Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-06-26

Ii anything COulu nave iuNISdSou
Norah's love for Cyril, his indifference
TO the loss OF her fortune, and his
cheerful assent to the surrender Of It
without a struggle, would have done
so. To her ne seemed the very type
of all that was noble in man, anu
Cyril felt extremely uncomfortable as
she nestled against him and whispered
her praise in his ears
Abut thirty girls have entered the
what on earth VIII she say Naen'
she learns the truth?' he thought.
They reached the Ferndales' house
and were shown into the drawing
room. and in minute or two Moran
was in her friends arms.
my dear Norah! Why, what has
brought you up to London so uneN-
pectedly? And Mr.. Burne, too"
Then she smiled and held out ner
hand to Cyril.
4 suppose I've got to congratulate
you Mr.. Burner"
YES. Lady Ferndale. Norah has
consented to make me the happiest II
men,"
and you've come to tell me" she
said. NOW. that is what l call re
ally good ard kind. Come and sit
down-what is the natter" she
broke off, for Norah chung to her and
began to cry quietly.
you tell her" she said to Cyril.
1t was comparatively easy to tell
Mr. Petherick, but Lady Ferndale was
cutie another person.
"Or rather there was" said Noraa.
1T has all gone now"
Cyril unfolded the strange story,
and Lady Ferndale listened with
scarcely an interruption; ten she
drew Norah's head down to her own
bosom and stroked the soft, bronze
hair.
IF were to say that I'm not sur
prised, Mr.. Burne. would you be
lieve me?" she said at last. But it
is true. can't say l actcally suspect
ed that Moran was not the daughter
of the earl and countess, but l can
say that ! am not astonished From
the first moment l saw her, her I'M
likeness to the earl and the Arrowdale
family struck me, and l remarked
upon it to him. VIII it be very
wicked to say that am-am rather
glad? Oh wait, though. there is al
that money"
Lady Ferndale looked rather grave.
Il can't say that l am pleased at
that" she said. "But perhaps the
earl will"
Why should hep" said Norah.
smiling. Il am no relation of his,
dear Lady Ferndale. And, indeed,
indeed. we don't want any OF the
money!" and she glanced shyly at
Cyril. who fastened to corroborate.
we don't want penny. l assure
you, Lady Ferndale,' he said. "The
earl may keep it all for what we
care; eh, Norah? All | want is Norah.
Lady Ferndale smiled.
HE seems a very bold young man,
dear" she whispered to Norah.
And we have come to ask you If
you think we could be married in four
days"
Lady Ferndale almost jumped.
1t is impossible." murmured No
rah Tell him SOL"
Good gracious me, why do you
want to sc. married SO quickly?' ex
claimed Lady Ferndale.
HE will not give me the reason,
said Norah, blushing.
Because can't said Cyril, almost
bluntly. But I'll tell you what I will
do. l VIII tell Lady Ferndale and if
/ she agrees with ne that the reason
| is good enough, will you consent?'
AS I'm sure she will not-yes,
said Norah
! Very well, then" said Lady Fern
Gale very much amused ard puzzled.
ffNow you go upstairs-of course
you'u remain with us. I'm going TO
send to that hotel for your luggage
directly-and Mr Burne shall per-
suade me, if he can. that there is any
rhyme or reason in his absurd Dro-
posal"
Norah left the room, and Cyril
sprang the truth upon Lady Norah as
if it had been bombshell.
you see Lady Ferndale," he said,
with half smile. I'm Lord Arrow
dale, and I naturally want to marry
Norah before she learns who / am
Lady Ferndale did jump this time.
"You-you are" Then SIC burst
out laughing. well, of all the stupid
people, I have been the stupidest. ]
tod Norah the first time l saw YOU
you remember the day she and were
driving together?-I told her that /
was certain | had seen your face oe-
fore; and go had, or something very
like it. in The portrait gallery at the
Court! And SO you are the new earl!
And you have been hiding It from her
and from all of us. all this time! And
its to you all this money of the poor
girls viii go!'
lust for a day or two" he saiG,
with smile Il am going to make
it over as decd of gift to her, of
course"
of course!" said Lady Ferndale.
And what you are afraid of is -
that Norah's pride, if she learns
who and what ar will be aroused,
and she may put all sorts of obstacles
in the way of o1lr marriage And I