Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-06-05

ed by the sSrmth Of his regard" 70
sponded Drayton.
We'll. tonight. when he saw us hay-
I ing a good time. it made him simply
rabid. He said a lot Of mean, sarcas-
tic things about you. and finally IN
/ formed me that l was too feather
Drained ever to attain the dignity and
responsibility fitting in one presiding
over domestic establishment re.
torted that he need give himself no
worry: for I would never preside over
him-and then | somehow managed to
find my way out here"
And here we are, companions in
misery" said Drayton. with forced
lightness. What shall we do-hunt
them up and say we're sorry?"
Il viii not say I'm sorry. declared
Miss Ferguson.
well. then, shall we make them say
they're sorry?"
DO you think we could9" she asked
eagerly.
Surely. They'll both say they're
sorry inside of month. if we carry out
little plan l have"
Explain, please
Its simply this: You and I must
become temporarily engaged. Begin
ming with this evening-right now.
will devote myself to you assiduously.
! In a week or two we will allow It to be-
come rumored that we are engaged.
That viii do the trick. know already
how French will act. At first he will
run around in circles and emit loud
cries, but finally he viii come to you
and ask forgiveness for the sins of the
past"
| And | know Just how Helen viii
act" said the girl with laugh. "Sho
| will at first retire into a shell of icy
disdain. but in the end she will feel
that it is her duty to rescue you from
my clutches. and then she will unbond
sufficiently to admit that she vas
tritle hasty. perhaps. It's a fine plan,
Fred; let's try it."
Then We are temporarily engaged"
| he said. extending his hand
Yes" she replied. giving 1t warm
clasp.
During the remainder OF the eve
ming. the conduct of Anita and Fred
! evoked much comment. The manner
in which he monopolized her. and her
apparent enjoyment OF IL, was near
scandal to those who knew them WELL
In the days that followed Fred gave
a perfect imitation of devoted lover,
and Anita enacted the role OF happy
fiance with splendid realism. 1t was
rumored they were engaged. Their
friends gasped
And then their prophecies were full
filled.
well. Harry has come to time"
said Anita one evening when Fred was
calling on her. HE did precisely
what you said he'd do. He was here
this afternoon. pleaded guilty to high
crimes and misdemeanors. and asked
to be forgiven for the same"
And your" he asked eagerly.
Il told him must have time to con-
sider.H
Helen also has deigned to admit
that her anger might have been UNI
Just" said Drayton. 81 had a note
from her yesterday / haven't an
swered yet. l suppose that our sham
engagement now that It has served
its purpose. Is at an end"
II suppose So"
II suppose there is nothing left but
TO overlook their past transgressions
and receive them with open arms" he
continued.
Il suppose So" she answered DULY.
Are you glad?"
mo: I'm mott" he exclaimed ITO
be truthful. Mia, there isn't going to
be any reconciliation between Helen
and me-"
Fred. you can't mean it,"
Il do, though" he said, rising and
pacing the floor After the last few
weeks with you, 'Nita. returning TO
Helen would be like going into cold
storage for the balance of my life.
know there is no chance for me; but
before | go out of your life and French
comes back in, want to tell you that
love you. That's why l haven't an
swered Helen's note"
The girl rose and advanced until
she stood before him. She colored
warmly. but smiled bravely into his
eyes
There is chance for you, Fred
a big change" she said slowly. Harry
can never come back into my life. II
you wish to remain"
you mean our sham betrothai may
becnme real?" he demanded. almost
roughly. as he caught her 10 him.
1T is real. Fred, DEAR" she whis-
peted, hiding her face upon his shouI-
der.
|
Eorna afioa ~ teaharoo