Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-05-29

the park gates, and wandered aimless-
! ly along the lanes and over the cont
mon, very much as she wandered
about Norton after her mothers death,
but though she expected-and dread n
to meet him. he did not cross her
path.
A fortnight passed Lady Ferndale
drove over frequently. and once or
twice persuaded Norah to go over 10
Ferndale for lunch or dinner and she
was made much OF and petted to ner
hearts content but she always re
turned to seep at the Court. Mr..
Petherick ran down from London sew
eral times, bearing formidable looking
documents, which he required her to
| sign, and giving her further details of
| the wealth which she had inherited.
Il think you ought to go to one Or
two of your places, Lady Norah,' =
said, gently. Wealth has its re
sponsibilities, as well as its privileges.
The place in Scotland, for instance;
the earl had not seen it for years.
Now, what do you think Of paying It
a visit? It is a very fair specimen of
-er- architecture, quite princely IN
extent and character Ahem-T really
think you should CO."
And Norah said that she would go
when the earl arrived. Then he would
sigh and shake his head, and proceed
to tell her about the shares in coal
mine which he had discovered be
longed to her and asked her what
she would co with a large sum which
he found invested in the earl's name,
and which now belonged to her. And
then Norah sighed, and, begging him
to do just as he pleased, closed the in
teryiew.
Another fortnight passed, and one
evening she was sitting in the draw
ing room, looking ont at the view
which was rapidly disappearing in she
cleaning OF the short late autumn
day, when footman entered and
brought card to her.
She took it up and held it toward
the light 1t was Guilford Berton' S.
and on it was written in pencil, will
you see me- for few minutes?"
Norah held the card in her fingers,
her brows drawn tceeth0~
for fully a minute; then she inclined
her head to the footman, who stood
like a statue beside her and he opened
the door and announced Guilford Der
ton.
i He came in with his poiseless tread,
and Norah, who had taken up a book
and held it in her right Rand, rose
and bowed to him without offering to
shake hands.
I must ask your pardon for intrud
ing OH you, Lady Norah he said,
slowly, and in the manner Of one who
was repeating words which he had
learned BY heart, but l am leaving
England for some time, and l could
~. go without wishing you farewell ,"
Ills tone was so subdued, so hum
Bile. and, indeed, reverential, that No
rlh's frigidity melted somehow. After
all, she thought, his greatest crins
had been his daring to love her, and
it is crime which most women find
easy to forgive
( Won are leaving Erglani?" she
said "Wfll you not sit DOWN."
He took chair. and she sank into
hers.
Yes he said sadly, II am going
away for a change Of air and scene.
may be away for some time-for
years
Where are you going?" she asked,
not because she cared. but with the
desire to be at least polite to the man
who had been her fathers closest
friend, and who had only sinned IN
loving her
ITO Australia. think" he said
They tell me that a man can ind
work there, and It is time made the
quest. have been Idle too long-for
poor man"
Norah's heart smote her-it had
grown very tender dur ng these weeks
of solitary mus!ng Sorrow teaches
us sympathy even with those we dis
like. and he was concious of a feel
ing of pity for this man who had vast
ed his life dlncing attendance on one
who had rewarded the sacrifice by a
gold watch and chainl
Il hope you will succeed, - 81 q sad.
He glanced up at her gratefully, but
with the $ me air of PLAYING part
he had carefully rehearsed.
1t IS very good of you to express so
kind wish" he murmured, especially
as know-am bitterly conscious-that
| have lost your friendship
Norah's brow darkened, and her
lips came together tightly
is there any need to speak of-of
what is past, Mr. Berton?'' she said,
Forgive me-" he pleaded ut IL
hard not to speak of what is in ones
thoughts day End night, continually.
You viii understand why | find this
place uncomfortable. II is a source of
torture 10 me. To feel that | am
near you and that | dare not approach
you-Lady NOrah. he rose and took
= step nearer to her Il lad intended
TO wish you farewell IN the fewest
possible words, but. alas, my heart is
too strong for my will. am going
forever, but before ] go will you give
me one more chhnce, win you Ct
me plead for that which is indee /