Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1909-11-24

eS. continued LORD Lane. act
is, I've just had a letter-we get
them an hour earlier up at the park
han you, you know-saying that my
brother Lane has met with an aeci-
dent, and is dead
Vernon Vane had been listening
rather absently, but those hesitating,
hurried words caused him to start
'Lane-deadl" he exclaimed.
The new Lord Lane nodded.
YES" he said. did you know
him?"
Vernon Vane's usual reserved man
ner enveloped him Immediately.
Il have met him." he said, coldly
And he is deadl"
'Yes-was pitched out of his dog
cart; always was too fond of driving
risky cattle. Knew how it would be
some day-pOor Lanei"
Vernon Vane looked absent for {
moment, then he said
u am sorry to hear this, Lore
Lane. Can l do anything for your
Lord Lane started slightly at hii
title; it was the first time he hsc
been so addressed, and commences
kicking the gravel with his foot.
Thanks; lists very kind o
you, and-wen, you could do some
thing if you would"
What is it?" asked Vane, with hi
usual directness.
well you see, I've only just hearC
the news, and they don't know any
thing about it up at the park. and Il
tell you the truth, / rather shirk GO
ing through the whole story, and thu
regular good-by, and" Vernon
vane eyed him quietly; "and though
perhaps you wouldn't mind walking
up and letting them know. I'm anx
ious to get to town, and can catcl
the first train if don't have to g
back to the park. you know"
And what about the young ladies
Have you any special message TO
them?" asked Vane. with his old cyni
cal smile.
Only the usual thing. Obliged to g
sorry to leave so suddenly, and al
that. Hang It. Vane." he broke out
abruptly, you don't suppose that any
thing of that kind can go on now
things are changed, and my people
would go mad"
What is sauce for Mr.. Fitzjames is
not sauce for Viscount Lane, see,'
said Vane, coldly "Good-morning
Lord Lane"
"Oh-half moment" said his
lordship; Il say, Vane, just one thing
more, you-of course you won't thinE
anything about our chat last night
about the other little lady. you
know"
Vernon Vane's lips tightened.
Are you abiding 10 Miss Der
TRAMP" he asked, grimly
Lord Lane nodded, and gathered vi
his reins.
Yes, of course, that was all non
sense. No more to be thought Of thar
the other young ladies'. You under
stand a fellow, of course. Wouldn1
do you know, Ell? Don't mention it,
there's a good fellow"
NO, said Vane, 81 am not likely
to mention it." and without another
word he strobe off.
Lord Lane drew a long breath OF
relief
"Phew" he muttered; I'm well out
OF it all The sight of the pillmaker
would finish me after this mornings
work; / feel upset decidedly upset
and--wish to Heaven | was in town,
and he made for the station.
BY the time Vernon Vane had
reached the gate in the wall, which,
by the way, he had opened pretty
often of late, the cynical expression
had left his face, and the eager look
Of the lover had returned.
He paused a moment in the court
10 look up at the red house which
held his treasure. and recalled the
evening of his first visit, when he had
his darling in the midst OF
ler home life, as she had knelt in the
freight and turned her face to him
With the tears In her eyes which his
music had called up. Then he went
n, to find the house apparently de-
ierted But presently. as he stood
ooling from the open doorway into
he garden there was a light footstep
,ehind him, and there stood Jeanne
With her hand held out, and her eyes
.owncast, but a tell-tale blush on
Ter face.
without word he drew her to-
ward him. with a murmured word of
1T is like the sleeping palace!" he
aid with his quiet smile.
Where are they all?" said Jeanne,
hyly. Il was upstairs. Hal is out.
nd aunt"
Am so early?" he said; II should
ave been here before. but have been
etained.' and as he spoke he drew
er into the garden.
Jeanne was very silent ard very
hy as she walked by his side. but
very now and then. as he stopped to-
lick one or other of tho spring
lowers, she stole a glance at the
handsome face-a glance of mingled
owe and pride For what girl-even
princess Of the blood-woald not be
,roud of the love of this stalwart
andsome artist and musician?