak TO me as * | were sultan, and
had but to throw my handkerchief at
any fair maid whom / may fancy, to
obtain herl"
The countess looked at him. and for
moment all her passionate pride in
him shone in her eyes.
rs there no one to whom you think
you could throw that handkerchief,
Leycester?" she asked, significantly.
His face flushed, and his eyes
glowed. At that moment be felt the
warm lips of his girl-love resting on
his own.
THAT is a blunt question, my lady"
he said; would 1t be fair to reply,
fair to her, supposing that there be
one"
In whom should you confide but in
me?" said the countess with a tolch
of hauteur In her voice, hauteur soft
ened by love
He looked down and turned the ruby
ring on his finger. II he could but
confide In herl
"In whom else but in me, from
whom you have, / think had few Sc
crets? If your choice is made. you
would come TO me. LEICESTER? think
you would; cannot imagine
/ your acting otherwise You see
have no fear and she smiled
mo fear that your choice would be
anything but a good and wise one.
know you so well, Leycester. You
have been wildyou yourself said IT.,
not IT,
Yes" he said quietly.
"But through it all you have not for
gotten the race from whence you
sprung. the name you bear. No. l do
not fear that most disastrous of AL
mistakes which a man I'm your posi-.
| ton can make-a mesalliance"
He was silent. but his brows drew
together.
you speak strangely. my lady" he
said. almost grimly.
Yes" she assented. calmly, SER
enely, but with q grave intensity III
her tone which lent significance to
every word--''yes, | feel strongly.
Every mother who has a son in your
position feels strongly, / doubt not.
There are few mad things that you
can do which viii not admit of remedy
and rectification; one of them, the
worst of them, is foolish marriage
Marriages are made in heaven" ne
murmured.
No" she said. gently, "a great
many are made in a very different
place. But why need we talk of this?
We might as well discuss whether it
would be wise Of goa to commit man.
slaughter. or burglary, or suicide, or
am other vulgar crime and indeed
a mesalliance would, in your case.
strongly resemble one. suicide: it
would be social. at least: and from
what know of your nature, Leycester.
do not think that would suit you"
Il think not" he said, grimly. "But.
mother. am not contemplating
matrimonial union with one of the
dairymaids. not at present"
She smiled
You might commit a mesalliance
with one In higher position, Leycester.
But why do we talk of this?'
II think you commenced 1t" he said.
did IL" she said sweetly. beg
your pardon. feel as II had in
suited you by the mere chance men
ton of such thing: end have tried
you. too"
And she rose with aueenly grace.
No. no." he said, rising. II am
very grateful, mother; you will believe
that?"
win you be more than that?' she
asked. putting her head on his shout.
der and sliding It round his neck.
win you be obedient"
And she smiled at him lovingly.
win got out the handkerchief, do
you meau?' he asked, looking at her
With curious gaze.
Yes. she replied; make me happy