The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-09-14
CHAPTER WI.


A day had passed two-three-and
Marsden had made no sign.
Nora began TO hope he was wise enough
70 preceiye that it would not be for his
own happiness TO insist on marrying Il
girl who was so reluctant 10 be his wife.
After some consideration. she wrote a
sensible, dignitied letter to Lady Dorring
ton, rebutting her accusations and assur-
ing her that, SO far from wishing to mar
her brothers prospects by holding him to
his engagement. she had earnestly begged
him To set her free.
Christmas had gone by, to Bea's infinite
disappointment. without the presence Of
her favortC. MarsGen. There WIS a
pause in the little drama of their lives.
This interval was first broken 10y a few
lines from Winton to Mrs. LEstrange, in
which he asked her 10 fix an hour when
She could see him, as he was in town for
"a short time. and. if she adhered TO her
intention of returning to Brookdale early
in January. it would be his only oppor-
tunity of wishing her good-by, as he hoped
70 cOmplct" his business and sail for India
the end of the month.
Nora accepted this note as notice to be
out Of the way, and felt truly grateful to
Winton for sparing her the pain of an
encounter.
Mrs. L'Estrange began to form some
idea of the truth Though she liked Mark
Winton She thought Marsden would be a
more suitable husband fer Nora. lie
was bright and companionable, while
Mark was older than his years, sobercd
too by a life Of steady work and serious
responsibility. Nora could not be so much
w, ,.,rst tEt
for civil speeches or implied compliments,
or any of the gallant 'rickcry in which
Mars,lcn eXcellrd who differed from and
argued with her as he would with com
rad" of his own sex. and to crown all, had
looks to boast of beyond a good figure and
geutlcman-like air.
However, she made out very little from
their tctc-a-tcte interview.
Winton looked worn and Eaunt but
seemed very glad to see her, and to find
her alone He spoke freely enough of his
own affairs. Of the division he had made
Of lis uucle's bequest with the deceased's
graudchild, and Of his own approaching
Departure of herself and her little daugh-
ter. in even kindIier tone than usual;
but not until he rose 10 take leave, after
refusing her invitation 10 dinner, did
ne ltltIltll -N'E'- ilt'l NJ 'ls7F>t't 'tAAAiiiN
And Miss LEstrange; | hope she is
Well"
Yes; very we'll
And when does the wedding take
place.
Il am not quite sure
Il thought it was fixed fer the begin
ming OF FcbruaryE'
Yes; that was talked of; but we do not
quit" know vet
Are YOU pleased with the marriage"
he asked locking ut her very scarchingly.
"C"rtauIy. | am. 1t is It good marriage,
from worldly point of view; and then
Clifford Mars1en is 50 utterly devoted
that think dear Nora's happiness is sure
to hc his first consideration
1t ought to be" very gravely. but,
Mrs. LEstraugc. Marsden's financial po-
sitiun ought to be looked into carefully
before the marrige takes place. Mars
den of Eycsleigh sounds like 4 grand al
lance, but he is a good deal dipped, of
course. he may have cleared himself. Miss
LEStraugr has no guardian | helieyeE'
NO Colonel L'EStrange. after max
ing many wills, which he destroyed, final
~ died intcstate. our good friend, Mr.
Barton. the ColoncIs solicitor. has man
aged everything for Us. aud | have got
into the habit of looking on Lord Dor
rngron as an informal guardian: but he
cannot, or will not. interfere now, because
he. or rather Lady norrington, IS 50 dis
pleased with the proposed marriage"
"IIu, | feared SO. Lady bennington
va. | think, anxious her brother should
secure Mrs. Ruthycn's fortune. This
must be source of annoyance to Nora
I mean Miss LEstrangc-who is, sup