Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-03-11
Only a 6'rl's Love
By CHARLES CARVICE

nothing. But still the duh aching
throbbed in her heart, and his face
foated between her and the stars, his
voice rang in her ears.
How fortunate, how blessed, some
omen werel Here. for instance, was
/ s gin of twenty-three, beautiful,
famously beautiful, noble, and reign
ing like a queen in the great world,
and yet the gods were not satisfied,
but they must give her LEICESTER
Wyndward. For Of course it "'as i'm
possible that he should resist her II
she chose to put forth her charm.
Had not her uncle just said that she
could fascinate had she not even
evidently fascinated him. the dreamer,
the artist, the man who had seen and
who knew the world so well?
For a moment she gave herself up
to this reflection and to the dull ach-
ing. then with a gesture Of impotence
she rose, so suddenly as TO startle the
old man.
what is the matter. Stella: he
, asked.
Nothing. nothing" she said. "Shal
we have lights? The room is so dark
and still, and" her voice broke for
a moment.
She went to the mantelshelf and lit
candle, and as she did so she looked
up and saw her face reflected in the
antique mirror and started.
Was that her face?-that pale, halt
startled yisage looking at her so sadly
With laugh she put the dark hair
from her brow, and gliding to the or
gan began to play; feyerishly, rest
lessly st first. but presently the music
worked its charm and soothed her
savage breast.
Yes. she was savage, she knew it,
she felt it. This woman had every
thing, while She
The door opened and a stream of
light broke in from the lamp carried
by Mrs. PenfoId
Are you there, Miss Stella? Oh,
yes, there you are. I thought it was
Mr. Etherldge playing; you don't often
play like that There's note for
you"
"a note! For me- exclaimed
Stella. turning on her stool with
amazement
Mrs. Penfold smiled and nodded
Eyes, miss; and there's an answer
please"
Stella took the note hesitatingly
as if she half expected it to contain
charge Of explosive dynamite; the en-
velope was addressed in a thin. beauti-
full hand to Miss Stella Etheridge.
Stella turned the envelope over and
started as she saw the arms stamped
upon it. She knew it, it was the
Wyndward crest.
For a moment she sat looking deWn
at it without offering to open it, then
with an effort she tore it open, slowly,
and read the note enclosed.
Dear Miss Etheridge: evil you -
deem the promise you made me this
AFTERNOON and come and see me?
VIII you ask Mr.. Etheridge to bring
you to dine with them tomorrow at
eight o'clock | say them because
dine always alone; but perhaps vol
viii not mind coming to me after din
ner for little while Do not let Mr.
Etheridge refuse as he generally does,
but tell him to bring you for my sake
Yours very truly
Lillian Wyndward"
Stella read it and re-read it as it
she could not believe her senses.
Lady Lil.an's invitation had sounded
so vague that she had scarcely remem-
bered it, and now here was direct
invitation to Wyndward Hall, and TO
dinner
well, missT' said Mrs. Penfold
Stella started.
81 will give you the answer dir
Getty" she said.
Then she went across to her uncle
and stood beside him, the letter in hel
hand. He was lost in thought. and
quite unsuspicious Of the thunder-clap
preparing for him.
Uncle. have just got a letter"
''Eh? Where from, Stella"
From Lady Lillian"
He looked up quickly.
"She has asked me to dinner to-mor-
| row"
moi" he said She put the letter
in his hand Read it, will you. ny
| dear?" he said.
And she read it, concious hat her
/ voice trembled.
"Wei?" he said.
"Well?' she repeated. with a smile
He put his hand to his brow.
ITO dinner-tomorrow. Oh, hear
me! Wen, we'll! You would like tc
go?" and he looked up a. her. "Oi
course you would like to TO-
She looked down. her face was deli
cately fushed-her eyes shcne.
"Of course he said. We'll, say
Yes. 1t is very kind. You see.
Stella, your wish is gratfied almost
as soon as you utter it. You will SET
your paragon-Lady Lenore.
, She started, and her face went pale
Il have changed my mind, she said
in low voice. Il think I don't Ger,
TO go. uncle.
He started at her She was stil
an enigma to him.
Nonsense, child! Not care TO se'
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