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

Oh the world, had never heard the various
reports respecting his wild extrayagance.
MS generally reckless life. Even if she
had, she would, like simple, good woman.
nave fully believed in the power of a pure
attacnment to elevate and reform the
most determined rake. Besides, though
truly and warmly attached to her step
uaugnter, she was keenly alive to the fact
that ner own precious child was utterly
dependent on her half-sister. She never
doubted that Nora, if left to herself.
would be both just and generous, but if
Nora married before attaining her ma
Jorlty, Beatrice would be really dependent
on some mere stranger, and men are so
strange and hard about money matters.
Then husbands power and influence are
so great; the poor lonely widow, though
she blushed for herself, earnestly hoped
nora would not marry until she was 81.
II Nora married Marsden, she felt sure
ne would be kind and generous. He was
peculiarly sympathetic. 1t was this that
gave him more than half his attraction.
lie always conveyed the idea that he was
really glad to help any one. His detesta-
ton OF everything unpleasant or painful
gave him an air of kindness that imposed
even on himself.
Yes, IT Nora would consent, Bea's fu-
ture was secure and why should she not?
A better, Or indeed a happier, marriage
could not be found. Why Nora was not
already in love with her sutton, Mrs LES
TRANCE could not understand, and set it
down to one of the inscrutable mysteries
of young undeveloped nature.
Nora, too, was thoughtful, and the even
ing passed almost in silence; occasionally
each spoke few words, and then fell
into fit of musing. The spell, however,
was broken by the entrance of the SER
want with note for Mrs. L'Estrange
''The messenger waits, m"
II will ring in a minute or two," said
Mrs. L'Estrange, opening the envelope.
sit is from Mr.. Marsden, Nora," she
exclaimed. HE wants to see me alone
tomorrow morning"
"1ndeed!'
Il uppose"-smiling- wants to Sc
cure your vote and interest,"
''They are his already" A pause. ''What
shall I say, Nora?"
Whatever you choose"
''Then shall see him.
She rose, went to the writing table, and
penned few lines, and sent them to
Marsden's messenger.
II imagine that Mr.. Marsden will not be
easily turned from his purpose. And
hope, Nora, you will not too thoughtlessly
refuse so sincere and disinterested u
lover"
ooh! know all that can be urged in his
favor" said Nora, rather impatiently;
land he is very nice-only-1 think l
should like to be Nora L'Estrange for
some time longer. have seen so little.
How could l manage a great establish
ment like Evesleigh House? I am half
afraid of that awful housekeeper. And
the squire himself likes everything to be
so perfect-so elegant-he might regret his
own haste in wanting to marry such q
half-hedged creature as I am"
"Nora, dear Nora! this humility is a
new Development!
81 know what am fit for, and am not
humble, but 1 do not want to attempt
what is likely to be too much for me.
There, don't let us talk about Clifford any
more-at least till you have seen him to-
morrow"
promise me not to refuse him without
due reflection"
"No. I am too undecided to do that
But it rather awful to think that having
once said YES one cannot unsay it,
Mrs L'Estrange need scarcely have rec
commended Nora to reflect on Marsden's
offer. She was haunted by the recollec-
ton of his words, his voice, his eyes. 1t
is true that he kept himself we'll in hand,
and kept back many passionate express
sion that rushed to his lips. Neverthe-
less, he had impressed Nora very deeply
with the conviction that she was very es-
sential to him. 1t rather weighed, her
down with a vague sense of alarm. What
was she to do with this tremendous gift of
love?1so strong that his voice trembled
in spite of his efforts to be steady, when
he described it, and his heart throbbed
fast and hard when he pressed her hand
for a moment against it. Ought she con-
denim one who was so tenderly attached
to her to suffer the pangs of disappoint-
ment and rejection, because she had a
morbid fancy for another who did not care
for her? And with the thought came a
SUGGESTION that sent thrills of pain quiv-
ering through her veins. Had the same
words and tones and looks been Winton's
how differently she would have responded!
Perhaps, by cultivating gratitude to Mars
den. and giving herself up to his efforts to
please and win her, she would succeed in
loving him, ana tueu size WOuli HIKE ulu
happy and be happy herself. What a So
lntion of all difficulties that would be!
Perhaps it would be the right thing to do.
How hard it was to know what was right.
Finally. the tears welled up, as she
thought with regretful compassion of the
strong emotion Marsden had displayed
surely such affection constituted claim
upon any kindly heart. Yet she ardently
wished he had not taken such fancy to
her. So, after struggling with contra
dictory thoughts for half the night, she
fell asleep toward morning, with half
uttered prayer to be directed Alright upon
her lips.
Mrs. L'Estrange received Marsden cor
daily and cheerfully. She did not doubt
for moment that Nora, having recovered
her first startled surprise at his unexpect-
ed proposal, would marry him willingly
as it was natural she should; and she was
~;o,s no shouId see how very heartily