Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-07-25


implying that only previous attachment
would have prevented her falling in love
with me?"
Mrs. LEstrange smiled.
81 do not think Nora is disposed to fall
in love very readily. Then there was no
one for her to fall in love with"
"Some women might fancy Winton."
II do not think Nora did. Indeed, they
never seemed to take much to each other,
especially of late"
"Well, Mrs. L'Estrange, you will back
me up? I may depend on you?"
"You may. How did you and Nora
part?"
"Oh, she was anxious to get rid of me;
could see that, but told her would not
take her first No. nor her second either!
Mrs. L'Estrange, I am determined that
Nora shall be my wife"
"Not against her will?"
''No; that would be too ungallant," re-
turning to his usual light tone; ''but with
her will.''
''Take my advice; wait few days be-
fore repeating your offer. Let me tell her
you will give her time to think, and, mean
while, that she must let you come as a
friend and kinsman."
every we'll. 1 shall be guided by you,
but I can't stand this uncertainty long.
Why does she not like me? for she
doesn't"
''It is impossible to say; she is not a
commonplace girl"
''Thank you for the implied compli.
ment."
"You have caught me up too soon. Will
you write what have suggested, or shall
speak to Nora?"
II will write," he said, and speedily
traced few lines. "There," he contin-
ued, handing the note to Mrs. L'Estrange,
II am very grateful for your help, and
believe me, if become your step-son-in-
law, I will care for your interests and
those of my little friend, Bea, as if they
were my own"
"You are very good" said Mrs. LES
| TRANCE, softly.
'Now," continued Marsden, what shall
we do? 1t is an awful time in London; l
almost wish l had not come up. There
| is shooting, or hunting, or something to be
| done in the country. Have you been to
| Windsor? It is a tolerably fine day. Let
| us go down and lunch there, and walk
about after. Just settle it with Nora"
every WE'LL" said Mrs. L'Estrange, and
| left the room.
| She was some little time absent during
which Marsden walked to and fro, picked
| up and put down books and papers which
| lay about, and occasionally looked at the
clock. He was impatient, but not un.
easy; he did not doubt his ultimate sue
| cess, and was not altogether displeased
| with Nora's hesitation. 1t was the sense
of difficulty which was her browning
| charm.
| He had seen many lovelier and more
fascinating women; but none had ever
charmed and vanquished him as this un-
worldly, natural young cousin.
| What fair round arms she had! What
sweet mouth. half sad, half naughty
Would she ever press it fondly to his?
What would he not dare, what villainy
would he not commit, to secure her for
himself away from every one? And would
the day ever come when she would be to
him as other women, graceful and pleas
ant enough, but nothing remarkable?
| Well, not for a long time There would
be spell of heaven first. Here he threw
himself into an armchair and took up a
book of photographs; it opened at the por-
trait of Mrs. Ruthvan. Was that an evil
omen? He hated her; yet, when they had
met early that year in Paris, before he
had seen Nora, he was rather taken with
her. Her yelled admiration for himself
fattered and amused him. He even
thought of appropriating her wealth in
exchange for his name. Now? Pah, how
he wished she would die and take herself
out of his world where she was not want
ed! The telegram that morning was
about as bad as it could be; perhaps luck
would still be on his side, for he had a
vague, uncomfortable impression that
Mrs. Ruthven would work him evil.
Here Mrs. L'Estrange returned and
handed a little twisted note, which he
eagerly opened and read: "You are very
kind and considerate; l accept your sug.
gestion." This was simply signed "Nora u
81 think you ought to be content" said
Mrs. L'Estrange, smiling.
81 am-and our expedition to-day? '
eve will be ready to accompany you in
an hour Nora made no objection"
The meeting, under such trying circum-
stances. was less awkward than Nora ex-
pected. She could not help admiring
Marsdens tact and cool self-possession.
If anything, he was more attentive to Mrs
L'Estrange than to herself. The weather
was fine, the conversation light and ami
mated. Marsden spoke of Mrs. Ruthven
with much good feeling, and the day was
far more agreeable than Nora anticipated,
nor did Marsden leave them without max
ing some plans for the morrow which
would bring them together.
(To be continued.)