Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-01-28
CHAPTER xvIII.-tcOntinued.)

MORA DR.. Armstrong said, letting his
eyes pass over Lord Keston's face with
supercilious smile, but evidently suspi-
G. GUS in that moment even of Nora, Il
can trust youth any company. | can
trust you to recollect what matters relate
solely to your own family, and<on what
subjects you have bound yourself to Sc
crecy."
Miss st. George is not one to break
VOW" rejoined Mark, with calm disdain,
even though it were wrung from her by
the meanest lies"
You speak courteously," observed
Nuel Armstrong, smiling, as he Kissed the
words slowly, in his cowardly fury; but
that, of course, is what we are tempted
to expect from our aristocracy. | am
glad you have reached your height among
them at last The position must natural
ly crafty you. Only try to escape an
unexpected descent II would be morti-
flying and humiliating for lofty soul to
return to the untitled herd from which
it so lately sprung; and-I may possibly
live TO see you do it. One other thing |
would tell you before we part; and what
say l mean, Lord Keston; if | hear of
your trying to worm yourself into my
Cousins confidence, or to learn secrets
she has sworn to keep, | shall hold back
my hand no longer
DO your worst; that is, if you have
not already exhausted your worst
Nora" cried Or. Armstrong, throwing
off, at last, every shadow of compunc-
ton, and letting loose his rancorous>hat-
red to the man opposite him. Il will
keep silent no longer-eyen for your sake,
and for that you have this man TO thank,
who wears the title which has been so
fatal to your house. When you recall
this scene, remember that | would have
spared you but that his malice and AFRO
gance wrested all forbearance from me.
No need to tell you to whom | refer,
Nora, when / say | will bring him here
now. He shall face his verdict, and then,
when the truth is known, you will see
who was your real friend, and loved you,
knowing that very truth which will ex-
cite his contempt. 1t is time for my re-
yenge now. and | will take it."
If you feel yourself able TO go through
with it," observed Mark, with easy negli-
gence, you cannot begin too soon."
You speak without understanding" re-
joined Nuel, with fierce, furtive glance
int othe stern face of the younger man.
no; l fancy l understand" he an
swered. in his leisurely way, land fancy
| can gauge your power, sir. You threat
en- that you will bring to England a man
who--if known to be alive here-would
lie captured by law for a crime commit
ted more than eighteen years ago. No
matter whether he has escaped the letter
of the law or not. he will be ruined for
life as an English-well. simply an Eng
lish gentleman, let us say"
Ruined for life!' sneered Nuel. THAT
is a novel way of regarding the impossi-
BILE future of criminal | have need but
to swear to his identity-and | will do
SO, unless Nora herself pleads with me-
and he dies as a murderer shouldw
You will do your part promptly and
skillfully, l have no doubt" said Mark,
as he led Nora away. why should you
delay, through any triGing qualms at all?
Put the finishing stroke to your long
career of personal ambition and animos-
ity. l shall be prepared. | will even
court that trial which you threaten. And,
n the meantime, as you know quite well,
you have nothing to fear from Miss st.
Georges betrayal of secret of yours.
Nora" whispered Mark, presently, as
he paused a moment, in doubt whether
Dr. Armstrong would follow them TO the
house or not, do not tremble so. 1t will
be all well when he has done his worst
as now he threatens to do. | have been
expecting this. / would myself have has
tened il long ago-I mean as soon as the
power was mine on my uncle's death;
but, in my search for you, sweetheart,
how had | room for other thoughts and
projects? He will scarcely, even now,
act before l am ready for him; for when
have left you, my love, shall have no
strong impulse to keep me lingering here
And then, when this last cloud has pass
ed, we shali--dearest, do not let that old
shadow fall across your face, even at
words of mine | have made promise
myself. have | not, to help you in carry
ing yours? You shall not listen to any
plea of marriage from Lord Keston; and
yet my beloved. you shall love him-just
as he loves you"