The leader., 1897-03-17

wage Wnen Lazy Cariingford had de-
voted her attention to the affair. S,pce
then, Of course, had been allowed no
opportunity. and now they were leaving
for a long visit. The thought of what
might happen during this time had
made me resolve upon a desperate ef-
fort
Nora came into the room. Never, Ia
my opinion, had she presented dain-
tier appearance.
GOOD afternoon, Mr.. Aynesworth."
she said, slight blush on either cheek.
Lance tells me there are some errors in
the soup kitchen accounts. Are they
very dreadful3" she added. a suspicion
of smile playing round the corners of
her mouth.
SWELL" said, officiously, "there are
several matters to be gone into"
II was long room, with rather low
ceiling, and the afternoon was drawing
to a close.
"Bring the books to the little table
IN the window" said Nora; "you will
see better"
] followed her up the room. Lady
Carlingford glanced after us with
doubtful expression, but said nothing
"Thc first thing" began, as united
the parcel-I was rather curious to see
what the books were like-"is the ques-
ton of-er-soup."
whats that, Mr.. Aynesworth ?" cried
out Lady Carlingford from her end
Nora, who was sitting behind large
fern, her face hidden from her mothers
view. began to laugh.
II was going to say, Lady CARING
ford" ! continued, wondering what on
earth an auditor would be likely to talk
about-"O, that could not find vouch-
er for the-er-vegetables," finished.
/ thought this was good. Voucher"
sounded business like, and knew that
vegetables were required for soup.
"If you will kindly look at the &C.
counts" replied Lady Carlingford, in
withering tones, "you will see that no
vegetables whatever were purchased.
My gardener supplied the entire guam
tity."
looked, but saw nothing Of the kind
However, took her word for it.
"Yes, of course" agreed, hurriedly.
"How stupid of mel"
Nora was enjoying herself immensely
behind the fern.
Anything else?" said Lady Carling-
ford, in voice that made me shiver. /
decided on a bold move.
"Ycs," l said. 81 do not agree the
cast"
/ found book that had figures in II
and pushed it towards Nora.
would you mind trying the pence of
tlat column" | said.
She bent her head over the book and
examined it intently. 1t was upside
down, by the way.
"Do you make it nine?" I queried,
anxiously.
"No, eightpence-halfpenny," she re-
piled. Lets try it together!" she
added, as if inspired.
drew up my chair close to hers. A
servant entered the room and engaged
Lady Carlingford's attention.
1t was now or never, thought.
"Nora," l whispered, "your mother
has asked me not to call-you are going
away tomorrow, and I may never have
another opportunity. You know care
for you more than for any other wom-
an in this world. Will you"
"Is there any mistaken" came from
the other end Of the room.
ave are trying the cast, mammal"
faltered Nora.
Lady Carlingford can have no real
objection" l went on. hurriedly; "she
will come round in time. Nora, will you
be my wife?"
Her little finger was trembling, as II
wandered aimlessly up and down the
lines of figures.
Haven't you finished with Mr.. Aynes-
WORTH" cried Lady Carlingford.
! looked at Nora anxiously.
"No, mamma" she said, calmly. 81
haven't. am going to marry him."
AS l predicted, Lady Carlingford
eventually saw matters from our point
Of view. 1t is always better to accept
the inevitable with a good grace.-The
Magnet Magazine.