Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-03-11
Continued.

kind can permit such a paragon to
remain single? Uncle, they must be
afraid of her"
well, perhaps they are-some Of
them" he assented, smiling. NO.
he continued, mus!ngly; "she is not
married. Ienore might have been
married long before this: she has had
many chance, ard some of them great
ones She n light have been a duchess
by this time if she had chosen"
And WHY did she not?" said Stella.
''Such a woman should be nothing less
than a duchess. 1t is duchess whom
you have described, uncle"
Il don't know" he said. simply. "a
don't think anyone knows; perhaps
she does not know herself
Stella was silent for moment; her
imagination was hard at work.
els she rich, poor-what, uncle?"
u don't know. Rich, should
think" he answered.
And what is her other name, or
has she only one name, like a princess
or church dignitary?"
"Her name is Beauchamp-Lady
Lenore Beauchamp."
Lady" repeated Stella, surprised.
"she has a title, then; it was all that
was wanted"
Yes. she is the daughter Of peer. "
What a happy woman she must be;
is she woman or a girl, though. }
have imagined her woman of thirty.
He laughed.
Lady Lenore is-ds"-he thought
a moment-"just twenty-three."
That's a woman" said Stella, le-
cidedly. And this wonderful Great
ure is at the Hall, within sight of US.
Tell me. uncle, do they keep her in a
glass case. and only permit her to be
seen as a curiosity at so much a
head? They ought to do So you
know"
He laughed, and his hand streked
her hair.
What is it vo,taire says, Stella, "
he remarked. "'If you want woman
to hate another, praise her to the
first one
Stella's face flushed hotly, and she
laughed with just a touch of scorn.
Hate. I dont hate her, uncle
admire her: l should like to see her,
to touch her-to feel for myself the
wonderful charm Of which you speak
| should like to see how she bears it ;
it must be strange. you know, to be
superior In all ones kind
IF she feels strange" he said,
thoughtfulIy, she does not show il.
never saw more perfect grace and
ease than hers. l do not think any
thing in the world would rufie her.
think if she we're on beard ship that
was going down inch by inch. and she
knew that she was within, say, five
minutes of death, she would not finch
or drop for moment the smile which
usually rests upon her lips. That is
her charm. Stella-tAe perfect ease
and perfect grace which spring from
Consciousness Of her power
There was silence for a moment
The painter had spoken in his usual
dreamy fashion, more like commun on
with his own thoughts than a drec;
address to his bearer, and Stella lis
tening. allowed every word to SIM
into her mind.
His description Impressed her
strongly. more than she cared to ad-
NIT. Already, so it seemed to her
she felt fascinated by this beautiful
creature, who appeared as perfect and
faultless as one of the heather god
desses-say Diana
Where does she live?" she asked,
dreamiIy.
He smoked in silence for a moment.
Live? / scarcely know; she IS
everywhere In London in the season.
in England where she would not be
received with a welcome accorded to
princes. 1t is rather strange that she
should be down here just now; the
season has commenced, most of the
visitors have left the Hall, some OF
them to be in their places in Parlia-
ment 1t is rather strange that she
should have come down at this time. p
Stella colored, and a feeling OF
vague irritation took possess oe CT
her-why, she scarcely knew.
Il should think that everyone would
be glad to come to Wyndward Hall at
any time-even Lady Lenore Beau
champ" she said, in low voice.
He nodded.
"Wyndward Hall is fine place" he
said slowly, "but Lady Lenore is &C
customed towel, to palaces There
is not a ballroom in London where
her absence will not be noticed. II
is strange Perhaps he smiled
Lady Wyndward has some motive. -
Some motive?" repeated Stella,
turning her eyes toward him. What
vIotive can she have?"
There is LEICESTER" he said, mus
jngly
-'Leycester?"
The word was out Of her lips before
she was aware of it, and vivid Grim
son dyed her face.
Lord Leicester, I mean
YES" he answered Nothing
would please his mother more than to
see nun marry, am he could not
marry more suitable person than
Lenore Yes, that must h it, OF