Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-01-06
knight Grant
By EDNA LYALL

Ridu 10 EHtCL nAS t9SoPC "'NN 'S-NS
after the sermon, leaving Carlo ard
Francesca TO the second service while
he fastened to make inquiries as TO
the Pilgrim.
To his surprise and delight. he was
greeted Just outside the church by his
brother
sibyl who had very vague reeollec-
tons of her uncle, studied him with
a child's keen criticism.
He is like papa" she reflected,
but smaller and finer; his beard is
beautiful. and white and curly, like a
Father Christmas; he laughs with his
eyes. like him"
Having satisfied herself on this
/ point. she began to listen to the con-
yersation.
! Yes, we got in early this morning
her uncle was saying. I'VE had very
light winds all the way from Leghorn
in fact. yesterday We were be-
/ Gained. but after the squat we got
on better. What a paradise you live
| in. to be sure! All. is this your little
one? Why. sibyl you haze grown
out of all knowledge And what have
You done with Francesca
Francesca will be here directly"
reple ed the captain. "We may as
well walt for her, II you are not in a
hurry. BY the bye, George. ] think
you have not heard that she is to be
married shortly"
What high an9 mighty nobleman
has been so happy as to meet with
your APPROVAL" said Mr. Brltton, well
aware of his brothers weakness for
titles. and convinced by his beamiug
face that the marriage was desirable
in his eyes.
"A young italian neighbor of ours
Signor Donatl; not noble at all, but
of good old family, and likely TO do
well at the Neapolitan Bar. Oh, l
am thoroughly pleased with the af-
fair thoroughly pleased, and Donati
Is heir to a rich old uncle, so it is sat
isfactory in every way"
Il hope he is good enough for dear
little Fran. said Mr.. Britton, dryly.
Somehow the notion OF his pretty
niece marrying the first foreigner who
proposed for her did not please him.
We'll, as to that. doubt II there is
any one in the world quite good
enough for her said Captain Britton,
rubbing rs hands, but slightly embar-
raised by the presence of his prayer
book You will like Donati though,
! am sure of that He Is fine fell
low. Just now. poor boy, he is In
great trouble-lost his mother quite
suddenly, and of course he's dread
fully cut up. In fact, think the only
thing will be TO hasten on the mar
riage, and get him right away from
the place for bit All, here they
come! that's right and he hurried
forward lest Sibyl should forestall
him as news-bearer,
Mr.. Briiie:i glanced quickly at
Francesca's hance. and felt his insu-
lar prejudice melting away. A more
beautiful face hef had never seen
Something of It's serenity vanished
however, as Captain Britton ap-
preached q sort of shade passed over
the forehead, and he evidently came
back TO the present with an effort
The captain brought him forward, and
introduced him in his usual rather
boisterous and patronizing way. Mr.
Britton was all the more struck by
the grace and dignity of the Italian,
and he held out his hand cordially.
81 have been hearing OF you, Sig
You must let me congratulate you,
for indeed, | think you are very
happy man"
The Italian smiled surely the sad
dest smile ever seen. as he bowed his
| acknowledgements. Mr.. Britton was
startled and perplexed. but Frances
cas- happy face treasured him; and
had not the captain said that his
future son-iu-law was In troubleS
Il want YOU all TO come and spend
the day on my yacht" he said. turn.
ing to his brother The gig is wait
ing down by the Arsenal Come. you
must really take compassion on my
solitude. Signor Donati, hope you'll
pat mp with that barbarous custom.
an early dinner; but the fact is our
cooks cuddy Is SO near the mems
quarters that il dine late the poor
fellows are half grllled at night"
After n little more discussion they
all set on for the Arsenal. where the
gig. term which had baffied Carlo
altogether, resolved itself into a
fcur-oareh boat, manned by trim
| looking English sailors. who bore the
name of the Pilgrim in red letters
across their blue jerseys. and in
gold letters round their hats Mr.
Britton took his place in the stern.
insisting that hts brother must sit be,
side Sibyl TO trim the boat; and hav-
ing thus managed that the lovers
should be side by side gave the word
TO start Sibyl gave cry OF delight
as the goldeu-brown oars were
promptly raised IN the air and stimuli
tanoously lowered Into the water.
oh. Uncle George" she cried,
how happy YOU must be with this
dear little boat always waiting for
ECU. and men to do so beautifully jus;
what you say"
ssAhr -,ta ~, t,-..s -.. H.