Nell of Shorne Mills

At this point Nell became aware that the dark eyes had turned from the

window to her face, and she paused and looked up. There was a faint dash

of color on Mr. Vernon's cheeks, and a tightening of the lips. It seemed

to Nell, judging by his expression, that he had suddenly become

impatient of the twaddle, and she instantly dropped the paper on her

lap. But Mrs. Lorton was enjoying herself too much to permit of such an

interruption.

"Why do you stop, Eleanor?" she inquired. "It is most interesting. Pray,

go on."

Nell again glanced at Mr. Vernon, but his gaze had returned to the

window, and he shrugged his shoulders slightly, as if he were

indifferent, as if he could bear it.

----"'A confirmed bachelor,'" resumed Nell, "'and his sudden and

unexpected marriage must have been a surprise, and a very unpleasant

surprise to his family; especially to his nephew, Lord Selbie, who is

the heir presumptive to the title and estates. We say "presumptive,"

because in the event of the earl being blessed with a son and heir of

his own, Lord Selbie will, of course, not inherit the title or the vast

lands and moneys of the powerful and ancient family.'"

"How disappointed he must be!" said Mrs. Lorton, sympathetically.

"Really, such a marriage should not be permitted. What do you think, Mr.

Vernon?"

Mr. Vernon started slightly, and looked at the weak and foolish face as

if he scarcely saw it.

"Why not!" he said, rather curtly. "It's a free country, and a man may

marry whom he pleases."

"Yes, certainly; that is, an ordinary man--one of the middle class; but

not, certainly not, a nobleman of Lord Angleford's rank and position.

How old did it say he is, Eleanor?"

"It doesn't say, mamma," replied Nell.

"Ah, well, I know he is quite old; for I remember reading a paragraph

about him a few weeks ago. They were describing the ancestral home of

the Anglefords--Anglemere, it is called; one of the historic houses,

like Blenheim and Chatsworth, you know. And this poor Lord Selbie, the

nephew, will lose the title and everything. Dear me! how interesting! Is

there anything more about him?' "Oh, yes; a great deal more," said Nell despairfully.

"Then pray continue--that is, if Mr. Vernon is not tired; though,

speaking from experience, there is nothing so soothing as being read

to."

Mr. Vernon did not look as if he found the impertinent paragraphs in the

_Society News_ particularly soothing, but he said: "I'm not at all tired. It's very interesting, as you say. Please go on,

Miss Lorton."