Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-05-20


She started. There was so calm
and cool and yet intense an express
sion in ~ voice.
You love her?p she repeated.
THE girl who has just left us2@
The young lady" he said, with a
slight emphasis, who has just
lplighted her troth to Lord Leycestel
Wyndward
There was silence for a moment.
His direct statement Of the case had
told on her
And if help you-if consent
what shape is my assistance to
take?"
Il leave that to you" he said. Il
can answer for her, for Stella Ethe-
ridge-that is her name.
i do not wish to mention names,
she said. coldIy.
quite right" he said. Trees have
ears, as you and have just proved.
She shuddered at the familiar. COR
J .ent tone in his voice.
Il win not mention names" ne re-
lpeated, let US say him and her
lCandidly- and between US. my lady,
there should be nothing but candor--i
Ihaye sworn that nothing shall come
lof this betrothal. love her, and
Ihate him.
She looked at him. His face was
deadly white, and his eyes CLEANED,
but a smile still played about his lips.
"You." he continued. hate her,
and-Iove-h him"
| Lady Lenore started, and crimson
flush Of shame stained her fair face.
How do.e you!' she exclaimed.
tic sGI1ed.
Il have shown you my hand. my
lady; I know yours. WIN you tell me
that I am wrong. Say the word-say
lthat you are Indifferent how matters
go-and I will make my bow and leave
you"
She stood and looked at him-sEe
could not say the word. He has
spoken the truth; she did love Lord
ILeycester with a passion that SUI
prised her, with passion that had
mot made itself known to her until
tonight. when she lad seen MIN take
into his arms another woman-had
heard his protestations of love for an
Iother woman. and seen him kiss an
other woman.
wounded pride, self-love. passionate
desire, all fought for mastery within
her bosom, ana the man who stood
calmly before her knew 1t.
He read every thought of her neart
as it was mirrowed on her proud,
beautiful face
II do not understand" she said
you come to me perfect stranger,
and make these confessions"
He smiled.
Il. come to you because you and
desire to accomplish one end-the Sc
paration OF these two persons.
come to you because | have ALREADY
found some means toward such an
end, and | believe you are capable Of
devising and carrying out me re
mainder Lady Lenore--"
do not utter my name" she said
looking round uneaslly.
You, and you alone, can help me
las | have said / can influence the
girl, you can influence him. | have
S:orked hard for that influence-have
plotted. and Planned. and schemed foi
il. Cisyerness, ingenuity-7cal Il
what you will--has been exerted BY
me: you have only TO exert your
pardon me-your beauty"
With gesture, she drew the shaw
nearer her FACET was like profana
ton to hear him speak of her beauty.
Together we conquer; alone.
think, we should fail, for though
hold her in cleft stick l cannot
answer for him. He is headstrone
and wild, and in moment might
upset my plans. Your task--if yol
accept it's to see that he does not
VIM you accept it?"
What is your hold over herr she
asked, eurlously.
He smiled.
Pardon me if decline to answer
Be assured that | have hold upon her
, Your hold on him is as strong as tina
of mine on her. VIII you exert it?'
she was silent.
Think" he said. Let me put th'
case clearly. For his own good yol
ought not to hesitate. What good oa'
come of such a marriage-a yiscount
an earl. marry the niece OF painter
an obscure nobody! 1t is for his Owl
Sood-the husband of Stella--I for
got!-no names. As her husband h
Isinks into insignifcanee, as yours b.
rises to height which his position ant
yours entitle MIN TO. Can yoU hesi
, tate?"
No tempter since the world began
not even the serpent at the foot Of th'
apple-tree In Eden. could have put j
more ingentously She wayered. Re
iuctant to make a compact with a mar
and a stranger, and such q man! sh'
stood and hesitated,
He drew out his watch.
at is getting late be sud. I Sc
your ladyship declines the alliance
nffer you. wish you goodnight
.nd he raised bis hat.
To be continued.