Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-05-27

You are tired" she whispered.
The voice was so sweet, so kind, SC
sisterIy, that it went straight to the
bottom of the lads heart.
He looked up at her. with that ez
pre- ion in his eyes which one sees in
the eyes Of a faithful, devoted dog
then bent and kissed the sleeve Of hei
dress
All the tenderness of Stella's nature
welled up at the simple act and with
q little murmur she bent down and
put her lips to his forehead.
His face flushed and he shranh
back.
DON'T" he said. in a strained
voice. Il am not worthy"
For answer she stopped again and
kissed him.
He did not shrink this time, bun
took her hand and held it with a con
yulsive grass, and something tremblej
on his lip, when he started and stared
toward the window
Stella turned her head quickly and
stared also for there. standing with
his face turned toward them, with his
eyes fixed on them, stood Jasper Abel
stone. She rose, but he came forward
with his finger on his lip.
He is asleep he said, glancing ~
the chair. and he held out his hand.
Stella took it; it was hot and dry.
4 ought to apologize for coming ia
so late he said in cautious voice;
but I was passing, and the music
proved too great a temptation. VIII
you forgive me?"
Certainly said Stella We are
very glad to see you. This is my
Cousin Frank, she added.
The small eyes that had been fixed
on her face turned to the boys, and
a strange look came into them Tor .
second, then in his usual tone, he
said;
Indeed! home for n holiday, ! sup
pose? How do you do?' and he held
out his hand.
Frank came out Of the shadow and
took 1t. and Jasper held his hand and
looked at him with a strange smile.
You have not introduced me, ne
said to Stella
Stella smiled,
This is Mr., Adelstone, a friend of
unc'e's," she said
jasper Adelstoue looked at her.
win you not say friend of yours
aIso?" he asked. gently.
Stella laughed.
II leg your pardon; yes, If may
III say friend of ours
"AEd yours too, hope. said Jasper
Adelstone to Frank.
Yes, thank you." answered the
boy: but there was a strange, ill-con-
aealed shyness and reluctance in his
manner.
Stella drew a chair forward.
Won't you sit down" she asked.
He sat down
q am afraid l have interrupted
you," be said. win you 30 on--do,
please?"
Stella glanced at her uncle.
II am afraid / should wake him.
she said.
He looked disappointed.
"Some other time" said Stella.
Thanks" he said
Uncle is very tired tonight; he
has just come from London"
Indeed" said Jasper with we'll
ielgned surprise. y have been
to London also That reminds
me. have ventured to bring some
music for you-for your uncle!" and
he drew book from his pocket.
Stella took it, and uttered a little
of pleasure, 1t was a
volume Of Italian songs; some Of
them familiar to her. all of them good
How nice, how thoughtful of you 3"
she said. Some of them are old
fayorites of mine Uncle will be so
pleased. Thank you very much"
He put his hand to his mouth.
u am glad there are some songs
you like" he said Il thought that
perhaps you would prefer Italian to
English"
"Yes--yes said Stella, turning
over the leaves Very much prefer
IT,"
"Perhap some night you viii allow
me TO hear some of them?"
Indeed, you shalt" she sail,
lightly
Il may have an opportunity" he
went on. for am afraid l shall be
rather a frequent visitor"
Yes" said Stella. interrogatlvely.
The fact is" he said, hesitatingly,
aud he could hive cursed himself for
his hesitation and awkwardness he
who was never awkward or irresolute
al ether times-he who had faced the
proud disdain OF Lady Lenore and
conquert d it,--"the fact is that | have
some business ~iih YOU unc'a. \
slient OF mine is q patron of the fine
arts. He Is a very wealthy man, and
he is anxious that Mr.. Etheridge,
whom he greatly admires, should
paint him a picture on a subject which
he has given 70 me. 1t is rather a
difficult subject mean 1t will re-
quire some explanation as the picture
progresses, and have promised, Is
Mr., Etherldge will permit me. to gle
the explanation.
StnllA nnhhnd She had iAkan nm