The Somerset reporter., 1889-06-27

rambles, and beside, ! want revenge on
| sOmL body"
OF course Laurence was delighted u
act as his Jusins escort, and henceforth
she was seldom seen without him. When
they CHANGED TO meet Guy, Nora bowed
graciously, for she thought, II can af-
ford TO be magnanimous, as | am victor"
She learned from the current gossip that
a lady and gentleman were visiting Al the
Hall, distant relatives, the servant said,
aud that the lady was very wealthy
Guy himself Nora had not spoken to
since that morning in the dairy.
In few weeks an Invitation came for
Nora and her guest to attend picnic
given in honor Of the young lady at the
Hall. The party were to go up the river
about two miles in skis. and cross oyer
to the opposite side. Here the woods
had been cleared of underbrush, the
green grass was thickly matted together,
and all around the flowers and ferns
grew in abundance.
When Nora and Laurence arrived Guy
and the strange lady had gone to the
spring a short distance away, and Nora
hurried Laurence off ere they returned.
He accompanied her reluctantly, for he
had some curiosity con corning the man
he was sure his cousin loved.
Fern gathering seems to be perfect
mania with you, Nora" he remarked
presently.
"Oh, don't care II never see fern
just do not want to meet that stranger :"
Nora said quickly.
II thought we were invited expressly
to meet herr"
How rude | have been" she e1-
claimed $50 we were, Let US go
back"
They turned to retrace their steps and
came face to face with Guy and the fair
stranger. Guy introduced her to Nora as
Miss Benton Nora bowed coldly. but
the lady held out her hand
Guy has spoken of you SO often. Miss
Neae, that | feel as if had always
known you. l AIN sure we shall be the
best of friends
Nora was not SO sure of that; but she
could only murmur something supposed
to be polite reply.
But when her cousin was introduced,
Nora was greatly surprised at the glad
light that flashed into his eyes. while Miss
Benton's pink cheeks changed to deepest
crimson. They shook hands, and Lau-
renee turned to his cousin. saying briefly
I'VE have met before" Then offering
Miss Benton his arm, which she accepted,
together
They stood looking at each other in
puzzled silence; then, as the funny side
of the situation struck Nora, she burst
into merry laugh, in which Guy joined.
The laugh seemed to relieve their eul-
barrassment.
Mora, may walk back to the landing
place with you?" asked Guy.
at seems that you must" she said,
laughing. 1T is matter of necessity,
not choice. l wonder where they met
before"
mo matter, since they have given me
the opportunity have been seeking for
so long"
And |" said Nora, interrupting, want
to apologize for net going boating that
afternoon. l changed my mind, and
went for ferns instead"
Guy looked at her in establishment
| Ibid you not goS"
Nora flushed, but said, smiling:
"Did you find me at the meeting placer
No" said Guy, bravely, for was
not there. When reached home, after
leaving your house that morning found
that Cousin Elsie and her father had ar
rived. She wished very much to take a
ride that afternoon, and | felt in duty
bound to accompany her | took an ex
ira horse with us as far as your house,
| intending to invite you to join US, but
you were not at home. Since then | have
sought an opportunity to apologize in
vain"
A great load seemed lifted from Nora's |
heart
"She is your cousin?"
MY only cousin" said Guy. Your !
guest is very handsome man" he added
presently.
You mean Cousin Laurie? Yes, he is
handsome"
Guy turned like flash, and, taking
Nora's hand exclaimed;
What blind, jealous fool | have
been saw him kiss you Nora, and |
thought"
Never mind what you thought Let
us hurry; we shall be late to luncheon"
She walked of rapidly.
Nora" said Guy, as he overlook her, |
''since Cousin Elsie came have been
reading SCOTS poems"
She gave him hasty glance, and sink
Ing on large stone--that seemed to have |
been placed there for the express purpose,
Guy said fterward-covered her face |
with both hands.
Guy dropped the fern box which he had |
taken in charge and took those trembling
hands in one Of his, placing the other be-
meath the dimpled chin, then he lifted her
face till the sweet gray eyes met his.
What he saw there must have satisfied |
him, for he bent HE head and kissed her.
Guy" said Nora. presently, to-day is
not the first in which have seen your
cousin"
Then she told him of the conversation
she had overheard.
10,
ingly into the gray eyes. "Elsie's is a
pitiful story; her name is not Benton, for
she is married but her father insists on
her being called by his name. will give
you the details of her story some day,
brief outline will suffice now, as l ain
more deeply interested in my own"
squeezing the soft hand. Elsie went on
visit to an aunt in an adjoining State,
and while there was secretly married to
poor, but worthy man. The next week |
she returned home, and had hardly en-
tered the house when her father an
nounced that he had selected husband |
for her. Finding refusals useless. Elsie
at last disclosed her secret. He was sim
ply furious, and shut her in her own room |
till he could bring her here. He says the !
ceremony was illegal, and declares that
Elsie must remain here until she forgets
w III norton.
At the last words Nora sprang to her
feet.
Guy, Cousin Laurie is Elsie's hus-
band. His name is William Laurence
Norton, but | always call him Laurie.
And he isn't poor now; his mothers
brother died last week, leaving him half
q million"
You will let me row you home, Nora?"
"And Elsie?"
She will prefer gong with her hus-
band, OF course. Uncle Ned's objection
| to him is removed now that he Is rich"
After a pause, "Do you know, sweet,
after Elsie had contided her love story to
me returned the compliment. And she,
God bless her. referred me to SCOTS
poems. Did you mean 1t, darling? Say
you did not Let me hear you say it,
do"
"Of course, meant it-just as that
other Nora did," said saucy Nora. Don't
you remember. Guy?
| "But Nora's heart is lost and won,
| She's welded 10 the Eariies SOM"
-Wdceriy Mayd=ine.
| Fashion in House Painting