Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-29
CHAPTER III.

glimpse of them as he rode through
the ford. the water dashing up sill
yer shower, of spray as high as the
horses head; then they vanished in
the shadow of the woods which en-
girdled Wyndward Hall.
But she still stood, lost in dreamy
reverie that was not thought, until
her uncles voice came floating down
the garden, and with start she ran
M the path and stood breathless be-
fore him.
The old mans placid face wore
slight looE of anxiety, which faded in
stantly as he said:
Where have you been Stella? !
thought you had changed your mind,
aud flown back to Italy again. Mrs,
Penfola is searching the meadows
wildly
Stella laughed, as she put her arm
around his neck.
"You viii not get rid of me so cas-
Hy, uncle. No, have only been down
the pretty lane at the end of the gar
den. See, here are some flowers; are
they MOI sweet? You shall have them
for ycur table, and they shall stand
within sight whit you are 81 wof'y -
And she filled vase with water, and
arranged them. But the towers are
not all the fruits of my wandering,
uncle, she went On; Il have had an
adventure"
He was strolling up and down with
his pipe in his mouth, his hands
folded behind hin.
AN "a atuvej
Yes ste nodded. Il have met
can you g4ess whom?'
He smiled.
Mr. Fielding, the clergyman? 1t is
his usual evening stroll.
No"
Perhaps an old ladyin a lace shawl,
with fat pug by her side. If so, you
have made an acquaintance with the
great Mrs. Hamilton, the doctors
wife,
NO, it was not anybody's wife.
uncle--it was man. You shan't guess
ar more; but what do you say to
Lord Leyeester?"
Lord Leycesterl" said Mr.. Ether
idge. 81 did not even know he was at
home. Lord LEICESTER! And does my
picture do him justice?" he asked,
turning to her with a smile.
She bent over the flowers, ashamed
Of the meaningless blush which rose
to her face
Eyes, uncle, it is like him; but
could not see very distinctly you
know. 1t was moonlight. He was rid
ing great, huge chestnut horse"
Il know" he murmured; land tear
ing along like lost spirit He flashed
past like. meteor, l expect. No, you
could not see him. and cannot Judge
Of my portrait"
But he didn't fash past. He would
have done so no doubt but the chestnut
declined. think it --as frightened by
me, for was standing on the bank
And he stopped?" asked Mr.. Ether
idge. 1T was a wonder; such little
thing even as the shying Of his horse
was sufficient to rouse the devil in
him! He stopped"
Because he was obliged" said
Stella, in a low voice, a deep blush Of
maidenly shame rising to her face. as
she remembered that it was she who
had really stopped him.
And was he very furious?'
mo; the proverbial lamb could not
have been more quiet" said Stella,
with a musical laugh.
Mr.. Etheridge laughed
He must have been in a good hu-
NOR. 1t was strange his being out to
night. The Hall is full of people from
town; but it would not matter to him
II he wanted to ride, though the prince
himself were there; he would go. And
my picture?"
Did him justice, uncle. Yes, he Is
very handsome; he wore a loose vel
vet coat tonight Of a dark purple; l
did not know gentlemen wore such
colors now.
A smoking coat" he explained. "a
think can see him No doubt he had
obeyed the impulse of the moment
had jumped up and left them there at
the Hall-saddled his own horse and
Tore away across the river. Well. YOU
nave probably seen the last of him
for some time, Stella. He rarely STAYS
at the hall more than day or two.
Town has too great a charm for him"
Stella's kps opened. and she was
about to reply that he had suddenly
resolved to stay, but something stop
ped the words on her lips.
Presently there was a knock at the
door, and Mrs Penfold came in with
the candles.
You have given me quite a turn.
Miss Stella" she said, with a smile Of
reproach; Il thought you were lost
Your room is quite ready now. miss.
Stella went up to the old man and
kissed him.
Goodnight, uncle" she murmured.
Goodnight my child" he said. mis-
eyes dwelling on her tenderly, but
with something Of the bewilderqa
look clouding them; Goodnight. and
happy dreams for this, your first
night at home"
AT home! murmured Stella; "a
homel You are very good to me
uncle" and she kissed him again.