Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-09-10


and II would have required a far more
worldly wise young man than Victor
Lawton TO have penetrated the
thoughts behind the hostess engaging
smile.
To Cecile he offered his arm. and
they passed into the drawing room.
the center Of which had been cleared
| for dancing. and TO the strains of a
soft. mystic melody emanating from a
stringed orchestra cleverly concealed
behind some palms they circIed the
smooth floor.
With her own purpose and her
mothers entangling financiering Ia
mind. Cecile shortly complained of the
clcse atmosphere and led the way into
tiny alcove which had formerly done
service as desk space for her father
until night thieves had broken in and
stolen valuables locked in the escri-
toire, their presence undetected owing
10 the seclusiOn Of tie corner. Cecile
had chosen the location wisely.
And as you make your entrance
into society" ventured Lawton by way
of conversation, 81 had hardly antici-
pated how charming q debutante you
would make"
Cecile smiled WOn.anlike she liked
compliments 10 be paid her, and never
sought the motive prompting them.
But his remark was her opportunity.
"Oh, have other worries besides my
4 VI
| have" she reiterated, "for now
must get married" And In the so
phistication of her twenty years Cecile
modestly dropped her eyes; knowing
how lovely her long lashes appeared
resting on her cheeks.
LawtOn shufIied his feet uneasily
and ran bis finger around the inside of
his collar. Cecile was sitting perilous-
ly close. "Well, why not?" he ven
tured.
Cecile pretended to be taken by sur
prise. "Oh, l could never find anyone
who could understand"
What is there to understand"
questioned Lawton, nervously. glanc-
ing at his watch without seeing the
time.
Cecile was anticipating her enjoy
ment as she rehearsed for her mother
how cleverly she had managed-not
only to win Lawton, but secure his as
sistance in unrayeling their financial
knots. "Oh, money n everything" she
answered in whisper, trying to con-
vey her trust and confidence.
Money? How so?'
I'VE haven't all the income we seem
to have"
Lawton switched around to face the
girl squarely. your half-sister-cant
she contribute from her inheritance?"
Cecile fidgeted There's the trou-
ble." she answered in a lighter vein,
TO appear as if the matter were light
one. Mother has been borrowing from
Madge's inheritance, and-well. we
thought you might help to straighten
out the tangle."
"So-borrowing from an Inheritance,
Ell? What's the deficit?"
practically everything"
THANK you" Mr.. Lawton arose
with an air of finality. 1--WE needed
this bit of evidence to abrogate your
stepfather's will"
Mrs. Van Dusen, having intuitlvely
sensed danger in her daughters pro-
longed absence from the center of fes-
tivities. swept into the scene, her fea-
lures puckered with reckless disregard
| for wrinkles What's the meaning of
this?" she demanded, having caught
! the tail end of his words.
by secret codicil to your hus-
bands will" he informed her, 1.-THE es-
tate reverts to his daughter. Madge If
her inheritance is misused by her
| trustee"
| Mrs. Van Dusen sank Imply onto
the dlvan. but what-what have you
to do with all that?"
"Only this: Madge and were mar
rled month ago"
| AS In a dream Mrs. Van Dusen
heard Cecile murmur, "The fisher
caughtw