Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-03-18
Only a S1rl'e Love
Continued.
Br CHARLES CARVICG

CUHktuuCAs
She began to be overpowered, but
suddenly she remembered that she too
was of ancient birth, that she was All
Etheridge, and that the man whose
arm she was leaning upon was an art
lat, and a great one, and she held her
head erect and called the color to her
face.
1t was not a moment too soon, for
another pair of curtains were drawn
aside, and the next instant she stood
On the threshold of the drawing-room'
and she heard low but distinct voice
Say
INF. Anu Ss.::55.. F'heridge.'
She had not time to look round; she
saw, as in q fash, the exquisite room,
with its shaded candles and softly
cleaning mirrors. saw several tail,
blackeoated, white-chested forms OF
gentlemen, and richly-dressed ladies';
then she was conscious that a tall
beautiful, and stately lady was gid
ing across the room toward them, and
knew it was the countess.
Lady Wyndward had heard the an
nouncement and had risen from where
she was sitting with the Countess of
Langford to welcome the guests. The
painter was a favorite of hers, and If
abe could have had her will he would
have been a frequent visitor at the
hall.
When Lillian had told her of her
meeting with Mr.. Etheridge's niece
and asked permission to invite her,
she had assented at once, expecting TO
see some well-subdued mlddle-aged
woman. Why she could have thus pic
tured her she could not have told; per
haps because Mr.. Etheridge was old
and so subdued himself She had
scarcely listened to Lilian's descrip
ton, and Leicester had said no word
Bot now as she came forward anC
saw a young and beautiful girl, grace
ful and self-possessed, dressed will
perfect taste, and looking as distin
guished as if she had gone through
couple of London seasons, when thu
vision of Stella, in all her fresh youns
loneliness, broke upon her suddenly
and Unexpectedly, and infinite surprise
took possession Of her, and for
moment she half paused, but it wa
only for a moment, and by no chang
in sr face, however slight. was he
surprise revealed.
HOY do you do, Mr.. Etheridge? l
was SO kind Of you to come. / know
how great an honor this is, and l au
grateful"
This is what Stella heard IN the soft
est, most dulcet of voices-"Kind
GRATEFUL" This was how q COUNTIES
welcomed poor painter. A glow @
light seemed to illumine Stella's MIND
She had expected to see tall stated
woman dressed in satin and diamond;
and with a eouTtly severe manner, an
instead here was a lady with a smaI
gentle voice and a face all softnes
and kindness. In an instant she ha
learned her first lesson--that mar
of high rank and breeding is pur,
gentlenesa and humility. The queer
sits beside the bed of a sick peasant
the peer thanks the waiter who nand
him his umbrella.
Yes, it was very good of you Il
come. And this is your niece? How
do you do, Miss Etheridge. 1 am yer.
glad to see you"
Stella took her gloved hand, he
courage came instantly, and she raise,
her eyes to the beautiful, serene face
little guessing that as she did so tn
countess was filled with surprise an
admiration as the dark orbs raised.
eve are quite a small party" sal,
the countess. Nearly all our friend
have left US. We should have bee
in town before this, but Lord Wynd
ward is detained by business"
AS she spoke the earl approached
them. and Stella saw a tall, thin
nOble-IOoking man bending before he
as if he were expecting a touch of he
hand.
How do you do, Mr.. Etheridge
We have managed to entice you iron
your hermitage at last, Ell? How d
didn't feel the cold driving"
Stella smiled, and she knew VIII
every approach was screened by cul
tains.
The earl drew the painter aside
and the countess, just laying her FL
gers on Stella's arm, guided her to n
old countess of Langford.
"Mr. Etheridge's niece" she said
then, to Ste9a, This is Lady Lang
ford"
Stella was conscious OF pair @
keen gray eyes fixed on her face.
Glad TO know you, my dear" sal
the Old lady. Come and sit besid
me and tell me about your uncle; h
Is wonderful man, but a very wicke
one"
wicked" said Stella,
Yes, wicked" repeated the oil
lady. with a smile on her wrinkle
face. "All obstinate people ar
wicked; and he is obstinate becaus
he persists in hiding himself ava
instead of coming into the world an
consenting to be famous, as he shout
be-"
Stella's heart warmed directly.
but perhaps now that you nav