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


what she had been guilty TO win him
Il was she who was unworthy. But
she put the fear from her. She had
got him and she did not doubt her
power to hold him.
DO not speak Of unworthiness. she
murmured, lovingly. We have both
passed through the world, LEICESTER,
and have learned 70 value true love.
You have always had mine she
added. in a faint whisper.
What could he do but kiss herr But
even as he took her in his arms and
laid his hand on the shapely head
with its golden wealth, a subtle pain
thrilled at his heart, and he felt as if
he were guilty OF some treachery.
They stood for some time almost in
silence-she too wise TO disturb his
mood-side By side; then he put her
arm in his.
Let us go in, he said. Shall ]
tell my mother tonight, Lenore?"
why not?" she murmured, leaning
against him, and with the upturned
eyes glowing into his with suppressed
passion and devotion. Why not?
win they not be glad, do you think?"
Yes" be said, and be remem-
bered how differently Stella hal
spoken After all" he thought with
sign, 4 shall MAKE a great may
persons happy and comfortable. Very
WE'LL, he said, Il will see them"
He stopped to kiss her before they
passed into the light, and she did not
shrink from his kiss; but put up her
lips and met it with one in return.
There were men, and not few, who
would have given some years of their
life for such a ks from the beauti-
full Lenore, but he, LEICESTER. took it
without thrill, without an extra heart
beat.
There was not much need to tell
them what had happened; the count
ess knew in a moment by IGNORES
pale, but with light of triumph
glowing in it--that the hour had come
and that she had won.
In her graceful manner, she went
up to the countess, and bent over to
kiss her.
Il am going up now, dear" she said,
in whisper. Il am rather tired"
The countess embraced her.
Not too tired to see me if / Gomez
she said, in whisper and Lady Le-
more shook her head.
She put her hand in Leycesters
for a moment as he opened the door
for her, and looked into his face; but
he would not let her go so coldly, and
raising her hand to his lips, said
Goodnight, Lenore.'
The earl started and stared at this
familiar salutation, and Lord Charles
raised his eyebrows; but LEICESTER
came to the fire, and stood looking
into it for a minute in silence.
Then he turned to them and seid,
in his quiet way
"Lenore has promised to be my
wife, Have you any objection. sir?'
The earl started and looked at him,
and then held out his hand with an
en- Jhatic nod
Objection! 1t is about the wisest
thing you ever did, LEICESTER"
LEICESTER smiled at him strangely,
and turned to his mother. She did
not speak, but her eyes filed, and she
put her hand on his shoulder and
kissed him.
Ny dear Leycester, l congratulate
youl" exclaimed Charlie wringing his
hand and beaming joyously. "Pon my
word, this is the-the happiest thing
we've come across for many a day!
By George!"
And having dropped Leycester's
hand, he seized that of the earl. and
wrung that, and would in turn have
seized the countess's. had she
not given it to him of her own
free wiz.
we have to thank you in some
measure for this, Charles" she said,
in low voice, and with grateful
smile
Leycester leant against the mantel-
shelf, his hands behind him, his face
set and thoughtful, almost absent, in
deed. He had the appearance of a
man in a dream.
The earl reused him with a word or
two.
This is very good news, Leyces.
ter"
Il am very glad you are pleased,
sir, said LEICESTER, quietly.
q am more than pleased, l am
delighted" responded the earl, in his
quiet way. Il may say that it is the
Of hope have cherished
for some time. | trust, more, be-