Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-10-20

Newton Regis mas. OF course, occu-
pied itself with conjectuyes and sur.
misses, but they have all resolved
themselves into this: That the
stranger who has come among them
is an artist, and means to live to hin
self.
That he is poor is also evident. He
lives. as Mrs. Brown says. with up
lifted hands, like monk" and
many a plowman has seen him break
ing a crust of bread for his luncheon,
eating it as he walked up and down
before the small sketehing easel to
keep himself warm.
The children knew. most of him, for
he rarely passed a group of them in
his walks but he would stop and ex-
change a word with them, always
striding on, however, if any grown-up
person came in sight,
Jeanne. as she walks by his side,
ponders over all this, as she has pom
dered for many an hour during the
last fortnight, until, though as he
said, they have met so few times, she
seems already to have known him
for some time past.
TResGEt.y LEY tara INTO tfS yi2sge
street, and Hal. catching Vernon
Vane's arm exclaims:
You will come in tonight, sir,
won't you? Jeanne" he says. eagerly
looking across at her-"Jeanne! try
and persua de Mr.. Vane to come in to
tea with as. He always refuses me-
now ySd try.
"Will you come in with us?" she
says, earnestly.
He hesitates.
Dol" pleads Hal.
Jeanne's face Pushes slightly.
You should not worry Nj. Vane
too much, Hal; perhaps he dislikes
being asked"
Il dislike refusing" he says Il
viii come, and thank you"
Hal casts a glance of delight at
Jeanne, but Jeanne does not respond.
Just as Hal opens the gate, a mail
phaeton comes rafting down the
street
Jeanne looks around in time to see
the Honorable Fitzjames driving, and
he, seeing her, whips off his hat; and
evidently tries to pull up the spirited
bays, but before he can do so Jeanne
has followed and closed the gate.
Vernon Nanes quiet eyes note the
frown of surprise and annoyance
which darkens Mr.. F'itzjames face,
and the artist looks at Jeanne: but
her face betrays nothing as she opens
| the glass door in the hall and holds
it for him to enter.
welcome to the Gate House. Mr..
Vane!" said Hal. delightedly. Jeanne
utters no welcome, but ushers him
into the drawing room, all radiant
with the fire.
Hal sniffs the air critically.
You must be prepared for some
strange smells, sir" he says. You
know Uncle John goes in for chemis-
try; it's nothing when you're used to
it, but stranger might think he had
strayed into chemists shop
4 don't notice it, said Vernon
Vane.
Then uncle's got his double door
shut. He has been better lately
oh, MIR. Vane, mind you don't let him
talk to you on electricity and any
thing Of that kind-Uncle John will
talk all night else"
/ Vernon Vane smiled and the next
moment Uncle John entered.
Glad to see you, sir; glad to see
YOU" he sad, shaking the strong
hand which clasped his thin, white
one. You've made the boy happy at
last"
quite happy" said Aunt Jane. 81
am glad to have an opportunity OF
thanking you for your kindness to
him, Mr.. Vane. My brother has
called at the cottage twice, but you
were out"
And very rudely neglected to re-
pay the visit until now" said The ar
fist, with his grave smile.
To be continued.