Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-04-17


getting her horse and teaching ne
to ride.
Almost every hour of the day he
found something he could do for her
He had rendered himself indispens-
able to the earl at santleigh, AMI he
slipped into the life at Park Lane as
easily as he had done at the Court.
1t was he who suggested visits to
the theaters or concerts, and he who
got the tickets and secured the seats;
and if the earl did not care to go, as
was often the case, Gullford Berton
was there to play escort to Norah and
Lady Ferndale.
He was always satisfied TO remain in
the background, to sit behind Norah's
chair, to sold her programme or bou-
quet He always got her opera cloak
ready his arm was always at her sery-
ice
II wish I didn't dislike your Mr..
Gdilford Berton so much; or, rather. |
wished liked him better, Norah," said
Lady Ferndale one evening when
Guilford Berton had been more than
usually useful and unobtrusively at
tentive.
Norah gave a little start; she mad
been looking at the stage and watch
ing the acting, but her thoughts we're
far away from the play, which was
being admirably performed, and she
replied, iistlessly;
DO you dislike him so much?"
Yes, I'm afraid so. Pom my word
7 don't know why. for he has really
vastly improved. and I'm constantly
hearing from people that they consider
him a remarkably nice man."
Yes. But why do you cali him my
MT Berton?"
Wen, my dear. he really seems to
belong to you as much as if he were
a collar witt your name engraved upon
it."
Noah's brows came together, and a
look half impatient, half troubled,
passed over her face.
He is staying with papa, she said,
quietly. He is his friend more
rather than mine"
He is a very useful friend, any
way, responded Lady Ferndale.
Here he comes with our cloaks; and
I'm sure he'll have the carriage close
to the door, however great the crush
may he. An extremely useful Young
man! We were just wondering how
you contrived to manage things as you
do, Mr.. Berton," she said to him, Is
he entered the box, and announced, in
quiet tones. that the carriage was
waiting; and her tone was more gra-
cious than it usually was when she
addressed him
He smile and glanced at Norah,
but her face was particularly cold ard
unresponsive; and he guessed that
Lady Ferndale mad been speaking of
him
We never have to wait for anything
when we have you to look after us.
Now, I'll be bound you have bribed
or bullied the policeman to let oar
carriage get to the front"
don't like ladies hanging about in
the Hobbies" ne said, gravely rhey
are always draughty. 1t would not do
for you-or Lady Norah-to catch
cold"
Especially Lady Norah,'' said Lady
Ferndale, archly. and smiling; but No
rah looked colder and more unre-
sponsive than before, and having put
them into the carriage, he walked off
to club to which he belonged, and
going to the smoking-room, sat him
self down in a dim corner and review
ed the situation
Was it time to strike yet? Did he
dare to sv0w himself? His face grew
hot and then cold as he pictured No
sahs start of surprise. and perhaps
contempt and anger. and scorn wien
he told her that he-loved her.
And the earl? What re ion
would he give the news?
1t was late when he reached Park
Lane, and ne let himself in 0y his
latch key, and entered the hou. (
quietly.
He was going straight to his room,
when he saw that the door was 1,If
open of a small room which the earl
used as his own. and noticing that
there was a light burning. he thought
that the servants had forg Ntten to put
out tke lamp
Even with this trivial matter he con
necteG Norah in his thoughts.
IF the house would only catch fire
and I mieht be lucky enough to save
heri" he thought. Perhaps taat
might help me; I'd burn down all Lou.
don if by so doing could secure her.
He pushed open the door and was
surprised to see the earl sitting at the
table.
Il beg Your pardon" he said q
did not know you were here, and was
coming to put out the LAMP
Then he stopped. and hurried to tn,
earls side, for he saw that his ia. {
was white and drawn, and that he
was ill., What is the matter?" ht
| asked Are you liz"
The earl put out his hand warning
ly and looked toward the door
Yes, II am not well, Guilford
Don't-don't be alarmed"
But | am alarmed. What is it,
The earl tried to rise, bnt fell back,
/ and even as he did so he took out his