Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-07-14
knight Grant
By EDNA LYALL

|
possible to turn from this bright fut
IRE 10 the dismal drudgery in tbs
provinces with Merlino-tne poverty
and hard work, and scan' sympathy
! He was young and longed for happi
| ness an artist, and longed 10 bring
his art 20 SO highest perfection under
the best conditions human being
and appreciation was cheering. and
lacl, Of recognition depressing.
But. for all that above the eager
representations Of Piaie and the L0.
don manager. and above his own per
sonal craving for this new life, he
could distinctly hear the inner voice.
which had never failed him. repeat
ing again and again:
Remember Anita. Che has no one
but you, Be faithful"
Long before ne had ended the
struggle came the necessity Of making
some sort OF reply 10 the offer, but no
ono ever passed through a temptation
and found all the time he desired for
preparation Every inch OF the ground
had to be contested and even In his
courteous thanks there was an unusual
amount Of hesitation. which the Lon
don manager put down 20 dlnidenee
and inexperience Piale, however
knowing hiIl better, began TO fear
that It bodied a refusal
You are nO' strong enough for the
drudgery OF a travelling company" he
exclaimed. Everything points to
your accepting this offer"
Carlo looked at him a trlfle re-
proachfully. and his manner became
less difiident ana his words more to
the point
The offer is indeed a tempting
one he said; but | fear must re.
fuse it. You see. sir, Merlino is my
brotherin-law. and my engagement
with him--though it may be ended
next month. If either Of us wishes ii
TO be ended
The manager interrupted him.
But the mere fact that the impre-
sariO Is your brOther-in-law is surely
in your favor. He would be inter
ested in your success-w would wish
you to size on this opportunity, which
may be turned TO very good account.
| assure you.
CARO- gave Piale a glance which
said as plainly as words, See what
difficulty you have landed me In"
hA1 -, q
suggestion which relieved mis- con
science. and proved Of some use to
Carlo.
Take few hours TO think 1t all
oevr, he suggested Il will come aud
see YOU again about it tomorrow.
That is not a bad idea" said the
manager. But | must beg for a final
answer tomorrow morning. for Metasti
has failed me suddenly, and We are in
great need of a baritone. If you re-
tuse-but you'll not refuse. / hope
Signor Piale YOU must talk him over,
And after a little friendly banter
and few skillfully framed compli-
mcn's, the manager rose 20 10. shak-
ing hands cordially with Carlo
And shall hope soon 70 number
YOU in my company" were his parting
words.
Don't on any account come TO the /
door said Piale. eNciedly. The /
damp nght-your throat" for
Heavens sake. take care of your
throat, And tomorrow I shall come |
over 20 receive your definite accep.
nothing less, mIud-a definite /
acceptance diuvolo' shall /
think you have gone clean demcntcd. {" /
to the greater part of thar nigh /
Caro- fought the terrible craving that /
had seized htm to accept The london
otter tie wax ashamed to find how
he longed for all that The [
manager had suggested. white Pialc's /
assurance hat he WAS uuJ strong
enough FOR the hard work in Mer-
limos company had in IL truth which
made i doubly dangerous. IL was to
bo a ease OF kin or curr-the ductot
had tul3 him as much, ana thuneh Al
arst The i5ea had not In the least
shaken his purpose yet now Ia h.
was "a one. with al around him dark
lud sjill, be- began 10 consider the
TWO possibilities
There WAS chat glow ma picture of
lta and success which The London 4
ma,agvr had painted In imagination
hu lived thuu&h lh. mspiripu recsp.