Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-10-17
CHAPTER /.

comes 10 all Oh US SOoHSl Vi ANeSA'
The rays of the setting sun, which
dyed the scarcely ripping sea Drill
liant crimson. fell upon her face and
upon that of a young girl who kneIt
beside the bed and held the dying
womans hand. The face of the wom-
an was softened by the approaching
climax, and but for a strange rest
Iessness and uncertainty in her eyes
it would have been wholly at peace.
She had been silent some time,
watching the reflection of the sun
light on the wall, and the Young girl
had been watching her, silently, too,
with tear-dimmed eyes.
At last the woman turned her head
and looked at the lovely face and
forced smile.
What time is it Miss Norah?'' she
asked in a faint voice.
Nearly eight. Catherine, dear,
she replied.
L shall sink with the sun" she
said, not complainingly. but with the
listless apathy of one who is waiting
and longing for peace.
The girls tears fell, but she cried
quietly and unobtrusively and even
endeavored to conceal them from her
companion. who saw them, neyerthe-
less.
Don't cry, dear" she said. Don't
be-unhappy. I should not be if
if were not leaving you alone-all
alone!"
Don't think of me Catherine
dear" said the girl, forcing back her
tears. "OA, if there were anything
1 could dol"
There is nothing" she said feebly.
81 am quite willing to go, but for the
thought of leaving you. Norah,
have done my duty"
"Oh, Catherine"
Il have tried, since your mother
died, to be IA mother to you!"
You have been all that mother
could be to me-all, Catherine!" re
sponded the girl sobbingly.
A strange look came into the dying
woman's tace and she raised her
hand and lad it lovingly, wistfully on
the girls head
"And you have loved me as if-as
if had been your mother, dear?' she
asked, with a sudden intensity
yes, yes, you know that dear"
assented Norah fervently. why,
scarcely remember any other
mother than you. You have been"
She could not get any further
Yes, I know she murmured 1T
has been the only thing that has made
it possible. If you had not loved
me. Norah--" She stopped and was
silent for moment or two. Then she
said: Norah, have you thought Of
what you will do when l am gomez"
mo, dear. How could l think OF
anything but you? You must not be
unhappy or anxious about me"
''You-you will stay here, Norah,"
she said, and her voice had grown
more feeble. "till-till-for a time.
This people will look after you as long
as you stay. They are fond of you
and kind, and there is money. You
have the last quarters allowance"
Don't trouble about me, Catherine
dear"
There is nothing else that
troubles me, only you-ouly You
dear" The restless. hesitating look
came into her eyes and she moved
her head to and fro Oh the pillow
Have I done wisely?" she murmured
more to herself than the girl. God
knows, have done it for the best:
but-ah, Norah, if I We're only sure.
she gasped.
1T is all so dark, so troubled" con
tinued the woman. IF could oaly
tell you-but cannot. dare not.
Not now! It is too late!"
what is it that worries you.
Catherine dear? Is it anything you
want to tell me; anything you wish
me to do?"
The woman looked at her long aud
wistfully. with a tenderness which
could not have been deeper in a
mothers eyes; then she sighed agala
mo, it is nothing. merchandising
] can tell you; but there is something
you must do"
what IS II? l viii DO anything.
everything, you tell me"
There is a letter under the PHI
low" said the dying woman family
Norah put her hand under the Pill
low and drew out a closed envelope
"Read-read the address" said
Catherine Hayes.
Hastily wiping the tears from her
eyes Norah read il:
The Earl of ArrowdaIe,
The Court.
Santleigh.
Berks
At another time she might have
expressed surprise. but now there was
no room for any emotion but grief.
'The Earl of Arrowdale yes" said
the woman slowly You will post #
with your own hand-when-wh
l am gone; tonight. Norah. dear?"
yes Catherine" said Norah sim
ply.
"Tou don't ask me what it is Miss
Norah?"
Not unless you care to tell me.
dear"
mo, will not tell you; you will
know soon. H. she struggled
as if with some strong emotion. and