Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

4 5GtlilCu dlIdAu VI a LAtOAaEIl SAAA--~s
1t was a relief waen the child came N
and ran straight up to Lord Baynenam.
All. what WIS it? Why did his eyes
| ill with tears as the tender arms
.hIng to him? Why did the sweet
childish voice seem to reach. the
| depths Of his heart, and stir fountains
that had long been sealed and dry?
My son tells me -'ou have taken a
wonderful fancy 70 tbs little boy,
aid Mrs. Massey. "He is a noble
little fellow, and we are all fond Of
him"
81 have never loved child before.
said Lord Bayneham, and his lips
rembled as he spoke; and in my
solitary life, do not think | sh; a. ever
care so much for one again"
would you like to live with this
gentleman, Lionel?" asked Mrs. Mas
sey.
'Yes," said the child; "but cannot,
because / cannot leave mamma"
81 am to be introduced in proper
form today" said Lord Bayneham;
i"what is my little friends name?
shall ask permission to take him down
70 Baynenam with me-"
Captain Massey smiled a strange
smile that the earl could not under
stand.
Would you like to see Lionels
: mamma, and ask her permission"
said Mrs. NJ ssey.
YES" replied Lord Baynenam, IF
it would not be an intrusion"
. II can answer that it would not. !"
said the lady.
Her face was strangely pale. and
Lord Bayneham wondered at the
emotion he read there.
"She is in the boudoir here" said
d Mrs, Massey; go and make your re-
; quest, my lord"
"Will you not accompany me?-the
g lady is a stranger: shall need an
5 introduction" said Lord Bayneham.
GO alone" said Captain Massey;
d and even as he spoke, Lord Bayneham
; noted the change in his voce-the
It nervous, agitated expression OF his
d face. Go alone" continued the cap
! tain. Lionel will introduce you"
A strange tremor seized Lord Bayne
IS ham; strange, vague hope came tC
Y. him, as he looked at those pale, agi
!; tated faces. He tried to speak. and
N ask another question. but his lips
i seemed numbed and dumbed
n 'L.oGsi," SAID Captain Massey. "gc
Il with that gentleman, and take him t.
u your mamma"
e The child gently laid his little hand
on Lord Bayneham's and led him
Lg through the long drawing room. a
=" door at the other end OF the apart
d, ment led to the boIdoir. He turned
4 the handle, and opened it, slowly NOV
ing, as one whose senses are wrapped
y. in dream. He saw a small, pretty
u room, where fragrant flowers wert
d blooming and golden sunbeams came
in through the clouds of white lace
d He saw-was this a dream "a COLDER
g head raised IS he entered, beautifu
face, sweet ans pure and tender; he
a saw violet eyes full of tears, culver
y ing lips that tried in van to utter his
d name; he saw two little white hands
n clasped as he had seen them clasped
years ago; and thick mist swan be
3 fore him, a noise as of rushing waters
filed his ears. A little voice aroused
him; the child ran from him to the
lady.
S This is mamma, he said proudly
b 1t was no dream,-it was his own
i wife clinging to him. her tender arms
e clasped round him, her beautiful face
: wet with tears so near his own, the
"a golden head dropping on his breast
5 1t was no fancy, no dream, but real
d glorious truth. Once before he had
r wept like child,-it was when he
i lost her. Again the strength of his
manhood seemed to desert him, and
t warm tears fell upon the golden hair
: "Claud," whispered a gentle voice
S can you forgive me. - fogive me
g for douOting you, and leaving you!
I can never pardon myself"
Il The fault was my OWL" he rarlied:
:. Il was jealous and impatient"
f Nobody speaks to me said pitt
full voice; and a little face looked w
9 in wonder; then Lord Bayneham re
membered the boyle had called
e Hilda mamma He looked once into
? her face.
n who is IT," he whlspered,-"this
Little one who cans you mother"
For all answer she placed the child
in his arms
> 1T is your SON." she said, when
n that trance of happiness was broken
q do not scold me. Claud. When left
= you did not know that Heaven would
d give me this priceless gift. My baby
e was born here, six months after LEFT
i your house. I meant to send him tc
you when he was old enough to leave
e me-"
:: "Hush." said Lord Baynehan; "dc
+? not say any such words as those Hilda
It darling. THIS is a golden hour-we
will noe spoil it."
II Then Lady Hilda, taking the litu:
D. one said,-"Lionel, you must love tni.
gentleman. You remember all have
It told You of your own papa, whom You
M had never seen-how kind and brave
Y and good he was. This is papa, ans
4, you must love him"
d II do love him." said the child
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