Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-02-19
CHAPTER vi.

velveteen, with tight-htting breeches
ana stockings, and carried whip in
his hand with which he barred the en-
trance against a couple of colleys. a
huge mastiff, and Skye terrier, the
last barking with furious indignation
at being kept outside.
Even at the moment of surprise,
Stella was conscious of a sudden re-
luctant thrill of admiration for the
graceful figure in the ciose-fitting vel
center, making light goals by his
vet, and the handsome face with its
dark eyes regarding her with a grave,
respectful intenseness.
Back dogs!" he said. Go back,
Wiki" then as they drew back, the big
ones throwing themselves down on
the path with patient obedience, he
came into the room.
Il beg your pardon" he said, stand
ing before Stella, his head bent. a
thought Mr.. Etheridge was alone, or
should not have entered in this
rough fashion"
AS he spoke in the lane. so now it
was no meaningless excuse, but with
a tone Of most reverental respect and
proud humility. Stella, girl-like, noticed
that he dill not even venture to hold
out his hand, and certainly Mr.. Abel.
stones self-satisfed smile and assured
manner rose in her mind to contrast
with this stately high-bred humility.
do not apologize; it does not mat.
ter" she said, consciuos that her face
had grown crimson and that her eyes
were downcast
Does 1t not? am forgiven" and
he held out his hand.
Stella had crossed her hands behind
her as he entered with an instructive
desire to hide her bare arms and the
-four. Onw she put out her hand few
inokes and held it up with a smile.
Il can't" she said.
He looked at the white hand-at
the white arm so beautifully nodded
that sculptor would have sighed
over it in despair at his inability to
imitGts it. and he still held out his
hand
Il do not mind the four" he said
not as Mr.. Adelstone would have said
1t, but simply. naturally
Stella gave him one small taper
finger and he took it and held it for a
moment, his eyes smiling into hers;
then he relinqulshed it, with not a
word Of commonplace compliment
but in silence, and turned to Mr..
Etheridge.
1T IS quite hopeless to ask you to
fo~giVe me for interrupting you /
know, so l won't ask" he said, and
there was in his voice. Stella noticed,
a frank candor that was almost boyish
but full of respect. AT once it seemed
to intimate that he had known and
honored the old man since he, Leyces-
ter. was a boy.
How are you, my Iord?" said Mr..
Etheridge. giving him his long thin
hand. but still keeping a hold, as it
were, on his beloved easel. Taking
the dogs for a walk? Are they safe?
Take care. StrAel"
For Stella kneeling down in the
midst OF them, making friends with
tne augs lnGsdf, much to the jealous
disgust Of the others, who were liter
ally crowdlng and pushing round her.
Lord LEICESTER looked round and
was silent for a moment; his eyes
hxeo on the kneeling girl rather than
on the dogs. Then he said, suddenly:
They are quite safe, ana then he
added, for StelIa's behalf, they ara
quite safe, Miss Etheridge."
Stella turned her face toward him.
4 am rot afraid / should as soon
think OF biting them as they would
dream OF biting me, wouldn't you?
and she drew the mastins great head
on to her lap where it lay with his
big eyes looking up az her piteously
as he licked her hand.
Great Heavens, what herd OF
them!" said Mr.. Etheridge, who loved
dogs-on canvas.
Il ought not to have brought them,
said Lord LEICESTER, but they will be
quite quiet, and will do no harm,
assure you"
Il don't care if they don't bite my
niece" said Mr. Ether. dge.
There is no fear OF that, he said
quietly, or l should not allow her to
go near them. Please go on with
your work, or | shall think / am
Mr. Etheridge waved him to a chair
wont you sit DOWN." he said.
LORD LEICESTER shook his head.
II have come to ask you favor" he
said. Mr.. Etheridge nodded
What is it?"
Lord 1eycester laughed his rare
laugh.
Il am trembling in my Shoes" he
said. My tongue cleaves, to my
mouth with NERVOUSNESS
The old painter ganced round a
him. and his face relaxed into smile
as his eyes rested on the bold hand
some face and easy grace of the
speaker.
Yes. you excessively frightened.
be said What is it?"
II was noticeable that evcenting 81
his first greeting. the old man had not
given him the benefit OF his title: he