Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-06-03
Only a 6trl'e Love
D. CHARLES CARV1CE

LEICESTER, said Frank eagerly;
everybody knows him in London He
is an awful swell, isn't he?"
Stella smiled.
You VIII teach me the most dread
ful slang, Frank" she said. rs he
such swell, as you call him?"
"Oh, awful; there isn't anything
that he doesn't do. He drives a coach
and foui, and he's the owner OF two
Of the best race horses in England,
and he's got a yacht--the GYPSY you
know-snd nh. iseTs's 40 and > bis
sweldom Aud you Know nimT"
Yes" said Stella, and her heart
smote her, that she could not say; Il
know him so well that | aIn engaged
TO be married to him" But she could
not; she had promised, and must keep
her promise
Frank could not get over his won
der and admiration.
why, he's one OF the most popular
men in London" he said. Let me
see! there's something else / heard
about him. Oh, yes, he Is going to be
married"
rs her" said Stella, ami a little
smile came about her lips
Frank nodded
To swell as great as himself. To
| Lady Lerore Beauchamp.'
! The smile died away from Stellas
/ lips. and her face paled.
1t was false and ridiculous, but the
mere rumor struck her, not with a
dagger's but pins point.
is he?" she said, feeling dece tlul
and guilty, and she walked on in J.
ence to the rivers bank, while Fl ark
ran on telling all he knew Of Lord
| Leycester's swelldom. According 70
Frank he WIS a very great swell in
deed. sort of prince amongst men,
and as Stella listened her heart went
out to the boy in gratitude
And she was to marry this great
man!
They reached the rivers bank, and
Lord Leycester, who had been watcn-
ing them, put down his rod and came
across.
Stella held out her hand, her face
crimson with warm blush, her eyes
doWncast.
How do you do. Stel-Miss Ethe-
ridge?" he said, pressing her hand;
then he glanced at Frank.
This is my cousin, Frank" said
Stella. Frank Etheridge."
Frank, with his blue eyes wide open
with awe, looked up at the handsome
face Of the awful swell" and bowed
respectfully. but Lord LEICESTER held
out his hand, and sS.ailsd "a hiSA-ths
rare sweet smile.
How do you do. mr. fsther1uger' ne
said. warmly, and at the greeting the
boys heart leaped up and his face
flushed. II am very glad to meet
YOU" went on LEICESTER. in his frank
way just the way to enslave boy
very glad. indeed. for l was feeling
bored to death with rod and line. Are
you fond OF fishing? Will you come
for a row? Do you think you can per
suade your cousin to accompany us?"
Frank looked up eagerly at Stella,
who stood. her beautiful face down
cast and grave. but for the little ire
muous smile of happiness which
shone In the dark eyes and played
about the lips.
DO. Stella" he said, do let us
go!"
Stella looked up with a smile, and
Lord LEICESTER helped her into the
boat
you can row." he said to Frank.
Yes said Frank, eagerly, Il can
row
You shall pull behind me, then,
said LEICESTER.
They took up souls. and Lord Ley
cester, as he leaned forward Cor the
stroke. spoke in low tone.
My darling! Have you wondered
where | have been?"
Stella glanced at Frank. pulling
taway manfully.
He cannot hear" whispered Ley
cester; the noise of the SOULS pre-
vents him, Are you angry with me
for being away?"
She shook her head
''You haven't missed me-"
4 have missed you'll she said,
sharply.
His heart leaped at the plain, frank
ayowal
I have been TO London" he said,
There has been some trouble about
some foolish. tresome horses: l was
obliged TO go stella. every nour
seemed m age to me, l dared not
write: could not send q message
Stella. I want to speak to you very
particularly Win he be offended If !
ger rid OF him. lie seems . nice
bayt
Frank is the dearest hoy in tho
word" she said. eagerly
f.eycester nodded
81 did not know MT Etheridge had
son 1t is his son?
Yes, she said neither did
know it, but he is the dearest boy
. leyces,eg looked round.
. Fr,nk. he sad Yea don't mnd
my calling yoa Frank
Frank Co,orcd,
1t is very friendly Of your lordship
, leyceslcr smiled
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