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

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 see 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 isPray,

go on"

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

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

indifferent, as if he could bear it

----"'A confirmed bachelor,'" resue 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 "presu 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, sye should not be permitted What do you think, Mr