Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1892-02-18

lived. would have been Lord Severne; he
was the next heir, and both title and estates
are enia!led. As my father was dead, l was
the neSl heir. My iatler had never given
me to understand that there was the most
remote possibility o, our succession. l do
not believe he ever thought of it HIM
self lie was only second cousin, and
at that time Lord Severme was strong
healthy man, his brother the same, and
the boys at school gave every promise of a
lpngli e.
Now all was changed; they were dead;
and. as | was the nearest OF KIN, l became
master of Seyerne Court and Baron
Severne. Mel. as truly as there is a
heaven above us. my first thought when
heard tins news was OF you. What will
my Nellie say?' ! cried aloud: and l felt
proud to think that could make my far
and beautiful love Lady Severne.
at had written one line to you, then all
would have been ditferent-my life and
yours; but | was restless and excited. | had
pleased, proud, agitatcd, but not untrue to
you then, Nellie, l swear it, not I'M
true
The letters sent by Messrs Norton and
Son were most peremptory in their sum-
mons. l must return at once. Fortunately
there was young Englishman who
could without difficulty take my place,
wer. honestly pleased with my good fort
une. and we parted on excellent terms
Nellie, when | started in the Queen Of the
Seas bound from bombay to London, my
thoughts were all Of you. Oh, my true
love, my lost love, how shall l tell you
what happened then?
Il deserve to be shot as traitor, as a
coward" he continued with passionate
bitterness. 'When l look back l cannot
think what folly, what madness possessed
me- | am sure that my good fortune had
i'll some measure turned my brain.
con the second day that was on board
/ began to take an interest in my fellow
passengers. My romantic story was known
amongst them-how from simple engi-
neer, glad to earn an income of few hun
dreds had suddenly and quite unexpcct-
eddy come into possession Of title and es-
tates worth sixty thousand per annum. On
the second day of the voyage l walked
about the deck amusing myself with the
novel sights and sounds, when, Nellie, |
saw one of the most beautiful women
had ever beheld in my liie---beautifuI as a
not half so fair and winsome as
you!
II had seen butlittle OF women. had
never been thrown much into their society
l hardly remembered my own mother; Sis
ters and cousins had none; you and your
mother were the only two with whom l
had ever been on friendly or intimate
terms. loved you. l understood your
simple noble nature; I knew your true
earnest character; but was perfectly ignor
ant OF the acts of women. thought they
were all like you; their caprices tascina-
tons, charms, arts, and intrigues were all
unknown to me. Never was prey more
easily caught. I hate myself when 1
think Of my own folly.
THE beautiful woman was walking up
and down the deck; her veil was thrown
back, and the sea-breeZe had brought a
lovely bloom 10 her face. Her graceful car
rage. so free, SO stately attracted me first.
II saw her lay her hand on the rail. She
was looking over at the passing waves; the
hand was white as snowdrop; wedding
ring shone on it, with broad bands OF dia-
monds and sapphires. She is married., 1
thought. Then little as | understood the
mysteries of ladys attire, perceived that
the coquettish line Of white defining the
form OF her beautiful head was widows
cap.
'''Who is that lady?' I asked of Captain
Luttrel.
His eyes frightened, as did the eyes of
every other man on board, when they rest
ed on her.
She is Mrs. Nugent,' he replied---'a
young widow returning to England. Her
husband, Captain We're Nugent, died few
months since. will introduce you to
her. and the next moment ] was bowling
before a beautiful young widow, who seem.
cd still child"