Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-07-02

eDlnS gaze around MIN. as II UdElDe
note of every detail Of his surround
ings. Set with columns Of warm
hued marble, relieved with ornate
carvings and designs, the spacious
chamber presented an. appearance al
once graceful and charming. Nor
we're its furnishings at variance with
its architectural elegance; on every
hand soft colors met the eye, in rugs
of ancient pattern; in tapestries, sub
dued; in the upholstering Of Breton
oak. A eliminating note was in the
center Of the room, where great
bunch of roses opened wide their
petals.
But briefly. however, the clown per
mitted himself to survey, or study,
these details Of refinement and lux
ury; the swift eager interest that
had shone from the dark eyes gave
way TO IN expression, Jackluster and
stupid; his cOuntenance once more
resumed It's blank, stolid aspect, As
II unconscious of the anomalous figure
he presented, mechanically had he
seated himself; was gazing down,
when through a doorway, opposite the
one by which the commandant had
left. slender form appeared. Under
the heavy, whitened lids a slight
movement of the clowns eyes alone
betrayed he was aware of that new
presence. A moment the girl stood
there, her glance resting on the gro
tesque. bent figure before her: then
with a quizzicai lift of the delicate
brows she entered.
You believe. no doubt, in making
yourself AT homer
Crossing to the table, once more
she stopped; her figure, sheathed in
a gown of brocade OF rose, glowed
bright and distinct in contrast to the
faint, vari-colored tints OF ancient
embroideries on the wall. Above, the
light threw simmer on the deep
FURNISHED gold Other hair; the sweep.
ing lashes yelled the half-disdainful,
halfamused look in her brown eyes.
"Or. perhaps. you are one Of those
who think The peasants will some day
sit, while the lords and ladies stand?"
Il Cont know" he managed to an.
swer, but got up, only to appear more
awkward
You do not seem to know very
much, indeed" she returned. her tone
changing TO one of cold severity mot
enough. perhaps. to perceive the mis-
chief you may cause! That play Of
yours. which | witnessed today"
You! To-day? Your Ladyship
was"
Yes" imperiously, Il was there!
And heard aud saw the effect it had
on the people; how 1t stirred all
their baser passions! But you. of
course. could not know--or care.
thinking only of the sous!--that. in
stead Of teaching a lesson. the piece
would only move them to anger. or
resentment"
'G--your Ladyship great lords have
commended the play"
Great tords!" she began, but
stopped; regarded her listener and
shrugged her shoulders.
A few moments silence lasted, the
fellow apparently not knowing what
to say, or If he was expected to say
anything. while. for her part, the girl
no longer looked at him, but at the
flowers, taking one, which she turned
in her fingers.
Your Ladyship would command
me-"
"To give the play no more!"
But" Expostulation shone from
his look.
In which event you shall be suf-
fered TO go free tomorrow"
But my livelihood What shall |
do, If am forbidden to earn"
She gave him n colder look, Il have
spoken to the eommandant; told him
what / had seen. and that I did not
think YOU intended to make trouble.
Your case will, therefore. not be re-
ported 10 his ENcellency Only" with
warning flash IL you are again
caught giving the play, you must ex-
pect 10 receive your deserts"
"Of coursel If your Ladyship com
mands!" deFctedly
Il do But, as an Offset TO the cop
pers YOU might otherwise receive.
win give you a sum or money sutll
cieut TO compensate You"
Your Ladyship is so Eenerous!" iIc
made an uneouth gesture of gratitude
and coVetousuess. May I ask your
Ladvship how much"
How much ." scornTully But
suppose
The words died away. her glance
fell: fingered ON the hand he bad
/ extended. Muscular shapely. il
seemed not adapted TO the servilC
gesture. was most unlike the hand
OF clod or clowH Moreover. it was
marked with q number of wounds
halls healed. which caught aud held
4 hrr look