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

gaux. suppose, Charles? Yes, We
have had some good weather"
That was all.
He went to his place and sat down
quietly and composedly, as if he had
dined with them for months without a
break, and as If the papers had not
been chronicling his awful doings.
The earl could not suppress pang
of pity as he glanced across at the
handsome face and saw how worn and
haggard it looked, and he bent his
head over his soup WITH a sigh.
Leicester looked round the table
presently, and then turned to the
countess.
Where is Lenore?" he asked.
She has rather bad headache, and
begged to be excused she said.
Leycester bent his head.
Il am sorry" he remarked.
Then the countess talked, and Lord
Charles helped her. He was in the
best of pspirits. The dinner
was excellent, and the curry admir-
able, considering the short notice;
and he was delighted with the sue
cess Of his vancouver. He ratified on
| In his humorous style, told them all
about the hut, and represented that
they lived somewhat after the man
ner of savages.
Eat our meals with a hunting
knife, don't we, LEICESTER? / hope
you'll excuse us If we don't hold our
forks properly. | daresay we shan
soon get into the way Of it again.
All this was very well and the earl
smiled and grew cheerful; but the
countess, watching the haggard, hand
some face beside her, saw that Ley
cester was absorbed and pre-occupied.
He passed dish after dish and the
Margaux stood beside him almost I'M
touched. She was still anxious and
fearful, and as she rose she threw a
g,ance at the earl, half OF entrcaty,
half OF command, that he would not
say anytting."
1t Is nice TO get back TO the old
Wine," said Charles, leaning back IN
his chair, and eying his glass with
complacent approval. "Whiskey and
water Is a fine drink but one tires
Of il; now this" and he reached
the claret jug expressively.
The earl talked Of politics and the
coming hunting season. and still Ley
cester was silent, eying the white
cloth and lingering the stem Of his
wine glass.
win you hunt this year, Leyces-
teri" said the earl, addressing him at
last.
He looked up grayeTy.
Il don't know, sir, only day
week ii / do.
We shall go TO Leicestershire, o.
course" said the earl. Il shall have
10 be up for the season, but you can
take charge II you viii
LEICESTER inclined his head
win you see to the horeses. asked
the earl.
Leycester thought moment
Il shall only want two" he saif;
the rest will be sold"
DO YOU mean the stud?' asked the
earl. with a faint air OF surprise.
Yes" said LEICESTER. quietly. Il
shall sell them all. l shall not race
again
The earl understood him; the old
wild life was to come to an end. But
he put in word.
is that wiser" he said.
y think SO, said I.eyeester. quite
enough money has been spent, Yes. /
shall SELL"
Very welt" assented the earl, who
could not but agree with the remark
respecting money After all, i'm
agine one tires OF the turf. always
thought it great bore"
So 1t $50 II is said Lord
Charles, cheerfully, Everything is
bore
The earl smiled.
Not everythip I" he said Ley.
cester. YOU are ne touching wine, be
added. graciously,
Leyccster filled his glass and drank
it, and then, to Charles surprise, re-
nlled II. not once only. but twice and
thrice. as II be had suddenly become
thirsty
Presently the earl. after yaiuly push
ing the deoanter TO them. rose. and
they followed him into the drawing
room
The countess sat at her tea.table,
and beside her was Lenore. sac vas
rather paler than usual, and the beau.
'ltul eyes were Of deep violet un.
der the long sweeping lashes. She
was exquisitely dressed. but there
was not a single jewel about her,
spray Of white orchid nestled on her
bosom and shoRe in her golden hair,
showing the exquisite delicacy OF the
lair face and throat. LeycestCr
glanced at her. but took his cup OF
tea without a word, and Lord Charles
made ali the conversation. as at the
dinnertable.
Presently LEICESTER put down his
cup and walked to the window. and
drawing the curtain aside stood look.
ling out at the night, There was a
/ flush OF color in his face. owing per.
hsps 10 the MarEaux. and strange
light in his eyes What did he see