Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-01-03

ihehtlOn visitors. Joe, you're not ra-
tional."
mo-" he said heavily, I'm not II
it's got to be someone. Sidney. I'd
rather have IL the rOomer upstairs
than Wilson. There's a lot of talk
about Wilson"
1T isn't necessary to malign my
friends"
He rose.
Wilson had better look out. I'll be
watching. If / see him playing any
of his tricks around you-well, he'd
better look outl"
That. as 1t turned out, was Joe's
farewell. He had reached the break
ing-point. He gave her a long look
blinked, and walked rapidly out to the
Street. Some of the dignity of his
retreat was lost by the fact that the
cat followed him. close at his heels
Sidney was hurt, greatly troubled
She even shed a tear or two, very
Surreptitiously and then, being human
and much upset, and the cat startling
her by its sudden return. she shooed
it off the yeranda and set an imaginary
dog after it. WhereupOn, feeling some.
what better, she went in and locked
the balcony window and proceeded up.
stairs.
lie MOyne's light was still going. The
rest o. the household slept. She
paused outside the door.
Are you sleepy?"-very softly.
There was a movement inside, the
sound of book put down. Then: "No
indeed"
Il may not see you in the morning.
L leave tomorrow"
Just a minute"
From the sounds, she judged that
he vas putting on his shabby gray
coat. The next moment he had opened
the door and stepped out into the cor
ridor.
Il believe you had forgotten |"
AZ? Certainly not. / started down
stairs a while ago, but yo1 had visi-
tor"
"Only Joe DrummOnd."
He gaZed down at her quizzically.
"And-is Joe more reasOnable?"
He will be. He knows that l.
that shall not marry him."
poor chapi He'll buck up, OF
course. But it's little hard just now
When do you leaveT"
Just after breakfast"
Il am going very early. Perhaps"
He hesitated. Then, hurriedly:
81 got little present for you-noth.
ing much, but your mother was quite
willing. In fact, we bought it to-
gether."
He went back into his room, and re-
turned with small box. She opened
1t with excited fingers. Ticking away
on its satin bed was a small gold
watch.
you'll need it. you see," he ex-
planned nervously.
"a watch" said Sidney, eyes on it.
"a dear little watch, to pin on and
not put in a pocket. Why, you're the
best person!"
Il was afraid you might think 1t
presumptuous," he said. Il haven't
any right, of course. And then. your
mother said you wouldn't be offend
ed"
Don't apologize for making me so
lappy!' she cried. "It's wonderful,
really. And the little hand is for
pulses How many queer things you
know !"
After that she must pin it on, and
slip in to stand before his mirror and
inspect the result. 1t save lie Moyne
Il queer thrill to see her there in the
room, among his books and his pipes.
1t made him little sick. too. in view
of tomorrow and the thOusand-odd to-
morrows when she would not be there
1--WE kept you up shamefully," she
said at last, land you get up so early.
/ shall write you a note from the hos
pital, delivering a little lecture on ex-
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS how can l now,
with this joy shining on me? And
about how to keep Katie in order
about your socks, and all sorts of
things. And-and now. good night"
She had moved to the door. and he
followed her. STOPPING a little to pass
under the low chandelier.
Good night" said Sidney.
"Good-by-and God bless you"
She went out. and he closed the door
softly behind her.