Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-08-10

LliS army Adys 6NOOa
the unpretentious house of Mrs. Hard
ing. She was a widow. her husband.
Joseph Harding, had given his life for
independence early in the days of the
Revolution Here with her daughter
Faith, beautiful girl of eighteen, she
lived alone, deriving a livelihood from
her few acres of tillable land below
the blum.
Mrs Harding and Faith were firm
patriots, and although they had mourn
ed deeply the loss of Joseph Harding,
they had never once lost enthusiasm
for the cause that had brought their
great sorrow.
There was one In the neighborhood
who would have done all in his power
to lessen Faiths trials. This was
Warren Dalton, whose fathers we'll
cultivated fields lay across the stream
from the Harding place
Warren Dalton and Faith had grown
up together and had attended the
same school Later their acquain-
lance had ripened into love on young
Dalton's side. Faith, however, did not
return his feeling for her At first.
she had tried laughing his love aside,
but without avail Lately his atten-
itions had assumed form of persecu-
ton almost unbearable to a girl of
Faiths high-spirited nature.
Several times she had been on the
point of dismissing him severely, but
the families had been old friends so
long that, for her mothers sake, she
bore his prosecutions in silence. The
time, however, had come when she
was forced to speak plainly.
The gray cleaning of a cherries
winter evening was falling over the
wooded bluff. Faith was making her
chickens snug for the night, when
Warren Dalton rode up and halted
before the little rock poultry shed
Swinging from his horse, he approach
ed and would have caught the girl in
his arms had she not drawn back
quickly.
Warren Dalton" she cried, her
eyes flashing with suddenly aroused
indignation. how dare you take such
liberty with me?"
The face Of the young man flushed
deeply. and mis- voice was husky, as
he answered:
us 1t possible | have made a mis-
take in the regard which was so sure
time would win for me?'
my feeling for you has undergone
no change, Mr.. Dalton" she replied
colby. you have made mistake
Faith listen." he pursued eagerly
ha
visions, even turn patriot for you, Il
you will
"Mr. Dalton" she said. interrupting
him, flow of scorn In her dark eyes
II am not selling myself for the pa
triot cause, much as 1t is to me-
should be cheated in the bargain If
took you up. Such men as you do not
make true patriots"
There is some one else you care
for. Faith Harding" he charged. &
CLEAN of jealousy in his gray eyet
Faith was silent. but the rich Grim
son that quickly suffused her cheeks
told Warren Dalton he had hit the
truth. Indeed, he had suspected be
fore. but had hoped to get ahead o.
his patriotic rival.
It's that skulking Major Ridgeway
who has won your heart"
Lee Ridgeway is a noble, true
man." warmly defended the girl-"toC
good 10 have even his name mention
ed by Red Goat sympathizer."
1t was no gentle blow in the face
this charge of Faiths and young Dial
ton WINGED visibly under it. Changing
his tone, he entreated,
Faith, let me love you-let ms
claim you. Ridgeway-that stiff younl
upstart-can never care for you as
do"
He took step toward her, bu
Faith waved him back.
NO" and her answer rang out de
cisively on the crisp air, my father
died a patriot His child will never
wed a man whose influence anC
wealth is used against that cause"
your mind is perverted by this
senseless patriot business" he return
ed holly. 81 know the man you love
and III find a way to even up Will
him. and at the same time take some
of that high and mighty spirit out o.
you, Faith Harding"
He darted look of naughty anger
at her, then sprang into his saddle
and rode away down the blum
Lee Ridgeway was young Officer
in the American army. He was
manly fellow possessing many estim
able qualities. He lost his parents a
an early age and had been brough
up by his grandfather, whose plac,
was six miles down the stream from
the Harding home.
It had been the duty of Lee Ridge
way TO carry the tidings Of Mr.. Hard
ing's death to the bereaved house
hold His consideration and kindnes!
during that sad period had won hin
the motherly esteem of the widow anC
the heart of the daughter.
A week had elapsed since Warner
Dalton had ridden away in ange
from the Harding place. Faith ha,
ceased to recall his threat He wouls
be too manly to injure two women
Faith reasoned; then, how could b
find an opportunity To harm an OF
ficer in Washington's camp?
A chill stormy day was drawing {,
its close as Faith Harding stood a
the kitchen window watching tn
descent of snowiakes. Her thought
we're with a certain young officer
he was comfortable and sheltsre'
from the storm.