Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-05-02

when my father is well he will be
able tc thank you better than / can, .
said Norah
He cannot thank me half so well,
even if deserved or desired thanks.
One word from you, Lady Moran, out
weighs world of gratitude, and
would repay me for the sacrifice Of
my life"
Norah flushed. 81 must go back
now" she said
q should like to say goodnight 10
the EARL he said.
The earl was sitting up. looking
none the worse for his journey, which
had been rendered as easy as gold
the great smoother of all things-could
make it.
He glanced from Guilford Berton to
Norah and back again. and his lips
twitched
He seems no worse" he said. en-
deed. l think the change has improved
him.
You are better, papa?"
The old man looked at her for a mo-
ment, then at the pale, somber face
beside her, and his lips twitched again
DO you think-sometimes I, cannot
help thinking-that there is something
on his mind? Something that he
wishes to tell me or you? He looks
from enc to the other of us so strange.
ly"
Guiiford Berton was silent for mo
ment. An idea, startling in its audaci
ty., flashed into his mind.
Can you guess what 1t is?' Norah
asked anxiously, forgetting in hel
eagerness that it was Guilford Bertor
she was addres sing.
Still he remained silent, and Norah
struck by his silence looked at him.
You have some idea Please tel
me what it is! 1t may be something
that he wants me to do for him
| What is it?''
Eyes, have an idea" he said
"But'-he paused-"I do not think
Call TELL you UOnlgnL.
Why not?v asked Norah.
mot tonight" he said; tomorrow
perhaps No, Lady Norah, well,
have not the courage"
Not the courage!" repeated Norah
! NO." he said IF told you my
Interpretation you would be angry.
and | cannot afford that you should Be
angry with me-
4 do not understand. Why shoult
he angry, Mr. Berton?"
! "Will you give me your promise
that what | may say to you shall not
make you angry with me.:7 he asked
in low voice
Il do not think you would say any
thing that should make me angry. Mr.
Berton she said. quietly
Then I will tell you | have YOU
promise. remember, Lady Norah
You ask me il | can interpret the ex
preston which the earl's face wears
when he looks from you to me. The
answer bears reference-close refer
enc to you.
TO me?' said Norah, mechanically
! Yes. he said, looking at her from
under his eyes. ''Win you carry your
mind back to the nigtas of the earl's
seizure?".
Norah inclined her head slightly
| You will remember that | came in
/ late and went to the earl in the libra
,ry. | went to consult him about some
/, business matter. but / found him
strangely averse to discussing it. He
seemed to have something on Ills
mind. | have no doubt that the pre-
sentiment of his coming Illness was
upon him, and it was only natural
that he should be dwelling upon the
subject nearest his yourself
] Norah's hand went forth and found
the earl's and held it.
! He spoke of you, Lady Norah, oil
the joy and comfort your presence
brought him, and then'-he paused
and hesitated, but it was too late 4
draw back. and with covert glance al
her he went on, smoothly, softly-"and
then he spoke of myself"
] He waited to see if she would speal,
but Norah remained silent
The earl and l have been such
close friends for so long, Lady Norsh
ana he was so quick to notice any
change in the demeanor OF those abort
him. that 1t was not surprising he
should remark an alteration in my
manner, though have tried to hide
lit from him. from all. That night be
asked me what it was that weighed
upon my mind. / tried to evade tho
question, but he had discovered The
truth, and he frankly charged me with
it. Can you not guess its nature
Lady Norah,'
Norah's hand closed tightly on the
earrs and shudder shook her. She
could not have spoken to save her life
but simply sat. her eyes fixed upon
him with wild incredulity and amaze,
,ment.
The confession was wrung from
me; could not have kept 1t back
but even as made 1t felt how hope
an