Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-08-18

perfect blending which is the most
delicate of all exhilarations. In the
melody itself there was an appealing
sympathy. and. in that moment. these
two were in as perfect accord as their
voices. There is something in the
music OF the human tone which exerts
a magnetic attraction like no other in
the world; which breaks down the bar
riers of antagonism, which sweeps
away the walls of self-enrenehmen
which attracts and draws, which ex-
plains and does away with explana-
ton. This was the first hour they hsG
spent without a clash, and Rev. Smith
Boyd, his eyes quite blue tonigat,
brought another stack of music from
the rack.
The butler. an aggravating image
with only one joint in his body. pa
raded solemnly through the hall, and
back again with the card tray. while
Gail and the rector sang "Juanita"
from an old college songbook, which
the Reverend Boyd had discovered in
high giee. Aunt Grace came down the
stairs and out past the doors of the
music salon. There were voices of
animated greeting in the hall, and
Aunty returned TO the door just as the
rector was spreading open the book
at Sweet and Low"
Pardon me-" beamed aunty.
There's little surprise out here for
you"
A rush Of noise filled the hall. Luz
cile and Ted Teasdale, handsome Dick
Rodley and AIRY Fosland and Houston
Van Ploon. had come gathering in as
an escort for Mrs. Davies. whose pet
fad was to have as many young people
as possible bring her home from any
place
Where's the baby?" demanded
handsome Dick Dodley, heading for
the stairs.
SILLY, you mustn't" cried lucille,
and started after him. Flakes should
be asleep at this hour"
Il came in for the sole purpose of
teaching Flakes the turkey trot," de-
.
followed by Lucille.
"Lueile's becoming passe." crit.
cized Ted. she's flirting with Rodney
for the second time"
Can you blame herr" defended Arly
Fosland. She was sitting in the deep
corner of her favorite couch, nursing
slender ankle. and even her shining
black hair, TO say nothing of her shin.
ing black eyes, seemed to be swapping
with wicked delight.
Lucille and handsome Dick came
| struggling down the stairway with
Flakes between them, and Gail sprang
instantly to take the bewildered puppy
| from them both. Little blonde Lucille
| gave up her interest to the prior right.
but Rodley pretended to be obstinate
about it. His deep eyes burned down
into Calls, as he stood bending above
her, and his smile, to Towards con-
centrated gaze. had in it that danger
Gus fascination which few women
gould resist! Gail was positively smil-
ing up into his eyes
"Tableau!" called Ted. IAN ready
for the next reel"
Hold it while" begged Arly, and
even Rev. Smith Boyd was forced
to admit that the picture was
handsome enough to be retained. The
Adonis-like Dick, with his black hair
and black eyes, his curly black mus
tache and his black goatee, his pink
cheeks and his white teeth; Gail,
gracefully erect, her head thrown
back, her brown hair waving and her
fluffy white Flakes between them; 1t
was painfully beautiful
Children. go home" suddenly com
handed Mrs. Davies. Dick, put the
dog back where you found it"
Il suppose Wen have to go home"
drawled Ted. Dick. put back that
dog"
! Put away the dog. Dick" ordered
the heavier voice of young Van Ploon.
Come along. Gail. I'll put him away"
At his approach, Dick placed the
puppy. with great care, in Calls
charge. and took her arm. Van Pioon
took her other arm. and together the
trio, laughing, went away to return
Flakes to lis bed. They chung to her
most affectionately, bending over her
on either side; ard they called her
Gail!
The others were ready to go when
they returned from the collie nursery,
and the three young men stood for a
moment in a row near the door. Gail
looked them over with a puzzled ex-
preston. What was there about them
which was so attractive? Was it poise.
sureness, polish, breeding, experience,
insolence, grooming-what? Even the
stiff Van Ploon seemed smooth of
bearing tonight!
They still were standing in the hall,
and the front door opened.
Brought you a prodigal." hailed
Uncle Jim, slipping his latchkey IN his
pocket as he held the door open for
the prodigal in question.
Gail was watching the doorway.
Someone outside was vigorously
stamping his feet The prodigal came
in, and proved to be Allison. buoyant
of step, sparkling of eye, firm of jaw,
and rudy from the night wind. Smil-
ing with the sureness of welcome, he
came eagerly up to Gail, and took her
hand. retaining it until she felt com