Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-09-16

being alone with him; in fact she
humored him 10 the top Of his bent,
SO that he did not evep feel the chain
with which he had bon. himself.
And he was grateful her gradu-
ally the charm Of her sence, the
music of her voice, the fee g that she
belonged TO him told upon him, and
he found himself at times sitting
watching. and listening to her with a
strange feeling Of pleasure. He was
only mortal, and she was not only su-
premely beautiful, but supremely
clever. She had set herself TO charm
him, and be would have been less, or
more than man, If he had been able TO
resist her.
So it happened that he was left
much TO himself, for Charlie, thinking
himself rather de trop and in the way
had taken himself off to join his
shooting party, and LEICESTER spent
most OF his time wandering about the
coast or riding over the hills, gener-
ally returning at dinner-time tlred
and thoughtful, and very often expect
ing some word or look OF complaint
from his beautiful bethrothed.
But they never came. Exquisitely
dressed, she always met him with
the same serene smile, In which there
was just a suggestion Of tenderness
she could not express, and never a
question as to where he had been.
After dinner he would come and sit
beside her, leaning back and watching
her. too often absently, and listening
to her as she talked to the others.
To him she very seldom said much,
but if he Glanced TO ask her for any
thing-to play or to sing-she obeyed
instantly, as If he were already her
lord and master II touched him, her
simple minded devotion and thorough
comprehension OF him--touched him
as no display OF affection on her part
would have done.
Heaven help her. she loves mel
he thought, often and often. And II"
one evening they CHANGED to be
alone tcgether-he had come in after
dinner, having eaten some sort Of
meal at shooting lodge on the ad-
Joining estate-and found her seated
by the window, her white hands in her
lap. a rapt look on her face.
She looked SO supremacy lovely, so
rapt and solitary, that his heart smote
him, aud he went up 10 her, his step
making no sound on the thick carpet,
and kissed her.
She started aud looked Up with a
burning blush which transdgured her
for moment, then she said, quietly:
Is that you, LEICESTER? Have you
dmed?
Yes" he said, with a pang Of self
reproach. Why should you think OF
that? do not deserve that yCu
should care whether l dine or not"
enu smiled up al nln, ner EYEBROWS
arched themselves.
Should / not? But do care, very
much. Have your
lie nodded impatiently.
Yes. You do lot even ask me
where | have been?'
No" she murmured, softly. Il can
wait until you tell me. 1t is for you
to tell me. and for me to wait
Such submission, such meekness
from her who was pride anu hauteur
personified TO others, amazed him.
By Heaven. Lenore!' he exclaimed,
in low voice. there never was a
woman like you"
MOI" she said. Il ain glad you will
have something that is unique then
YES" he said. Il shall" Then he
said, Suddenly, when am | TO possess
my gem, L.tnore?"
She started, and turned her face
from him.
He looked down at her aud put his
hand on her shoulder, white and warm
and responsive to his touch,
Lenore, let a. be soon. We will not
wait. Why should We? Let us make
ourselves and all the rest Of them
happy"
VIII 1t make you happy" she
asked
II was a dangerous question. but
the impulse was too strong
Yes" he said, and indeed he
thought so. Can you say the same,
Lcaore?"
she did not answer. but she took his
hand and laid Il against her cheek
Ina was the action of a slaye--a beautl.
iui and exQujsitely-g graceful woman, but
la slave
He drew his hand away and WINGED
with remorse,
Come" he said, bending over her,
let ME tell them that II shall be next
month"
so soon?" she murmured,
Yes, he said, almost impauently.
why should We wait? They are all
impatient. am impatient. naturally,
but they all wish 81. Let il be next
month. Lcnore.'
She looked up at him.
Very well, she sa.a, IN low voice
He bent over her. and put his alm
round her, and there was something
almost desperate in his face as De
looked up at her
"Lenoye," he said, in a low voice,
Il wish to Heaven wish were
worthy Of YOU"
Hush!' she whispered. Won are 100