Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-11-14


strange and mysterious! Hartman
wound the beautiful p'aits of hair in
thick coil at the back of the shapely
head, and finished dressing her mis-
tress. and Norah got up and walked to
the window. Hartman was there be-
fore she could reach it, and opened il
for her, and Norah stepped out onto
! the terrace. She was looking down.
| recalling the singular incident of the
preceding night. when bell Changed
out SO generously and suddenly that
| it startled her.
The breakfast bell. my lady" ex-
planned Harmsn, and she opened the
dressing-room door, and stood holding
it just, as Norlh thought, as if for g
! prince ass to pass out.
The sun pouring through the painted
window Aooied the great han with
splashes OF many-colored light, and
Norah looked round with an admira-
ton approaching awe.
A footman stood at an open door,
and. guessing it to be the breakfast
room, she entered.
The earl, in a suit of gray tweed,
loose but perfectly fitting, rose from
his chair. and, approaching her, took
her hand and kissed her forehead as
he had done the night before, and led
her to her seat at the head of the la
bic.
Il trust you slept well?' he said,
his eyes glancing over her quickly
Are you looking for Mr.. Petherick
He departed by an early train to re-
turn to his business, and left his com
pliments. He is an excellent man"
He was very kind" said Norah.
Eyes"
Norah, feeling terribly shy, but
struggling hard to conceal any signs
of it, poured out a cup of coffee and
passed it to him, for there was no
footman
It dispense with servants in waiting
at breakfast" said the earl but if
you wish it the butler shall be in at
tendance"
"Oh, nc, she said promptly 4
have been used"
Il hope they have served something
that you will like he said, indicating
the silver covered dishes with a wave
of his white hand. The cook Will
learn your tastes very quickly. Thank
you, no." for Norah had offered to
help him to some mysterious ulsh.
Il only take toast for breakfast"
A footman entered with the post bag,
and laid it on the table.
Permit me-" said the earl as cour-
teously as if he were addressing an
ordinary visitor, and he opened and
read his letters with leisurely grace.
Norah was hungry after her sound
nights rest and cold bath, and ate a
good breakfast, looking round the
handsomely-furnis room as she
did So and occasionally allowing her
glance to rest upon the aristocratic
face opposite her as it bent serenely
over the letters and papers.
Presently, having finished with
them, the earl laid them methodically
in pile, and looked across at her.
81 fear you will find it dull here at
the court, Norah. regret that can
not go up to the house in town, but
London does not agree with me, and
rarely remain longer than a few
days"
81 shall not be dull here" she said;
'it is all so new and strange to me,
and do not wish to go to London
"Of course you will have 70 go to
be presented, but perhaps Lady Fern
dale will be kind enough to chaperon
you. Do you play?"
Yes. l have worked very hard at
my music"
"There is piano in the drawing 2
room-a grand of Erard's-and one in
your own room. trust everything
was TO Your taste in your apart
ments," he added.
Yes, indeed; everything is so beau
tiful. I was admiring the pretty furai-
ture and things before went to sleep
last night"
81 hope that if there should be any
thing you desire you will at once ex-
press your wish; it shall be gratified.
will see that you have a suitable
horse, and that some one be found to
teach you to ride. fear that shall
be but poor companion for you, and
that you will feel lonely at times"
Il am used to being alone a great
deal. I have often spent days and
days without speaking to any one ex-
cepting Catherine"
Catherine? All, yes, pardon me,
had forgotten. Catherine Hayes,
your maid"
And l am sure shall be quite hap
py wandering about this beautiful
place when it is fine, and on wet day
there win be books and music"
81 am obliged to you for taking so
cheerful a view of the prospect" he
said Il regret that the state of my
health will not often permit me TO ac-
company you, and have also heavy
correspondence. as you see," and he
waved his hand to the letters. AL
though l have long since CEASED to
take an active part in politics, my
former colleagues pay me the frequent
compliment of consulting me-"
Perhaps l could help you" said