The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-09-21

NoEd went lSIltssIy uDSIHlTs, Opeutu
the drawing room door and stopped for a
moment. Helen was speaking TO some
one, another step, and she saw her step
mother seated on low chair looking up
TO Mr.. Winton, who stood on the hearth
rug leaning his shoulder against the chin
ney-place She instinctively turned her
face from the light, and assuming by an
effort an air of composure. advanced to
shake hands with nina charming figure,
as the reflection of the fire played on her
rk-green, closetitting cloth coat, edged
with sable, and a pretty cap of the same
fur browning her golden brown Curls. In
spite of her will and firmly cXerted self
control, a vivid blush rose TO her checks.
which left color enough even when it had
partially faded.
Where is Bea?" asked Mrs. LES
TRANCE when the others had bid each other
good-day.
Gone to take off her things"
Il must bring her to see YOU" said
Mrs. l. Estrange. with rather a signf-
cant look TO Winton.
He is going then" thought Nora. too
much taken up with the idea TO heed her
step-mOther leaving the room.
Il thought you were to sail tO-day?"
she said, taking off her cap and parting
the fringe on her brow; the room was
quite too warm. after the cold mir, and
she drew a chair forward, still keeping
her back to the windows.
Il have postponed my departure for
week or two" returned Winton and
there was an awkward pause. while Nora,
with unsteady fingers, drew off her gloves
and rubbed her hands gently together.
You seem tired of your holiday"
No" said Winton, taking a step nearer
to her. and looking straight into her eyes.
Il must tell you the truth, even though it
may seem bad taste to do so, at least so
soon. | am not tired of my holiday, but l
wanted to throw myself into engrossing
work, to deaden the pain of disappoint-
ed hope-hope that probably had no right
TO entertain, yet which | could not resist!
Nora was silent. Il may seem a tiresome
persevering blockhcad- but once more
Nora. | offer you my future life. And /
promise, with all my soul to be your
truest friend, as we'll as your true lover!
Shall | 20, or stay"
And Nora-the tears yelling over and
hanging on her lashes-said softly, but
most distinctly: Stay" Then she lost
hold on herself and burst into fit of
weeping.
Good heavens. Nora" cried Winton,
dismayed, YOU do not accept me against
your will
no, no" she returned, recovering her
self a little, but | have been SO miser-
able and foolish"
Tell me-" said Winton, bending one
knee ON Il footstool beside her and taking
her hand gently i'll his. why did you ne
crpt Marsden?"
Because | thought he loved me very
much; and with n quick glance from
her sweet wet eyes. and frank pressure
of the hand, that no one else did"
How was that" cried Winton. his
heart heating fast. You must have felt
how soon you grew dear to mc!-dearer
than anything else on earth or in heaven.
either
"Why did you not tell me so before"
asked Nora, smiling, though her lips still
trcmbled.
"Because, my love- my life, l was
afraid. DO you remember, one day, you
bid me good-by at the door, at Brookdale.
and | dared TO hold your hand closer and
longer than l ought? The words, Il love
YOU were on my lips at that moment, but
il was no time or place to speak them;
and ever after. in some nameless way, you
put me from you, and virtually told me
you would have nothing to do with me"
Yes. | remember it, and ! was told
that hat You had been engaged to Helen,
and were now hoping TO marry her."
WHO told you this? Marsden?" he
asked, st"rnly, catching her other hand
and holding both tight.
Yes, talt"rod \ora.
Then he is an Internal liar! Why did
You believe him.
why should l doubt him.
Then you should not have doubted
me.
~ on would not have me SO conCeited as
To fancy man must be-yery, very fond
. of m"-When he never told me sOt'
wv hlle thought every one must see |
was making fool of myself
/ "Oh, If You wish To keep up character
/ for wisdom
Il don suppos" YOU believe much i'll my
/ wisdom. But, Nora, Will you really come
/ with ne 10 INDIA TO a wild. remote sta
/ ton:
i am not wise enough to refuse! But
| can't start next week.
should thlnk not. on VIII believe
me-, when tell you. / never loved any
woman nu' E"'lrScil. ana give me place
4 Ill Your heart, IN return:
I Il VIII, Mark. said Nora. gravely.
! steadily. with a tender solemnity.
I So when Mrs. L'Estrange was called
1 back it was all settled; a very happy party
/ met at dinner that eycuing-at which re-
. past Miss Beatrice, to her great delight
( was allowed to be present. and did good
service 10y promoting general and very
discursivc conversation.
/ The society papers soon added to their
usual paragraphs mysterious hints as to
/ broken engagements, and the false in