Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-01-07
CHAPTER XIV.

were Nora's plans discussed at the vicar
age; but it seemed as if every proposal
must be followed by the recollection of a
drawback, and almost more than in the
days Of her unnoticed childhood did the
girl feel her loneliness just then. But no
one guessed this and Celia was not the
only one who said Noras sudden access
of fortune had evidently put the finishing
touch to her happiness. Yet Mrs. Pen
nington once or twice detected note of
sadness in the pretty voice, and Mr..
Poynz caught himself looking now and
then into her restless eyes, ss if he tried
TO trace some shadow which lay there
below their laughter. Sometimes the
girls themselves escaped from these con-
slant debates, and laughed more merrily
than they did; or sat upon the uncom-
Portable green seats, and formed wild
plans of future greatness, until they were
called in again, perhaps to hear what
was Mr. Doyle's last proposal.
And then Nuel Armstrong crossed the
room to Morals side, and told her per-
emptorily that he must speak 10 her
alone.
Il am going to Rachel Gers. Will
you come part of the way, them? asked
Nora, with determination to hide from
al who were present her involuntary re-
luctance TO have him with her.
She looked back as they passed through
the vicarage gate, and returned Celia's
smile; but DIR. Armstrong never turned
his head. Nor, though he looked straight
before him, and had not yet glanced into
Morals face, did he lose the furtive, con-
centrated expression in his eyes.
So they walked on in silence, until they
We're nearly half way across the bog.
Then Nora, a little amused by being sum-
moned to conference and never adj
dressed, inquired, rather lazily, if Nuel
had said all he meant to say.
1T is NOT often | demand to speak to
you in private now, Nora" he began, his
voice as concentrated as his gaze, but
when l do, it is for some purpose, you
may be sure
'Nuel," she said. thoughtfully, lit
seems just as if the old time had gone
from me to-day-suddenly-
don't know why, but it is so; and I've
no words to say Of it. even to you, that
might hold it back for only one other
hour. But perhaps you have"
She stopped and stood leaning against
an upright cutting of turf. as if she tried
to feel that their conference was over,
and to prevent his going further.
Mora, you recollect that Royle holds n
letter of trust given him by your grand
fatherw
Yes"
Bran had laid himself down at her
feet, and her hands were linked before
her. She stood the very picture of idle
content, Nuel thought, as, under the tilted
brim of her hat, he saw the happy dream
ing of her eyes.
Nora" he said-and for moment his
hand went out as if he would have
drawn her to him as he used to 90 in that
uncherished childhood of hers; bat in the
next his hand fell, and even his eyes
turned from her as he spoke-"did you
never feel anxious to know something of
your parents"
She turned from him in unfeigned sur
prise, for had he not for years always
silenced her on the subject?
"Oh, Nuel. l long and long to hear of
themi Ever since l can remember my
best dream has been to find some one
who will tell me of them. You never
would; grandpa never would let me even
utter in his presence the-the words that
other girls say so often. Father! Mother!
| have whispered them to myself in the
night, or out here alone upon the bog,
but no one ever listened if | tried TO win
a faint, faint memory to hold in my heart
Have | felt anxious to know? you ask
All, you could never, never know how
anxious! Are you-are you going to tell
me now, Nuel?"
"If l knew, l would" he said, the
dusky color rising slowly in his face I'M
der the longing, questioning glance. And,
as have long felt that the mystery ought
to be traced for you, and you ought to
know what your grandfather had no right
to keep from you, | am going to do you
that service, Nora. No, don't thank me,
DEAR" he added, hurriedly, as he feigned
to mistake the sudden question in her
eyes; Il will not be thanked for doing
a simple duty. When have done it, you
shall thank me as you will, and repay me
as your kind and generous heart dictates.
No longer than can help shall you live
as you are living now, Nora-under a
name to which you have no right. No
longer" he reiterated, with slow signifi-
eanee, as she started up with brilliant,
flashing eyes.
What do you mean, Nuel? Speak
plainly. l am a little bewildered to-day.
What did You say about my name?"
Nothing against it, my DEAR" DR..
Armstrong replied, with his stiff smile,
for it was your grandfather's, and, of
course, your mothers
My fathers, you mean," Nora correct
ed, slowly. But her fingers had grown a
little nervous now, and she pushed her
hat from her forehead, as if its light
weight oppressed her.
That" said Nuel. pointedly, sis what
your grandfather chose that you and ev-
cry one else should believe; but that was
net the truth. Your fathers name, for
some reason which the old man best I'M
derstood. was kept secret. Possibly it
may have been best to do so; but per-
haps there is justice yet to be done to his
memory, and /, who love his child so de-
votedly, will do it. HushI Don't thank
me, darling, till l come to you some day
and tell yoa of your father, bringing you
his name, without a stain upon it of dis
honor or of--crime."
NhatF
The girls cry was sharp and sudden,
as now. win both hands, she pushed her
hair from her temples. and the white
fingers chung the4e as If their hold sus-
tanned her.
Yes said Nuel. though Col st.
George died in the fullest confidence that
your fathers name would disgrace you.
Nora, it was perhaps only because he
did not love you enough 10 trouble hiEa-
self TO investigate That is left for me;
and to-day. when heard that al last the
wealth is yolrs which you so well de-
serve, determined that your own name
should be yoa7s, too. / determined that
| would restc.e this TO my lore, and then
| should have no wish unsatished; for
You would be honored in the world. as
vel as wealthy and happy"
Perhaps no happier" put in Nora. low
and dreamily, as If she uttered the
thought uneonsciously.
But you must be happier, dear" said
Nuel. meeting her eyes fully for the first
time. Your grandfather's name. e