Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-01-11

Morleys. One winter day tiny hand
drew the heavy curtains aside ana
facs appeared at one Of the front
panes. Everybody knew Hester Nor
ley, a prim little woman of pleasant
ways, the busy president OF a char
liable circle, and withal a person to be
admired. She looked at the snow
which lay In the street and over the
pavement, and for a moment watched
one of her neighbors who swept the
white covering into the gutter.
A boy who knew Hester's face hur-
ried past and glanced at the window to
receive a nod from her and to throw
back as he passed "A happy New Year.
Miss Hester"
The girI--she was scarcely young
woman yet-smiled at the boy and
watched him out OF sight.
In another moment the bell rang
and she turned as the maid was heard
10 enter the hall.
"A stranger, ma'am," said the maid,
looking into the parlor. Il am sure
don't quite like his looks, and
What does he want. Ida?"
Il can't tell. He insists on seeing
the lady of the house and I've said
she wasn't in; but it does no good"
Let him come in. then"
Hester walked over to an armchair
and seating herself waited for her New
Years visitor. She was not kept walt
ing long, for Ida had admitted the call
er. and she heard his step in the hall
way.
She looked him over from head to
foot as he entered the parlor, a tall.
somewhat uncouth man in the thirties.
with strange. shutting ways, and. to
her. out OF place in the coy room.
Miss Wemyss, believer" he said,
bowling to Hester.
Miss Morley" was the correction.
This is not the Wemyss residence.
but"
The man looked confused.
1T used to be, did it not?" he
queried.
Yes, sir. Father purchased II
from Jacob Weymss, the sugar mer.
chant, three years ago. and changed it
considerably"
And the family?"
Il think they left the city soon aft.
erward. The old gentleman died. he
was a widower at the time, you may
remember. and Miss Wemyss mar.
ried-"
Married? That's no, very queer
Women do that. know. Married. you
say? | can't quite grasp it."
Hester looked pityingly at the man
He seemed to have received a
blow.
Il haven't seen her for five years"
said he. Il went away on New Years
day, and l came back on the same an
adversary. So you're Miss Morley?"
Hester bowed again and studied the
face before her. 1t was strong and
handsome, despite the uncouthness
Of H.
Il don't look like city people yet IT'S
because of my life in the Mines" hs
said with a smile. It's not Just the
life that tends to keep one up-to.date.
you see. My name Is Sydney. You
may have Leard the Wemysses men
ton me"
Begging your pardon. I did not
know them personally. You say you
have been living In the minesf 7 once
had a friend who went west. took to
mining, too, believe. But never mind,
Mr. Sydney, trust you will find your
friend. the once Miss wemyss, and
permit me to wish you a happy New
Year"
/ After this. miss?" smiled the man.
/ After coming back TO the city after
i've years absence and on New Years
lay. too. getting into the wrong house
and introducing myself to a strange
young lady2 1t seems like dream. &"
hester was about to reply when the
( door bell rang sharply and Ida's voice
! was heard In the hall.
| In another moment the servant was
at the parlor door, her pretty face
quite white and her voice in gasps
THE police, Miss Hesteri" cried the
girl. and vanished.
The stranger started from the chair
he had taken near the fire and threw
a look of horror toward the door.
I'm sorry. miss" he said This IS
marring an otherwise happy New
Years day for you They may be
looking for me" end then he fastened
his eyes upon the door which opened
10 admit an officer
"a beg pardon, Miss Morley said
I The policeman. glancing first at He's.
ter. Its queer New Years call, but
it's duty. you see. am under the ne
cessity of taking charge of your caller
the gentleman yonder
The returned mirer seemed to In
crease bali an inch in stature as he
glared at the policeman, his equal IN
physical strength and for moment
hester heard the beating Of her heart
Who's the warrant for. oficer?~ hs
asked
Hiram Rowan"
But, Mr.. Gentry. the gentleman,
aame is sydney" put in Hester. X,
has just assured me OF that"
You ladies' viii ever believe man.
was the policeman's answer.
The miner stood rigid In the middi,
& Co..
~ As4SE4etA - - 3