Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-09-21

discouragement-is it not so?"
The man sat staring into her up
turned face
Yes" he answered shortly. that is
all very wonderful and all very true,
and it is no easy matter for an I'M
known man to gain foothold in the
business world when one has no pre-
vious experience-no recommenda-
tons to offer"
The girl threw out her hands and
the bangles jingled. And yet" she
cried, you were born under a lucky
star. so henceforth you shall rise. you
viii attain great prominence and
wealth" She smiled at these oft
quoted words. BE faithful. be indus
trious. See-I shall give the message of
your own particular star" She drew
paper and pencil from the pocket of her
crimson skirt, and writing rapidly,
folded the note note and placed 1t in
his hand. then catching up the sheath
of roses and laughing at his bewilder-
ment, she was lost among the passing
crowd.
Mechanically Ashton unfolded the
note and read: Call at the office of
the n, V. r. r., New York city.
Thursday afternoon between the
hours of nine and ten O'Clock and ask
to see Charles Alden. the yiee-presi-
dent"
He crumpled the paper excitedly
and looked in vain for the girls be-
witching face. Who was this little
creature who was so well acquainted
with his improbable past? Was she
merely hooking him, or could 1t be
possible that the few written words
held the slightest possibility of a
chance?
He hurried over and entered the
tent where a number of gypsies we're
evidently packing up preparatory to
leaving for the night Ashton was
astonished to find that they were true
Romany people beyond a doubt,
II am searching for a young girl
who has been telling my fortune" he
explained TO a dark stout woman of
the tribe. "she cid not seem to be
one of your people"
mo fortune has been told here to-
night except by my people" the wom-
an answered decidedly. IF you don't
see the girl here now she has gone
home"
He wandered about the grounds and
peeped into the booths until the mu-
sicians encased their instruments and
departed; but the reader of the stars
had completely disappeared.
When he visited the scene of the
lawn fete upon the following day. no
trace of last nights festivities >
manned Ashton re-read the scrubbed
directions. and then smiling at his
own folly. packed his trunk and board
ed a train for New York. The very
air of the morning seemed filed with
new hopefulness as he FASTENED
along Broadway. and 1t was not until
he had given the card bearing his
unknown name to an attendant who
guarded the entrance to the vice
presidents private sanctum, that
Ashton became appalled,. all at once.
at his own rashness. He was consid-
ering flight when the man returned
Mr. Alden will see you at once. !"
he said
Eth" the Englishman exclaimed
This way, please, the man re-
sponded and Ashton found himself
standing stupidity quiet in the pres
ence of q man whose shrewd eyes
seemed to be reading him through
and through
you have no letters OF recon-
mendation. ! believe. Mr.. Ashton ?"
the vice-president .sked.
These pertaining to my character
alone" he replied.
The man at the desk smiled as he
looked over the letters and Ashton
flushed
Very we'll" the vice-pre s'1ent aid
at length, I'VE will take S0u on trial;
you must prove yourself. There Is a
chance of advancement here for the
right person, Mr. Ashton. We have
no use for the other kind"
He went to his hotel that night and
drew a picture from memory of the
girl whose face haunted all his
waking hours. Lest forget" he
said but never ceased his unavailing
search for a glimpse of her IL every
crowded place.
Then he settled Gown to work with
a determination and a thoroughness
of understanding which were sure to
win success. He allowed himself
three days vacation during the sum
mer, and these three days we're oent
with little old aunt who lived on a
New Jersey farm and the aunt wrote
a glowing account of her nephew's
advancement to her sister far away In
England.
II was in October that Ashton re-
ceived the great promotion He &C
cepted II with his usual outward calm
ness, but this time 1t was be who
penned the triumphant news and his
letter was as joyous as that OF a
school boy He was becoming accus-
toned to the new duties when Mr..
Alden was taken Ill and telephoned to
Ashton to come out to his countrv
place during the evening as he de-
sired information concerning affairs
at the Office.
The vicepresidert received Ashton
In the library of the beautiful sum
mer home; his face wore kindly
expression as the younger man
clasped his hand. then with sudden
eagerness. Ashton examined a photo
graph which hung upon the wall above
the couch. II was the picture OF a
girl In gypsy costume: her eyes shone