Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-08-05
Only a 6irt's Love
By CHARLES CARVICE

ful air OF abandon neF sunsHdus ly4h6
Al her feet, her hands folded with an
indolent ar OF rest on her Jap; there
was a serene sb.tle upon her lips, q
delicate langor il her violet eyes, an
altogether observation-disclosures
expression which was in direct con
trast with the faint expression Of anx'
lety which rested on me handsome
face OF the countess.
Every now and then, as the proud
and naughty woman, but anxious
mother, chatted and laughed with the
women around her. her gaze wandered
to the open country with an absent,
almost fearful expression, and once,
as the sound Of carriage was heard
on the drive, she was actually guilty
Of a start.
But the carriage was only that OF
one Of the guests, and the countess
sighed and turned 20 her duties again.
Lenore, with head thrown back,
watched her with a lazy smile. She
was suffering likewise, but she had
something tangible TO fear, something
definite 10 hope; the mother knew
nothing, but feared all things.
Presently Lady Wyndward hap
pened to CONS within the scope Of
Ignores voice.
you .ook tired tonight, dear" she
said
The countess smiled, YEARLY.
Il viii admit little headache"
size said; then she looked at the
lovely INDECENT face. You look wen
enough, Lenore!"
Lady Lenore smiled, curiously.
DO you think so?' she answered.
Suppose also confessed a head
achel"
Il should Guido you even then,
said the countess, with a sigh, for
have a heartache!'
Lenore put out her hand, white and
glttering with pearls and diamonds,
and laid il on the elder woman's arm
with a little carressing gesture peeu-
liar to her.
Tell me DEAR she whispered
The countess SHOOT her head.
Il cannot" she said, with a sigh.
q scarcely know my self. am quite
in the dark, but / know that some
thing has happened or is happening
You know that LEICESTER went sud
denly yesterday
Lady Lenore moved her head in g
sent.
The countess sighed.
Il am always fearful Of him"
Lenore laughed, softly.
80 am J. But | am not fearful on
this occasion Wait until he comes
back"
The countess shook her head
when win that be? am afraid
not for some time!
Il think he viii come back tonight,
said Lenore, with a smile that was
too placid 10 be confident or boastful.
The countess smiled and looked at
her
You are a strange girl. Lenore
she said what makes you think
that?
Lenore turned the bracelet on her
arm.
Something seems TO whisper to me
mat he Will come, she said. Look! =
And she just moved her hand toward
the terrace, LEICESTER was coming
slowly up the broad stone steps,
Lady Wyndward made move for
ward, but IGNORES hand closed over
her arm, and stopped and looked at
her.
Lenore shook her head. smiling
softly
Better not, she murmured, scarcely
above her breath. Not yet. Leave
bin alone, Something Las happened
as you surmised have such keen
eyes. you know, and can see his face. "
So could Lady Wyndward by this
time, and her own turned white 1t
sight Of the pale. haggard face.
DO not so TO him. whispered Le-
more, DO not stop him Leave him
alone; 1t IS good advice"
Lady Wyndward felt instinctively
that II was, and 50 that she IN ght not
be tempted TO disregard it. she turned
away and went Into the house,
I.oycester came along the terrace.
and raising his eyes, heavy ana
clouded, saw the ladies', but he only
raised his hat and passed on Then
he came TO whore the figure in white.
Iglimmering with pearls and diamonds,
leaned against the column and he
hesitated moment. but there was no
look OF invitation In her eyes. only a
| faint smile, ana he merely raised his
that again and passed on; but, half un.
consciously. he had taken in the lovei.
ness and grace OF the picture that she
made, and that was all that she de.
sired for the present
With heavy steps he crossed tht
lhau, climbed the stairs. and entered
his own room,
His man Oliver, who had been wait
ling FOR him and hanging about. cam,
n softly. but stole ont AGAIN at sigh
OF the dusky figure lying YEARLY O,
1.-The chair; bur presently Teyceste
called him and re- went back
Get q bath ady, Oliver he said
and pack pN;manteau: We shal
cave tonight
Very good, - s1.d," was the auie
response, and tnan he went to prepar'