Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-10-21
Cnly a 6lrl's Love
By CHARLES CARVICE

Stella sprang forward and caught
her in her arms, With cry that
brought LEICESTER bounding upstairs.
The two girls chung TO each other
fo- at least 1--WE minutes crying softly,
and uttering little piteous monosylla-
hles. after the manner Of their kind;
then Lillian turned to LEICESTER.
"Oh, Ley, don't be angry. I've
comet" she cried.
so / see, ILL" he said, kissing her
And how glad we are I need not
say
And she shall never go again, shall
she?r exclaimed Stella, With her arm
round the irasnB form.
why, / don't mean to-" said Li'ian'
uiteougly. you won't send me away,
will you, Stella? / can't live without
him, 1 can't indeed. You viii let me
stay, won't you. / sban't be in the
way. III creep into a corner, and
eface myself; and I shan't be very
much trouble. because | am SO mucn
stronger now, and-oh. you will let ne
stay"
There is no need TO set down in
hard. cold, black letters their answer.
There is only one thing more
want to make my happiness com
plete," said Stella; and they kneS
that she meant the reconciliation OF
Leicester with the old people.
So Lillian stayed, ana made an ad-
ditional sunshine and JOY in the lit
tie house; and It amused LEICESTER to
see how soon she too fell al the feet
Of the new beauty and worshipped
her.
If any one could be too good for
you, Ley" she said, Stella would be
that one"
Well, time passed; the season was
at its height, and the countess came
to town. The earl had been in his
place in the Upper House from the
beginning of the season, of course;
but the countess had remained at the
Hall. nursing her disappointment
she came up In time for one of the
State balls, at when her presence was
Indispensable. 1t was the great Off
cial bali Of the season, and crowded
to excess. The countess arrived with
the earl just before the small hours,
and after the usual ceremonies and
exchanges of salutations with the
great world which she had left for
so many months, she had time to look
round the room. She did so with n
little inward tremOr, for she knew
that LEICESTER and his wife" we're TO
be present, To her relief--and disap-
pointment-they had not arrived. For
all her pride and hauteur the mothers
heart ached.
But If they were not there, their
reputation had preceded them She
heard Stellas name every five min
utes, heard the greatest in the land
regretting her absence, and wondering
what kept her away
Presently, toward two o'clock, there
was a perceptible stir In the magnih-
cent saloon, and the murmur went up:
Lord and Lady Trevor!"
The countess turned pale for a mo-
ment, then looked toward the door
and saw a beautiful woman--or a girl
still-enterinl Gaming upon Leyces-
ter's arm. Iety does for a man
or woman what lapidary does for a
precious stone 1t was precious when
it first came into his hands, but when
it leaves them It is polished! Stella
had become, II the word Is allowable
when applied TO her. the pink Of re.
fnement and delicacy, polished.
She had learnt, unconsciously, TO wear
and that with princes. As
she came in now, crowd of the
best people came round her and did
homage. and the countess, locking on,
saw with her own eyes. what she had
heard rumored that this daughter-n
law OF hers, this penniless piece, had
become power In the land. IL
amazed her at first, but as she watched
she inst her wonder. 1t was only
natural and reasonable; there was no
more beautiful or noble looking
woman in the room.
The band began to play a waltz,
the crowds began TO move, dancing
and promenading, The countess sat
the dowagers, pale and smil-
ing. but with an aching heart, Where
was beyCester Presently four per
sons approached her, Charlie, with
Stella on his arm, LEICESTER with an
other lady Suddenly, not seeing her.
Charlie stopped, and Stella. turning.
found heI self face TO face with the
countess.
For a moment the proud woman
meled then she hardened her
heart and turned her head aside,
Leycesler Who had been WATCHING,
passed in front Of her, and she put her
hand oG;.
LEICESTER"
But he drew Stella's arm within his
she was white and trembling and
looking his mother in the face sternly.
passed on with Stella
Take me home. Leycester." she
oh. take me home! How
can sne be SO cruel?'
But he would not,
No. he said. This is your place
as much as hers. My poor mother,
pity her. "0h, pride. pride Yen
must stay
of course the incident mad been