Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-10-28
Knight Grant
By EDNA LYALL

II
Enrico seemed more inclined TO read
his paper than to talk, was fain tc
listen TO the discussion going on be
tween two English tourists close by.
Possibly they thought themselves
practically alone in this foreign as
sembly; certainly it did not occur to
them that their very Itallan-looklng
neighbor understood and spoke theiI
language as well as his own, for they
we're talking freely on subjects which
Englishmen are not wont to speak oil
in public.
But, really now" urged the younger
of the two, with some warmth, you
can't possibly maintain such notion
DO you think we are improved, vastly
improved, in the last two hundred
years.
THE increase of civilization gives
Us a better appearance, grant" said
the elder, "but l do not believe the
sum total Of evil is lessened."
Carlo listened attentively, for this
dreary doctrine was opposed to his
whole nature
why. turn to history exclaimed
tue you lger man, see how Indifferent
people we're to suffering. and then
look a. our nineteenth century with
its innumerable charities. its mis-
sions. It's hospitals, its guilds"
True, quite trne.' said the elder
man. quietly; "a wave of philanthropy
is passing over us; there is much talk
even. / admit. much good work, but
men are not more willing to live the
life Of the Crucified
The younger man was silent Hith
erto he had been very ready with his
replies. nov he fell into deep thought,
Carlo Donati, too, was struck by those
last words. They broke In very pin
fully upon his rapturous happiness,
his joyful anticipations He had been
spared most of the usual doubts and
fears OF lover; he was practically
sure of francesca Britton's love, and
already he had received ner fathers
permission to propose to her. Captain
Britton having only stipulated that he
should wait till his education was fin
isbed.
Now his time OF probation was
over; within a few days, now perhaps
within a few hours, Francesca might
be his own Could he bear on that
day. of all others, TO dream OF the
possibility Of a cloud arising? His
sky was so clear. his life had been so
happy and successful the very
thought Of gathering darkness on the
horizon was torture to him. Let my
happiness last oh. let It last" was
his Inward cry, and. as IL in answer,
there floated back to him the strang-
er'a words, and he knew that they
we're true: Men are not more will
ing to live the life of the Crucifed.'
Unfortunately he turned to glance
at tae man who had disturbed his
peace. and saw n strong intellectual
Of deep thought and hard conflict.
bore calm and tranquil expression,
Bun the eonv"' aalion had been
checked by those grave words. the
stranger called the waiter, paid for
his coffee. tucked his "Baedeker un.
der his arm, and rose to go
Carlo followed him with his eyes as
he left the restaurant; he felt
strongly hat curious conviction
which comes to some people when a
stranger has unconsclously influenced
theE-that In this world. or some
other they will infalllbly meet again.
So ingrossed had he been with the
TWO Englishmen and their talk that
he had not needed his friend, He
had not seen the start of surprise
and dismay with which Enrico had
noted paragraph in the Piccolo.
What was there in those brief lines
which filed him with apprehension?
Why did he glance with such anxiety
aud regret at Carlo. and then once
again read that unwelcome para.
graph p
We understand that the season
VII be commenced at Whltsuutide at
the Teatro Mercandate. with the op-
cratic company of Siguor Merlino.
Madame Merliuo, whose singing has
created a very favorable impression
IN America viii be the prima donna.
All the Indifference had vanished
aow from Enricos face A dreadful
annoyance awaited his friend. and
that 1t should reach him today of all
DAYS seemed to him intolerable. He
would. at any rate. 30 his best to awe
him n respite Caro- should at least
propose TO Miss Britton, aud enjoy II
II were even but n few hours of an
a|loyed happiness Selling his op
portuuity. when his companion turned
10 watch the Engltshmen as they lefD
the restaurant Enricc tore OF III,
corner containing the unwelcom,
news, and was about 10 thrust ii int,
his pocket when Carlo checked hin
With question.
What Is it9 About our examina
tions?"
NO said Enrico. composediy,
7 saw nothing about them, onl!
wanted a scrap Of paper TO wrap NJ
these coufounded cards; thanks I,
your cagerness TO see them theyr
ali loose in my pocket"
So saying he deliberately wrappe,
he cards in The paper containing III,
bad news. aud pushed the rest OF IA,