Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-02-01
Dan Walters Heart
By STACY E. BAKER
Copyright, 1910. by Associated Literary p


You have the advantage of me-"
acknowledged the broker politely.
Withai. there was something about
the sunny hair. the great blue eyes
that touched some dim chord of men,
ory.
And yet" laughed the girl, II
knew you. but, of course, your note
told us that you would come, and, az
you were the only passenger, l can't
claim much credit"
"You are not-Ethel?" queried Wal.
Ter, in Amusement.
"Just sol"
In Walters pleasureless years with
the Martins. Ethel, the daughter of
his master, was the one member OF
the family who. In all his futile re-
volts, won him clemency from her
wrathful father, and gave him cause
to believe in such thing as human
ity. He had not forgotten.
Waller remembered Ethel Martin
as an earnest-eyed little girl with
sti5. iawny braids sticking out on
each side of her head, and in prim
pinafores on week days. He had been
good ten years older than she. Wal
Ter found himself puzzlirg as to why
| plain whited uck dress could make
maid appear so positively beautiful
Yes, am Ethel" the girl was say
ing. we received your letter, but
but papa Is dead. He died seven
years ago. Fred, the baby, you will
remember-mother, and myself are
living in the old home. and-and we
would like to have you stop with US
while you are In town"
In this Invitation Waller detected
the personal wish of Ethel. He knew
well enough that the mother of tho
girl, broken-spirited woman, had
long since ceased to take interest in
any happening. no matter how irreg-
ular Fred, who had been an infant
in arms at the time he. Waller. had
gone away, would hardly enthuse over
the coming of his fathers runaway
boy
Il viii be pleased to accept your
| kind invitation" came from Waller.
The New Yorker had intended to stay
at the old tavern. In accepting Ethel
Martins hospitality, his ready lips had
taken the wish from his heart. and his
methodioal brain dumbly analysed the
reason as he plodded along.
How does Il happen. Ethel" he
asked. that you are so--er-different
from these other women of your
town." He waved discreet fingers to-
ward a slovenly pair In a nearby yard.
Ethel laughed dad sent me away
to school," she said.
Waller was received by the widow
| OF Martin with listless shake of the
! hand, and colorless words OF welcome.
The woman was beyond feeling or
emotion. She, too, had been a slave
to the stern man now in his grave.
Waller. explaining that he would be
in Mayville for some time, made ar
rangements for board. His ideas OF
tavern accommodations had faded
since he had seen the daughter of his
old master. For the first time in
his life Waller was in love.
Ethel" he said one day, 81 have
been here nearly four months. and
now | must return. My work in the
city calls me, VIII you not go back
with meas M wife7'
mo" answered the girl shortly
Fingers seemed to grip the heart
OF the man The green fields and the
scattered trees by the roadside be-
came a confused tumble. and Waller
lost consciousness.
"Dearestl" The appeal In the words
came through mist OF oblivion and
drew the broker back to life. Dear
est, didn't mean II. Oh, come back
to me, Dan: come back to met"
His eyes opened and his weak hands
! fumbled for the willing ones of the
girl MY heartl" he gasped. The
doctor told me that a sudden shock
would do this. That is why I came
| here this summer-for quiet"
but didn't mean what said. l.
! will go back with you"
Rather" came from Waller. slow
ly. II will remain here with you.
There can be no more city for me-
now. The excitement Of 1t would kill
me. Dearest. we have money enough
and love We Will remain here"
Out Of Cold Storage.