Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-01-19

whose name is famous in every
court OF Europe as one of fashions
most ardent yotaries His companion
is no other than our old friend Clar-
enee, Viscount Lane. Now, Lady Luz
celle had said in her letter that Clar-
ence Fitzjames was very much
changed since he had become Lord
Lane, and she had only spoken the
truth.
He had spent the last three months
h travel and in losing that languid,
'ackadaisical air, upon which, as
Clarence Fftzjames, he prided him
self pretty considerably, but which as
Lord Lane he felt ought to be aban-
doned. He had cast off the self-af-
lection, and, as no one can travel and
move about in the world without ac-
curing little information and in
crement of knowledge, ne was rather
more sensible than of yore.
As finishing touch should like to
be able to add that his morals had
unprecedented, the less said on that
part of the subject the better, per
haps. A mans manner may be i'm
proved By his becoming a viscounr,
but his morals, as a ruie, remain what
they were, or grow more luxurious
with increased opportunity.
But certainly Clarence was i'm,
proved. was less conceited, less lazy.
and if not less selfish, had learned
the art of concealing his selfishness.
and passing for real good fellow
Upon the hill up which the two
men We're climbing stood a gray old
pile, Nugent Abbey, Charles ugly
but substantial country seat.
Jolly hot says Nugent; more
like July than September; no won.
der the birds seemed half asleep"
And we've been pelting along so,
remarks Clarence, wiping the perspi-
ration from his face and shifting his
game-bag to the other shoulder.
Cant help it." rejoins Charlie.
I'm afraid Ferndale and his wife
viii be there now before l get home,
and I'm anxious to see him when he
arrives--not that l need stand on
ceremony with him; but there's his
wife, whom ! haven't seen yet. You
don't know her, do you?"
No" replies Clarence, with
yawn that shows his double row of
excellent teeth, nor him either. We
have never met, although I've heard
of his going to the same house as
myself; but something kept either
him or me away, and we never met
Awful bis pot, isn't he?"
What, old vane?" laughs Charlie.
There isn't a jollier fellow going
when you know him. A little stiff at
first. perhaps, and a little what-do-
you-caH-it Eccentric but as easy
going as a windmill Awfully glad
he's coming! We haven't seen each
other for nine months. The funniest
start he went on that ever you heard
Of"
'Sh-sh!" breaks in Clarence, sud
denly, there goes a brace!" and,
raising his gun. he brings them down.
And his wife-what's she like?'
asks Clarence, trudging back with
the newly slaughtered victims in his
hand Usual kind of them, / sup4
pose-taIl and serene, in black satin
its black velvet il it's duchess,
satin Tor a marchioness, and l sup
pose all the rest OF EN- have to go in
silk
Nugent laughs.
Getting quite eynfe in your old
age, Lane. No. the narehioness isn't
anything of that 1fnt. Why, man,
didn't you hear them talking about
her at dinner last p,ght?"
There vas great deal of caekie
about some one, but didn't pay
much attention, says Clarence, with
little sigh.
Charlie laughs, and claps him on
the back.
Thinking OF past times and lost
loves. Ell. old man? Oh, I've heard
you were awfully hard hit last year
somewhere down in the country,
wasn't it,"
Clarence mods, and signs as he
lights a well-worn brierwood pipe.
GU re flSnt, Was ana WHAT >
more. l haven't got over it yet, for
all your chatting"
Lucky beggars, most of YOU are"
says Lord Charles. with light envy.
"Never was hit in my life; don't
know what grande passion is. Seen
plenty of pretty women. too. in my
time Suppose my day will arrive
perhaps when I'm old. and have the
family gout. One generally gets
knocked over by a schoolgirl, doesn't
one? And acquires past fondness
for bread and butter, and marina
lade."
Char away" says Clarence. 'If
you don't know what it means, you