Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-07-29

4
in the path On which you would en-
tice her. have made il clear TO her
that it is impossible she should do as
you wish.
He paused again, and LEICESTER re-
moved his eyes from the pale face
and looked al Stella
Is what this man says true?' he
asked, in low voice. Has he per
suaded you to break faith with me?"
Stella looked at him, and her hands
closed over each other.
Don't ask her. broke in Frank.
She is not in fit state to answer.
This fellow, this Jasper Adelstone,
has bewitched ner! ! think he has
frightened her out OF her senses by
some threat"
Frank! Hush! On. husb!' broke
Stella.
Lord LEICESTER stared and eyed her
scrutinlzingly. but he saw only an
guish and pity and sorrow-not gml.
lin her face.
1T is true" declared Frank. This
is what she has said, and this only
since | came back into the room;
and can't get any more out Of he:.
think, Lord LEICESTER. you had bet
ter, throw him out the window"
LEICESTER looked from one to the
other. There was evidently more in
the case than could be met by follow
ing Franks advice
He put his hand TO his head for a
moment.
Il don't understand" he said, al
most to himself.
1T is not difficult 10 understand,
said Jasper with an ill-concealed
sneer. "The lady absolutely refuses
to keep the appointment you made
you forced upon her She declines ID
accompany you. She"
Silence" said Leycester, in low
voice that was more terrible thaa
shouting Then he turned to Stella.
rs 1t so?'he asked.
She raised her eyes, and her lips
moved.
yes" she said.
He looked as If he could not be-
lieve the evidence of his senses.
The perspiration broke out on his
fore lead, and his lips lembled, but
he made an effort to control himself,
and succeeded.
is what this man says true,
Stellar"
Il cannot go with you" she
trembled, with downcast eyes.
LEICESTER looked round the room
as If he suspected he must be dream
ing
What does it mean?" he mus
INJURED, stella" and now he adj
dressed her as if he were oblivious Of
the presence of others. Stella, | i'm
plore, | command you to tell ne.
! Consider what my position Is. T.
who have been expecting you as-as
you know well-fnd you here, and
here you, with your own bps, tell me
that all is altered between US; so
suddenly, so unreasonably"
at must be so" she braathed
III you would only go and leave met"
He put his hand on the back Of a
chair to steady himself, and the chair
shook.
Jasper stood glcating over his emo
ton
Great eaven!" he exclaimed, can
| believe my ears? Is this you, Stella
speaking TO me in these words and
in this fashion? Whyl--why why!
And the questions burst forth from
him passionately
She clasped her hands. and looked
up at him
DO not ask mel cannot tell.
Spare met!
Leyeester turned to Frank.
"Will you--will you leave US, my
dear FRANKIE" be said. hoargely.
Frank went out slowly, then Leyces-
ter turned to Jasper
Hear me-" he said. You have
given me to understand that the key
Of this enigma is in your possession;
you will be good enough to furnish
Aue Win IL nSlN must bS AO hlVa I
mystery Understand once for ALL
and at once, that will have no trih-
ing"
'Ieycesteri"
He put up his hand to her. gently,
Ireassuringly,
do not fear; this gentleman has
no need to tremble. This matter
lies between us threat present.
rather. It lies between you two.
want to be placed on an equality,
that is all" And he smiled a fiercely-
bitter smile. Now, sir"
Jasper bit his lips.
Il have few words TO add to what :
have already said. l will say them,
and / leave il to Miss Etheridge to
corroborate them. You wish to hno "
the reason why she die not meet you
as you expected, and why she is here
instead. and under my protection
1@ycester moved his hand impat-
liently,
The question Is easily answered.
II is because she is my atianced
Wife" said Jasper quietly
Leycester looked at HIM steadily,