Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1916-09-27
CHAPTER xII--Continued.

Ethel consented to the arrangement.
She was immensely relieved that the
quick-witted journalist so readily ac-
cepted her alias.
Good, goodr' their delighted host
exclaimed. Sweet consomme, Ell?
Boiled chicken. an artichoke. bit of
salad. and some coffee-real American
coffee without chicory eh, m'sieu?"
He was already edging toward the
door that led kitchenward. to begin
his preparations for a meal that should
forever perpetuate his inn in the mem
cries of his two guests.
Great! Sounds immenser' Mr..
Brown rejoined with enthusiasm.
'Yes. m'sieu-immense! That is
your good American word. |
shall serve such a dinner as the Lion
dor never has seen before" And
Henri disappeared in high spirits.
After the depressing dizziness of the
past weeks it was indeed exhilarating
to minister to two appreciative pa
irons.
By the time Christophe had van
ished Ethel Willoughby had quite re-
covered her self-possession. Ahd when
Charlie Brown turned to her with
look of inquiry upon his face she was
ready to meet his scrutiny with stout
heart
"You seem surprised-and quite nat
urally," she said, lat hearing that man
call me Madame de Lorde."
"Well, that afternoon l knew you
as Miss willoughby," he replied.
But was then Madame de Lorde,"
Ethel explained glibly. You see, Mr..
Brown, I'd been married secretly"
Secretly"
'There were ireasons-good rea-
sons" she rejoined. 81 could not ex-
plain what they were then; nor can
now
"Sure!y-surelyw he acquiesced, for
he had not the slightest desire to pry
into her private affairs. But what
on earth are you doing in this dead
and-alve spot?' And then, in the next
breath. he exclaimed. as sudden in
SEPARATION came to him. "Oh, by George!
How dull of mel You're honeymoon
ing, of courser'
"Not exactlyp' Ethel replied. just
bit lamely, perhaps. "My husband
isn't here-just now. He had some
business in Brussels, but l came on
ahead"
she had, indeed, left Streetman in
the Belgian capital. 'Shall you be
staying long?' she asked Mr.. Brown.
mol I'm off in the morning." he
informed her
The information relieved her vastly.
She had not relished the thought of
having to confess to the American that
Monsieur de Lorde was no other than
his erstwhile acquaintance of the tea
party-Henry Streetman. But as
spy in his majesty's service, Ethel took
as easily to subterfuge as a duck to
water. She surprised herself often by
the readiness with which plausible
tales sprang to her lips.
"Ohl Then you won't be able to
meet Monsieur de I'orde." she said
with a note of regret. Il don't expect
him till tomorrow"
bIONh itSASI
at that circumstance.
but what are you doing hereg'
Ethel asked him then. perhaps you've
a secret in your past too?' she added
gayly.
But Mr.. Brown could lay claim TO
no such romantic excuse.
''Oh. / came over looking for war"
he explained.
And you haven't found it?"
Nothing like it at ALI" he replied
1.-THE day after | saw you l got a
straight tip to beat it for Belgium.
bought yon one-and-a-half cylinder
1876 bicycle. and I've pedaled away for
three days. till feel all legs and back.
My right name, this minute, is George
W. Achewellr' And Charlie Brown
sat down by the table upon which Ma
dame de Lorde was resting her trim
elbow
mr.. Brown" Ethel said, you're not
English l am; but you are an Anglo
Saxon. and you must sympathize with
TIE allies"
''Sure 1 dor was his prompt re-
spouse.
Then. whatever happens while
you're here, she continued with an air
of great earnestness. whatever hap
pens I want you to remember that
am English, and that it is England
serve always You viii believe
IT,
"Ob OF course / willr' he assured
her. And Immediately a thought came
into Charlie Browns head that made