Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1907-04-24

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and he looked from him to Norah, and
his lips moved.
1T is something he wants to tell
me" she murmured "Oh, what is IL,
what is 1t? Papa. papa! 1t is IL
Norahl Speak to me"
The doctor did not interfere, and
she bent lower, until her face was
close to the old mans lips.
The piteous, implo;ing look in her
eyes grew more intense, and at last a
sound came from his lips.
| Yes, papa" painted Norah.
With a great effort he gasped
"Scoundreli Scoundreli Don't"
Then vacant smile played over his
lface, and he wandered off MY
daughter, your ladyshipi My daugh-
tier. Beautiful Yes. Her mother"
Then his eyes closed. and the face
seemed to fall back into deathlike II
gidity
Guilford Berton almost uttered a cry
OF thanksgiving.
"He is delirious," he said, sorrow
fully
Norah, with moan, hid her face.
and the doctor laid his hand upon her
shoulder
You must bear up,Lady Norah he
said, gently Il am not sure that he
rs quite unconscious. and"
Eyes, yes. let ne stay!" she plead
ed. piteously q viii not let him see.
1 will not distress him. You will let
me stay with him?"
She must stay" he said to Gulfcrd
Berton, in an undertone but Norah
heard him and murmured her graft
tude. Better send for nurse. aad
Lady Norah can remain and assist
her"
Guilford Berton went downstairs
and dispatched a servant to one of the
hospitals, then flung himself into the
chair from which the earl had fallen,
and covering his eyes with his hands,
thought deeply.
The earl might die, but If he lived
it was scarcely probable that ne would
regain the full use OF MS senses. In
either case he, Guilford Berton vas
safe and secure
But If he died, and he had a right
to inquire, he told himself and his
eyes wandered to the small iron box
which always accompanied the eaSl.
1t would contain either the will It,
self or a copy of it. He must see that
at any cost.
re sat staring at the box and turn
ing over possibilities in his eager mind
until he heard the doctor coming down
the stairs, and he rose and met him
He is still the same. I don't think
I can do any more tonight, Mr.. Barton;
yon can send for me if there should be
any change, which I do not anticipate.
however. I need scarcely say that
perfect queitude and an absence of all
disturbing influences. etc. l am sorry
that Lord Santleigh is not here"
He shall be found. / do hope there
is some chance for my old friend.
and he turned away and passed his
hand over his eyes.
There is a chance OF his living. but !
l fear, I very much fear that he viii
never regain the power of speech
that is, intelligent speech. OF course. !
there Is no need to apprise Lady No |
rah OF this mournful fact. yet while
Guilford Berton let him out. and then
returning to the library. softly locked
the door and got down the deed r 4.
It vas locked, and the key wa n the !
earl's pocket He stood for 4 moment |
A sharp blow with the
poker would smash the lock. no doubt, |
but the lawyers might ask disagree |
able questions
He set the box in its position and
stole upstairs. The eari's valet was
standing outside the door in readiness,
in case he should be wanted. and he
stood aside to let Berton pass.
mo, 4 won't go in just yet, La
FARCE" he said, softly. ut is not we'll
to have too many In the room. ny
the way, think I should remove ais
lordshiE's clothes from the room. The
sight IT them might disturb him. ion
know his love of neatuess."
The man was too bewildered an
overcome to feel surprised, but timidly
went in on tiptoe and gathered re
clothes from the chair on which they
had been thrown.
Give them to me: will take thetn
to the dressing-room," said Guilford
Berton. you had better not leave
your post, in case you may be wantta "
Eyes, sir, thank YOU" said the valet,
and Berton carried the clothes to the
dressing.room. The keys we're IN the
coat pocket, and he carried them
downstairs into the library. His
hand shook as he unlocked the box
and turned out the papers, and lis
heart leaped as he found among them
one Endorsed:
My last will and testament"
II was Oh an ordinary sheet OF fools
cap and written in the earl's small
neat-not to say f1nicking-hand, aud
Berton made himself comfortable in
the easy-ehair and read it carefully.
His own name, after that o. - old
servants TO whom legacies were be-
.queatned, occurred first, and tn nall
handwriting jumped up and down be-
fore his eyes. Then he lf ed with
bitter cynicism. The ear al left
80 H. e..