Nell of Shorne Mills

Mr. Vernon struggled with a frown.

"Miss Lorton has scarcely said two words," he said. "I assure you, my

dear madame, that there is absolutely nothing the matter with me, and

that--that I could stand a steam phonograph."

"I am so glad!" simpered Mrs. Lorton. "I have brought this week's

_Society News_. I thought it might amuse you if I read some of the

paragraphs--Eleanor, I think you might read them. Don't you think

indolence is one of the greatest sins of the day, Mr. Vernon?" she broke

off to inquire.

Vernon smiled grimly, and glanced at Nell, who colored under the amused

expression in his eyes.

"I dare say it is," he said. "Speaking for myself, I can honestly say

that I never do anything unless I am compelled."

Nell laughed, her short, soft laugh; but Mrs. Lorton was not at all

discomfited.

"That is all very well for a man, though I am sure you do yourself an

injustice, Mr. Vernon; but for a young girl! I think you will find

something interesting on the third page, under the heading of 'Doings of

the Elite,' Eleanor."

Nell took the paper--the journal she especially detested, and Dick never

failed to mock at--and glanced at Mr. Vernon; but he looked straight

before him, down at the jetty below; and, not shyly, but, with a kind of

resignation, she began: "'Lord and Lady Bullnoze have gone on a visit to the Countess of

Crowntires. Her ladyship is staying at the family seat, Cromerspokes,

which is famous for its old oak and stained glass. It is not generally

known that Lady Crowntires inherited this princely estate from her aunt,

the Duchess of Bogshire.'"

"A most beautiful place," commented Mrs. Lorton. "I've seen a photograph

of it--a private photograph."

Nell looked appealingly and despairingly at Mr. Vernon, but his face was

perfectly impassive; and, smothering a sigh, she went on: "'Lord Pygskin will hunt the Clodford hounds next season. His lordship

has been staying at Blenheim for some weeks, recovering from an attack

of the gout. It is said that his engagement with the charming and

popular Miss Bung has been broken off.'"

"Dear me! How sad!" murmured Mrs. Lorton. "I am always so sorry to hear

of these broken engagements of the aristocracy. Miss Bung--I think it

said last week--is the daughter of the great brewer. Poor girl! it will

be a blow for her!"

Not a smile crossed the impassive face; Nell thought that perhaps he was

not listening, but she went on mechanically: "'The marriage of the Earl of Angleford has caused quite a flutter of

excitement among the elite. His lordship, as our readers are aware, is

somewhat advanced in years, and had always been regarded as a confirmed

bachelor----'"