Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-06-16
knight Grant
Continued.
By EDNA LYALL

one sunny ERA A3&E A>-s1 -A~h AAC uOL 1
t.r had allowed him to go for short |
drive. Glare and Kate took him for
the first time outside the Merlebank
grounds. and drove him through the
little village at Cleevering. By this
time he had himself pretty well in
hand-had schooled himself into a
sort % content with Incompetence
hed worked himself round to a state
IN which he could feel that It was at
any rate something to be with Fran
cesca's relations, 10 hear her name
every now and then. to be at least
certain of knowing If she were In any
particular need or trouble.
1--WE r1ay as well call for the letters
as we are passing the post-ofice - said
Kate, drawing up at the village shop.
She sprung out Of the chaise. Carlo Of
fering TO hold the pony for her. He
had neither ridden nor driven since
he had left Italy, and the mere feeling
OF the reins between his fingers awoke
new life within him; it was long
since he had been able really to de-
sire any attaiinabie thing. but now he
vas seized with a strong desire TO
ride once more. and the mere capa.
bility of wishing was a relief He
had an almost boyish pleasure in
feeling the movements Of tire pony
head as y champed the bit. in hear
ing the impatient paving of he
ground.
Two letters for you Clare" said
Kate, reappearing; and Clare took
them rather anxIously. and opening
the one from her home and began to
read
None for me?' asked Carlo.
Not one" said Kate, tossing Two
or three envelopes on to the vacant
seat. He instantly detected that one of
them bore the blue stamp of Italy.
Was it from francesca? he wondered,
or perhaps from Captain Britton TO
his brother? II was something 10 be
staying in a house VIII re letters were
received from Casa Bella and yet Il
was sort of torture TO him to sit
quietly in the pony-chase. Obliged 70
content himself with studying the
length OF King Humbert's mustache
and the big letters OF "Napoi" on the
post-mark. Doubtless. he thought,
the letter had been posted as they
went TO church on Sunday, and he
hardly knew whether the thought
made him feel nearer to his love or
'~9re hopelessly cut Off from her. He
not dare to ask any questions lest
ne should awaken Kate's suspicion.
but he hoped against hope that she
would speak and put him out of his
suspense. Kate, however talked OF
the scenery. and the weather, and the
springgreen Of the trees, and of ev.
cry unimporant thing under the sun,
but oi that letter she said not a word.
and be had 20 endure walking up
stairs behind her when they reached
the house, and seeing her disappear
with Il into her own room
Il was hard but then sore need had
taught hi, to be thankful for small
mercies, ard he cheered himself with
he reflection that al any rate he was
now tolerably certain that The lette,
was from Francesca herself. that Ly
his time she knew 81 his Illness. OF
Clare had mentioned II in one Of her
letters. and that II wills even remote v
possible that the captain might have
permitted her 20 send some message
Torturing himself with hopes aud
fears AFTER the manner OF lovers. he
waited as long as he could make him.
self wait upstairs then. WIN the
hope pfedominating and the impa
thence no longer TO be resisted found
his way into the drawing room. and
looked round for Kate The room
was empty. but on the manteipiece
there cleaned the blue King Humbert
and the big "Napoli." and the dnec.
ton In Francesca's own writing to
Miss Briiton. Merlebauk. mr.. Ash.
borough. Irghilterra"
He longed TO snatch i up and kiss
il. but restrained himself ,ecause even
the envelope was not his; with sigh
he crossed the room aad tried to-
make the time pass by playing all
EfaHAtNNAA tbfhFltt All - Ahu dtieE
What seemed a long While. the foot.
man came In with the afternoon tea.
ard WAS soon h4lowes by Mr. Britton
"You are n'v!y home this after
aeon Sad Carlo leaving the piano,
and shyeriue a lit;le as he came over
to the FIRE.
have sn appointment ut Clever
'dg a half-past ave, and thought
would snatch cup OF tea ON the
way" said MIR Briuon You don't
lock quite SO we'll; I'm afraid you have
been everything yOuHsh,"
oh. no thank You" said Carlo
wondering how his companion could
80 and within yard OF Francesca's let.
Ter and not notice a. Il have been
fcf drive today. and enjoyed 1t very
much"
That's right, said the ship builder, !
III his kindly voice. We must begin
% i'onize you now that you are get |
ting stronger You ought to 90 over
"a Tancfoft castle. it is fine old Nor.
msn rnR, You would find great
ossi to i8iercst Won there"
CSr'o thought differently NJ any /
sa'e just ~ the present moment he /
WIS srcliHed To wish all fne o'd Nor. /
ma0 u3~s at The no tom OF lha sea /
Do. t--..t.a. f-.f 49,.