Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1895-09-18

One evening, shortly before Christmas
Marsden had looked in later than usual
after dining with some friends ut his clun
He stood on the hearth-rus retailing III,
political and other gossip he had heard
and questioning Mrs. LEstranga ant
Nora respecting their shopping.
Mrs. Rutllven is coming TO town neN
week" he said. Il had talk with ShiT
lev to-day. He has been down to see her
she has not deigned 10 communicate with
me. but | hear through my solicitor sh'
has sold thar villa she was so wild TO gel
4 month or six weeks ago, and made M
.een hundred pounds by the transaction
.'Is il possible" exclaimed Nora.
Some people seem to have the power
ST turning ali they touch 10 gold SAID
Mrs. LEstrsnge.
Fortunate people" returned Narsden
Talking of gold, l see Winton's old
uncle died rather suddenly on the thlr
teenth, SO, l suppose he'll have plenty 70
do settling his affairs, instead of rushing
back TO punish the unworthy IN MS dls
trict."
WAS old Mr. Winton rich:" asked Mrs
L'Estrange, carelessly.
Il am not sure I think l have heard
that he made money or saved money OF
late years. He lived at a little shooting
moor / don't think he ever held up hii
head since Black Mark went 10 the
,ad."
DO not say that, Mr.. Marsden!' eN
claimed Mrs. LEStrauEe, earnestly
Father and son misunderstood each
other; but the son was more sinnee
against than shining" Her delicate face
flushed as she spoke.
You are more charitable than most
people, Mrs. LEstrauge, 70 one who, ii
rot sorely belied, did not care for any one
save himself; AT any rate, II is likely Rec
Mark, as we used to call him, will sreI
nJo his shoes"
"OId Mr.. Winton had daughter. !
think"
Yes. who married against his will.
don't know what became of her. Per
haps she may come in for some of The
fathers money. But l must bid you good
oy. as well as goodnight. l an goina
down 10 Evesleigh to-mOrrow TO see after
some matters I don't fancy after all
Mrs. Ruthven will take the place, sh,
has made 50 many difficulties and supu
tations."
How long shall you be away" asked
Nora. who had grown very silent OF late,
well, quite three or four days. You
will write 10 ma- Will you not, my sweet
,st sweethenrt:'
.Yes certainly"
And will you take parcel for me tc
Brookdale?" asked Mrs. L'Estrange. III
20 and fetch IT."
with plea sure" said MaTsden. Now
dearest" he cried, a soon as they were
alone. lone farewell kiss. | have an odd
sort of fancy that This may be the las.
you'll ever give me. 1t is extremely ab-
surd. this superstition, and nust mean
am going TO die for If l live l shall un'
doubtedly have many 8 sweet kiss in th'
lays that are coming
DO not think Of such things, Clifford"
said Nora, more touched by his words
than he was aware, and she leaned Ior'
ward TO press her lips gently TO his cheek
II trust you may have many, many htpQ!
rears before you.
..Will you make me happy"
Il will do my best for you, dear Chr
ford l will, indeed"
God bless you, darling" kissing hei
hair. her brow, her cheeks quickly, pas
sionately, and letting her 90 as Mrs
L'Estrange re-eutered the room.
1T is not very large, and if you viii
send il over 10 the cook at BrookdSle,
shall be much obliged" she said, handing
the packet 70 him.
After few more words Marsden bid
.hern adieu nd departed. Mrs. I'Estrang'
and her step-daughter drew nee rer thu
IRE. and sat for some minutes in silence
u did not think Mr. Marsden as brighl
as usual said the former, at length.
NO. He was little more serious than
usual" returned Nora.
But he is always pleasant and kind
[ really think, dear Nora, you are Won
lerfully fortunate. Yours is a case where
rue love has run smooth"
The Ides of March have come, no
gone"
THAT is quite an uncanny speech
Nora" There was another pause.
Then Nora, gathering up her resolution,
mid quietly:
Did Clifford Marsden know Mr.. Win
ION and his cousin when they were all
,oys?"
..Yes. They used to be in Oldbridgs
,ow and then, and he was at my fathers
.ectory once"
..WiIl YOU think me unwarrantably in.
.rusive If I ask you a few questions about
hose by-gone days?" laying her hand
yentIy on her step-mother's knee.
Mrs. L'Estrange smiled thoughtfully.
No. dear, l can tell you anything, ans
there is not much 70 tell"
Did you know Clifford before you mar
ned my father"
Scarcely knew him. / met him sey
raj times. He was a delightful hoy
nineteen or twenty.
Was he a great friend of Mark Win
on'sT'
mo. More the friend of the Other
uark You know both the Wintons had
he same name, it used to make confusion
They had not been brought up exactly
together They were at different schools,
,ur both were sent 10 study with my
'ather-one for the army, the other Tot
india. We used 10 distinguish them az
BLACK and Red Marks. They made Cliff
ord Marsden's acquaintance at his aunt
Mrs Atherley's, at Oldbridge, and he
.ame down from London TO see them
,nce. for a few days, to my fathers rec
.ory in Hampshire. Oh. what sweet
lome il was. What ages away back that
ime seems'
"Andw whispered Nora. leaning lightly
igainst her companion and fixing her eye.
,n the glowing Goals. Mark Winton wa.
-ery fond of you:
Well" returned Mrs L'Estrange. with
quiet smile, .'he fancIeu he was-he
said he was-and |, Il foolish, mntherless
girl. believed him
But was he not faithful and tfuer
cried Nora, infinitely surprised.
There might have been a mistake
somewhere. but it ali came hard enough
on me-" returned Mrs. LEstrnnge.
There was gentleman In our neighhor
hood who wished me to marry him-s
very gooG fellow. ] was inclined to like
him, but after Mark made me believe he
loved me | thought of no one else, and
refused my first admirer. Then Narh
went away to India He wrote to ne
once or twice Than emma my great sor