The Somerset reporter., 1889-06-27
HIGHLAND NORA.

|
| Hear what Highland Nora said
"rhe Eailie S son will not wed.
"Do you mean that, Nora!'
A Young man thrust his head aEd
shoulders In at an open window. resting
his elbows on the low, old-fashioned sill.
ado you mean it, Nora!', he repeated.
Nora started In well-feigned surprise,
and the rich blood dyed cheek and brow.
"Of course, do said she promptly
adding, Just as did that other Nora"
But the hint was entirely thrown away
| for the young man only answered;
"Dd she? l never read the poem.
But have been thinking, Nora"
Indeed Is it such Il strange thing for
the young squire to think" the girl in
terrupted saucily.
| Don't laugh at me, my darling" said
he, not needing the indignant flash of the
gray eyes. you have said the same
thing great many times before, but
somehow l always thought you did not
mean it, and that you did love me, III
spite of all. Now. Nora, ask you for
the last time, will you marry me?"
Nora did not answer; she was busy TAX
ing the butter out of the churn. As she
placed it on the table she turned, facing
| him.
beg your pardon-what did you
say? | was busy"
The young man bit his lip with vexa-
ton but repeated his question.
Placing her hands behind her, and as
Stunning an attitude of defiance, Nora
sung:
| Hear what Highland Nora said
"rhc Earc's will not We'd
Should all the OF nature die,
And none be lett but he and i,
For all the gold. for all the gear,
For all the lands both far and near,
That Naor lost or won,
| would not wed the Eare's son''
| but mean 1t. Nora" he pleaded.
And too-just as did that other
Nora"
Guy Earle turned his face away and
closed his lips tightly moment.
VERY well; | will never ask you
again. said he, coldly.
| The rich color faded from Nora's face,
but she turned away that he might not
notice it. and said tauntingy;
"Ah, that will be something newt
really don't see what you will find to talk
of, however"
Guy remained silent a short time; then
| he spoke in an entirely different tone
one that made the girl stare in astonlsh-
ment, so masterful it was
afternoon"
| She hesitated.
II did think of gathering ferns; but
thought of his words, Il will never ask
you again"
THANK you"
Did he mean it?" the girl wondered
as she watched him out of sight. The
goose. Why doesn't he read the poem
and see what the other Nora meant?"
Meanwhile. Guy was saying
81 know Nora loves me, she only wants
to torment me. Never mind my lady
I'll change the manner of my siege. and
be commander-in-chief a while; you have
occupied that position quite long
enough" Then an amused smile broke
from his lips. "How surprised she look
ed at my commanding tone. | expected
her to refuse me"
After dinner, Nora donned her pretti-
est dress, dainty gray, with ribbons the
color of the sweet lips. Tying on her
wide brimmed hat, she thought; IN
take my zinc-lined box for ferns, there
are such lovely ones on the island.
There" giving parting nod to the face
in the mirror, you'll make him ask you
again, my dear. this very afternoon
she said, and smiling at her own conceit,
tripped away.
She was purposely late.
at won't do for him to think am too
anxious to CO." she had said.
To her surprise Guy was not there,
anXiously pacing the sands and wonder
ing ut her delay.
"Where can he be-" she wondered.
~ never knew him to be late before"
She waited nearly half an hour, expect
ing the young man every moment, then
she grew angry.
"lIow lucky brought my fern case
I'll go into the woods and pretend that
never came here at all.
Saying this. she turned to enter the
forest, but hearing the tramp of horses
drew back. hidden by the bushes. To
her surprise they stopped quite near
where she WAS hidden; she could see the
animals, but not their riders. Suddenly
woman's voice said
Guy, you are sure your love is last
lngl"
"of course, Elsie; should not have
spoken of 1t otherwise, said the rich
voice Nora knew so well.
Parting the bushes she looked through
them eagerly. Yes, it was Guy. But
the lovely creature by his side-who was
she?"
Nora thought her the most beautiful
woman she had ever seen. But she was
speaking again. The girl moved forward
few steps In her eageruess to listen.
"How pretty the Hudson is to-day
See how calmly 1t tiows-as II there were
no such things as heartaches and disap
pointments."
Guy took the tiny hand that was laid
on his arm.
I'VE will be happy yet. Elsie" he said
As they turned The horses heads ant
started homeward, Noras face was pal.
and set.
How dare her" she cried, Then sh,
moaned brokenly, "Oh, nv love, WHY
did you take me at my word2 But no
he must have known her long ago, h,
called her Elsie, and said they would ye
lie happy He has only been tEiHlng with
me-" she thought misersbly, - she walk
ed slowly homeward.
When she reached the gate she heart
the sound Of strange voices In the hous'
and saw the marks Of carriage wheels
Before she could slip around to the bacl
door . young man ran down the step
holding out both hands.
This is cousin Nora, am sure" sal.
he. smiling eagerly.
Nora frightened instantly.
"You are my cousin. Laurence Nor
ton, are you nosf"
Since you recognize me, allow me
cousins privilege" he said; aud stoop
Ing kissed her on the cheek.
The sound Of footsteps caused her