Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-11-03
CHAPTER XXI.
Love.


aud rained hot kisses upon her, crush
ing her closely to him. She offered
no resistance, and the very fact that
she held so supinely in his arms, made
Allison release her sooner than he
might otherwise have done. She had
known that this experience must
come, that no look or gesture or word
of hers could ward 1t of.
You must never do that again." she
told him. stepping back from him, and
regaining her breath with an effort.
She had fingered in the front parlors
to receive him before her Uncle Jim
should know that he was in the house,
and she had led him straight into the
little tete-a-tete reception room. She
meant to free herself quickly.
Why not?" he laughed, and ad
vanced toward her. taking her attitude
lightly, ascribing her action to a girl
ish whim, confident In his power over
her. He meant to dispose of her coy
Less by taking her in his arms again.
She belonged to him
Mr. Allison" The tone was cold
enough, and deadly in earnest enough
to arrest him.
What's the matter. Gail?" he pro-
tested, ready to humor her. to listen TO
what she had to say, to smooth mat
tiers out.
You have no right" she told him.
Eyes l have" he jovially assured
her. II hope don't have to wait until
after marriage for a kiss. If that's
the case I'll take you out and marry
you right now"
There was an infection in his laugh,
contagion in the assumption that all
was right between them. and that any
difference was one which could be
Strengthened out with jolly patience,
and Gail, though her determination
would not have changed, might have
softened toward him, had she not seen
in his face look which paled her lips
Ever since last night he had antici
pated her, had rejoiced in his posses
sion of her, had dreamed on the time
when he should take her for his own:
thoughts of her.
Let US have a clear understanding,
Mr.. Allison" She was quite erect, and
looking him directly in the eyes Her
own were deep and troubled. and the
dark trace which had been about them
in the morning had deepened. Il told
you last night that l should need time
in which to decide; have decided. /
shall not marry you"
He returned her gaze for a moment,
and his brow clouded
you've changed since last night, "
he charged her
Possibly" she admitted. 1T is
more likely, however, that l have
merely crystaliized. l prefer not to
discuss it." She saw on his face the
growing instinct to humiliate her.
"You must discuss it," he insisted.
Last night when took you in my
arms you made no objection. was
justified in doing 1t again tonight.
You're not a fool. lou knew from the
first that / wanted you, and you en-
know what has made the change"
The telltale red spots began to ap.
pear in her cheeks.
You" she told him. Last night,
your scheme of world empire seemed
a wonderful thing TO me, but since
then I've discovered it cannot be built
without dishonesty and cruelty; and
you've used both"
His brow cleared He laughed
heartily.
You've been reading the papers.
There isn't a man in the financial field
who wouldn't do. everything I've done;
and be proud of it. can make you
see this in the right light, Gail"
Its a proof of your moral callous.
ness that you think So" she informed
him. Can you make me see it in the
right light that YOU even used me. of