Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1906-10-11
The Earl's Heir
By CHARLES GARvICE
CHAPTER l.


on a Levonshire cliff lay woman
waiting for that messenger who
comes to all of us sooner or later.
The rays of the setting sun, which
dyed the scarcely ripping sea bril-
liant crimson, fell upon her face and
upon that of a young girl who knelt
beside the bed and he'd the dying
woman's hand. The face of the wom-
an was softened by the approaching
climax, and but for a strange rest
lessness 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 a smile.
What time is it Miss Norah?" she
asked in faint voice.
Nearly eight, Catherine, dear"
she replied.
Il 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, neverthe-
less.
Don't cry, dear" she said. Don't
be-unhappy. | should not be if
IL | were not leaving you alone-all
alone!"
Don't think of me Catherine,
dear" said the girl, forcing back her
tears. "Oh, if there were anything
/ could do"
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-alf, Catherine!" re.
sponded the girl sobbingly.
A strange look came into the dying
woman's face and she raised her
hand and laid 1t 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.
Eyes, 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. | know" she murmured. 1T
has been the only thing that has made
1t 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 am gomez"
NO dear. How could 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
The 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---only you
dear, The restless, hesitating look
came into her eyes and she moved
her head to and fro on the pillow
Have | done wisely?' she murmured
more to herself than the girl. God
knows have done 1t for the best;
but-ah. Norah, il | were only sure. "
she gasped.
1T Is all so dark. so troubled" con
unued the woman. IF | could only
tell you--but cannot. dare not.
Not now! II is too late!"
What is 1t that worries YOU,
Catherine. dear? Is 1t anything you
want to tell me; anything you wish
me to dor
The woman looked at her long aud
wistfully, with tenderness which
could not have been deeper In q
mothers eyes: then she sighed again
mo, IL is nothing. Norah--nothins
can tell you; but there is something
you must do
What is itg win do anything
everything. YOU tell me-"
There is letter under the pil
low" said the dying woman family.
Norah put her hand under the pil
low and drew out closed envelope
"Read--read the address" sale
Catherine Hayes
Hastily wiping the tears from hel
eyes Norah read e:
The Earl OF Arrowdale.
The Court
Santleigh.
Berks.
At another time she might hay,