Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-09-21
His
Lucky
Star
By AGNES C. BRoGAN

hotel looking undecidedly up and
down the long business street. The
June night was oppressively warm.
not breath of air seemed to be stir
ring in this evercrowded portion of
the city. Finally he lit cigar and
strolled slowly along. wondering If in
all that great mass of humanity there
was one other creature as utterly
lonely and foresaken as himself There
was not one familiar face to greet his
eyes, not one friendly voice to speak
his name. upon this side of the At
lantic
His search for employment in New
York had been fruitless. He had hoped
TO meet with better success in this
smaller city, but encouragement met
him upon every side.
Absorbed in gloomy meditation. for
getful Of his surroundings, he walked
on through the beautiful residence dis
Srict, until the sound of music coupled
with happy laughing voices. caused
him to raise his eyes suddenly. Be
for him stretched a high brick garden
wall whose heavy overhanging trees
brought a memory-and fresh pang
of home-sickness.
Brilliantly lighted Japanese lanterns
twinkled everywhere, and as he turned
the corner he saw a large white pla-
card which read: Lawn Fete for the
benefit of the Guild Mission. Come in
and help the good cause"
A young man clad in a white linen
suit stood at the entrance to the
grounds, proclaiming through a meg
Rphone, the many attractions to be
found inside. The stranger hesitated
moment; a rustic bench beneath a
spreading tree appeared very inviting
after his long tramp He paid the ad-
mission fee and Joined the gay throng
passing through the gateway.
He had seated himself in secluded
corner when a very vision of lowell
ness in the form of young girl bear
ing basket of flowers appeared be
fore him.
"Will you buy some roses for the
benefit OF the mission" she begged.
There was no resisting the smile
which accompanied her plea The man
promptly handed over a dollar-and
his supply Of dollars was running ex-
ceedingly low. The girl thanked him
charmingly and sought another vic
tim.
She was Immediately followed by a
purveyor of candy, but this time the
stranger resolutely shook his head
Il must breakfast upon roses" he told
the persistent young saleswoman.
Would you have me dine upon can
dy?" And thereupon he withdrew
still further into the corner to be out
of range of these enthusiastic help
ers.
Directly across the pathway a white
tent flap stood open showing it's in
mates clad in fantastic gypsy COS
tunes. and over the doorway stretched
sign
Cynthia. the only true and reliable
reader of fortunes. assisted by her
band of educated Gypsies. would re-
veal the future. and give valuable ad-
vice concerning the same for the small
sum of so cents"
The man smiled ironically into the
darkness and the troubled frown
again appeared upon his forehead
There was a Wild burst of music from
the orchestra, then suddenly and ST.
lently from out of the shadows came
girl, who stood paering into his
face. She wore a gypsy dress and
strings Of scarlet beads were woven
thr tugh the braids Of her heavy Jet
black hair; bracelets and bangles
covered the round brown arms. She
flashed a emile at him.
Like to have your fortune told?"
she asked.
The man again shook his head. II
am afraid that the future will have
to remain an awful blank" he said.
for l have squandered my last ready
dollar upon these COMPOUNDED flowers. :"
The girl pursed her red lips. well. -
she suggested, Il might tell 1t for the
roses"
Agreed" he answered and extend.
ed his palm, but she raised her face
to the sky
Il do not read palms." she said In
her soft musical voice. 81 read the
message of the stars
The man laughed. "ATl right" he
said; go on"
She looked at him defantly through
half closed lids.
20, you do not believe in my power
10 nredirt she said "Thap shau
convince you by telling your past"
That" he answered, would be de-
cidedly interesting"
You are" she began, "a stranger in
a strange land"
My accent" he grumbled, has be-
trayed me-"
mo" the girl replied, 1t is not
your accent, Mr.. Harry Ashton"
The man gave perceptible start.
then smiled You ha,o evidently
been in England. fair prophecies" he
said. land have been pointed out to
you by some one of my admiring
friends" There was a slight bitter
ness in his tone.
Il have never crossed the ocean"
she answered positively. and l am
acquainted with no person who has
ever seen you"
Ashton shrugged his shoulders.
Proceed he said. q am completely
mystifed."
There is an old crumbling manor
house in England" she continued
dreamiIy. mot much money there. I