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m g THE STEWARD'S SON CHAPTER XXXVI.â€" (Continued). "What do you think lias become o( her, Jack?" Jack Wesley shook his head. "I Ihink " he began, ttien he stop- ped and look up the paper again, "iiut it's not of much consfqiience what I think. If any one knows where sh«> is, depend upon it that person is Guildford Berlon." .They were all very sHent, thinking this over,.Jjut presently Jock broke ^u upon their reverie^ "An/ way. it's no' nse making your- selves unhappy over the question to- night. I really think you des^erve a littlo felicity. So. young people, let us have .anollier small bioltle of Ponunery andâ€" be fficiTy." Cyril and Norah were only too rt-ady to dismiss all unpleasant subjects from their minds; they felt that they had boon living under clouds so long that they were entitled, as Jack said, to a Utile sunshine. After dinner they went out for a walk, and, leaning on her lover's arm. Norah saw for the first lime sonieLliiiig of tlio humors of that lively thoroughfare, the Strand. - It was nearly midnight when the two young men escorted her to the hotel, and Jack considerately crossed the road and left them to bid ouch other good- night unobsoncd. "I'm the hapniest man in tliLs great city!" exclaimed C.yril, when he and Jack were alone in Jack's chanil«rs. "The very happiest! Jack, did you evr know anything so extraordinary as Ihis ine*i- iiig and â€" andâ€" reconciliation? There 's only one thing 1 want to complete my satisfaction, and that is to meet Mr. Guildford Berlon and give liim a piete â- of my mind " "Meanwhile." said Jack, thoughtfully, â- "is Miss Norah. to go on Ii\ing by herself in an hotel off the Strand, eh?'* Cyril pondered this question. "No harm can eonii to her " "No one will run away wilh her, cer- tainly," said Jock, "but il's scarcely wilhin thfc strict lines of propriety. She must have some friend upon whom she could rely â€" I mean some lady friend " "Of course!" said Cyril, pronipUy. "Lady Ferndalo!" "Kxactly," said Jack, who had been thinking of her all the evening. "I will tell you what will happen: Lady Kcrn- dale will be one of the flrst to hear of Miss Nomh's Might, and you may depen.l upon it that the first thing she will do will be to conic posthaste to London, thhiking that Miss Norah may chance li> go to the Kcrndalc's town house. Now, my lad, here is the plan of campaign. To-morrow we will go to the old law- yer's, Mr. Pethcrick's, and if he should havo returned, you can tell him Miss Norali's story, and she can formally give up all claim to the olil earl's money. That will leave her free, and atisolutely lier own mistress, to do as she likes, and if I were in your place, I sliould take care Uiat she liked to marry me inâ€" well. as .loon as you can get the license. Of course, you'll have to take Lady Fern- dale into your confideni-ts and perhaps the old lawyer, loo; but I'd keep the lawyer in the dark if 1 could. He'll be sure to put st)nu> spoke in vour whevl; lawyers love delay as mice love cheese, and if he learns that you are the Earl of Arrowdalo, he'll stand out for all sorts ol legal forms and ceremonies." tho two men sat far into tlie morning talking and planning, and after break- fast, Cyril w;ui over at the hotel con- ferring wilh Norah. She agreul. at once, to the whole plan of campaign as elabo- rated by Jack, whom stxc rogardeil as a perfect Solomon of w'lsdom. excepting tho item of the speedy marri.HiCo. Cover«l with blushes, she as.sureil Cyril that il was impossible. "Why, dtar," she murmureil, hiding her face upon his brood chest, "no one would be, no one ever ba^ been, marricil soâ€" so suddenly!'' "Oh. haven't Ihoy?" snid Cyril. "Well, we'll inaugurate a new departure. Look here, dearest, I really lliiiik we'd l>etttr follow Jack's advice. I've always found myself in trouble when I've disregardtd it, and I've always come out all right when I've taken it. And, to tell you tho truth. Jack is apt to cut up rt-ugh when you ask him for his advice and don't take it ' "It seems io mo," said Norah. alnio#l inaudibly, and .smiling, "Ihat Jackâ€" 1 mean Mr. Wesley â€"treats us like a couple of children." ".So you are," said that gentleman, enliTing at that moment, "I've engaged » perambulatorâ€" 1 mean, lum.=;omâ€" by th,: hour, and I IhiuU the sooner you st\! Mr. lAlheiok and Lady Fiiiidalc, the better. I'd offer to accompany yen," he addetl, wilh a taint .smile, "hut the cab only holds two, and it is a cxse where do- cidixlly two are company and thn* none." It was the first lime Norah had ridden In a han,--oni, and tho journey to Mr. Fclhorick's olllco seemid all loo short. As for Cyril, ho nmdc a mental vow that he would ."spend pail of their honeymoon riding W'siilo hi:< wife, and holding her hand under the splosh board. Tho old clerk announred that Mr. Polherick had not rcUirned, and they wei-c about lo leave the oflice, when that gentleman entered. Ho wae considerably slartlcd at si,t!ht of Nornh, and more than startled when bn htanl all that she had to kJl. "BloH M^ soul!" ho exclaimed, staring from Norah to Cyril, in a kind of amaz-v menf. "Catherine Hayes mnrried, and youâ€" you her daughter! Let me see those papers! I don't believe a word of it! Strange! I've always had my doubts ab<}ut Mr. Berlon â€" always. And yet l.e was invariably kind and businesslike. Lei me see! Mind, before I look at 'era. I express my opinion that they arc bogus r' But his face lengthened as he cxam- ineil the certificates and compared the dates with the notes he had taken during Norah's recital. "1â€" I'm afraid." he said, reluctantly, "I'm afraid Why. confound it. ever/ penny will go to the present earl!" and he looked from one to the otUei'. But Norah did not appear at all he^artbrokcn by the lo.ss of her wealth, and even Mr. Cyril Burne showed very few signs ol grief and regi-ct. "I suppos<; you have found the young earl, sir?" said Cyril, demurely. Mr. I'etherick shook his li«ud with a frown of annoyance. "No, I have noL I thought I had got a clew to him, and followed it up as far a.s Paris, but it turned out to' be another man altogether. Iâ€" I can't understan.l why he keeps in hiding unless he is dead." "Even his death would not restore this money lo Miss .Norah." said Cyril. "Oh, as lo restore," said the lawyer, pugnaciouslv, "she hasn't lost it yeL We shall make a fight of it. of course; and we arc just a-s likely lo win as lose.' "Butâ€" but I don't want to light," said Norah, in a low voice. "I wish to give up all claim lo it." Mr. Pellierick shook his hend. "That's all very well, my d»!ar young lady," he said, severely, "but perhaps this gentleman." and he looked at Cvril, "may have something lo say to Ihat; and â€" aliem! â€" you should study the wishes of yourâ€" cr- future husband; ch, Mr. Burne?" "Her wishes are mine," said Cyril, quietly. "If Mi.'« .Norah is bent on re- signing all claim lo tliis money, 1 am more than willing lo lei it go without a struggle." 1 he old lawyer stared at (hem gravely. "Dear, dear!" he said. "Tut. tut! Do you mean to say that you aro going to resign half a million of money without a light for it? You'll forgive me, sir; but I think if you wore, say. twenty years older, vou'il adopt a different course. " "No,"l shouldn't, " said Cyril, with some diniculty suppressing a smile. "I am quite willing that the eurl should have this money. We shall get on very well. I â€" I don't know wlie'hcr you can tell mt how »ion I can gel a special licouso." They talked for some little lime long- er, and Mr. Pelherick's last words, as they rose lo go on to Lady Fcrndale's. wore: "I think you are Uvo vrry foolishâ€" and happyâ€" yoimg persons, and I'm going to do th«5 best I can for you, in spite i.f yourselves. The least the earl can do, if we relinquish all this money willioul a fight, is to hand back a poriion of il: he can very well spare it, a>nfound him! What do you think. Mr. Burne'"* "I don't know, sir, " said Cyril, .shak- ing his head, gravely. "From my short experience, I'm inolined to Ihiak that men art not so ready to hand back any coin: but we'll hope for the best. You will lot us know, Mr. I'VUierick, directly the earl turns up?" "Ye.-«, I will." said the old gentleman, wilh a kind of grunt; he was getting rother Uri-d of the liunt for tlie young peer, and rather inclined to consid.-r that a man who kept out of reach of an earldom ilid iiol desor\e to bo siuiglit fur. But all the same, he tm^ant lttulin,4 liitn, and one of Uie tirsl pieces of bu-ii- ness he transacU.i1 wilh the young earl, he resolved, should Ui lo gain the best tomis ha could for tho beautiful girl who was no longer an earl's daughtei- and the mistress of half a million. CUVriER XX.KV1I. There was another delioiou-s drive to Lady I'erndatc's house, during whiva the two "fi.M)lish--bui happy â€" young per- sons" di.sciisscd the situation iji all its bearings. If anything could havii incroaseii Nor- ah's lovo lor C.yril, his iudifferenoe lo the I0S.S of her t'ortuiw, and his cheiu'ful a?.<ent lo du; surrender of il without ii .'ilruggle, would have done so. To her he scemoil the very typo of all that was noble in man, and Cyril felt (xtreniely uncomfortable a.< she ucslkxl ogainit him and v.hispcivd her praises iu hi^ oai-s. "What on earth will she say when .sh' learns the Irulli?' ho lliouglit. They reached Ihe Keriulale's house ani wert; shown into the drawing-room, on i ill n minute or two Norsh was in her friend's arms. "My dear Norah! Why, what has bvouglil you tip \o London sti unexpec- tedly? .And Mr. Uunic, too!" Then sIk- smiled and hold out Iut IhiiuI lo Cyril. "I supp-i.-ift I've got lo congralulul-' yoii, Mr. Bumo?" "Yes, Lady Ferndalo, Norah has con- scntcvl to mako mo llie happiesl of men." "And you've como li) loll iiKv' fclie said. "Now, Ih.Tt is what X call really good an I kind. Conic and sit downâ€" what is tho matter?" sh» broke off, for Nornh clung to her and began to cry quietly. "You IcU her, " sh^ said lo Cyril. It wos comparatively easy to tell Mr, Petherick. but Lady Femdale wa« quiie another person. "Or rather there was," said Norah. "II has all gene now." Cyril unfolded the strange story, and Lady Femdale listened with scarcely an interrupUon; then she drew Norali's head down to her own tosom an.I stroked the soft, bronze hair. "M I were to say that I'm not sur- prised, .Mr. Burae, would you believe me?" she said at last. "But it is ti-ue. I can say I actually suspected that .Norah was not the daughter of the earl ani countess, but I can say that 1 am not as- tonished. From the llrst moment 1 sav» her, her uuUkeness to the earl and tli«' .Arrowdale family struck me. and I re- marked upon il to him. Will it bt very wicked to say that I amâ€" am rather g!ad? Oh, wait, though, there is all thai money.'" Lady Femdale looked rather grave. "I can't say thai I am pleased at ihat." she said. "But perhaps the earl will " "Why should he'^' said .Norah. smil- ing. "I am no relation of his, dear Lady Ferndale. And, indeed, we don't want any of the money!" and she glanced shyly at Cyril, who hastened to corro- borate. "We don't want a penny, I assure you. Lady Femdale." he said. "The earl inay keep it all for what we care; eh, Norah? All I want is Norah." Lady Ferndale smiled. "He seems a very bold young man, dear." she whispered tc Norah. "And we have come lo aslt you if you think we could be inarried in four days?" Lady Ferndale almost jumped. "It is impossible;" murmured Norah. "Tell him sor* "Good gracious me. why do you want to get married so quickly?" e.xclaimed Lady Ferndale. "He will not give me the reason," said Norah. blushing. "Because 1 can't," said Cyril, almost bluntly. "But I'll tell you what I wil- do. 1 will tell Lady Ferndale, and if sh-; agrees with lue that the reason is good enough, will you consent?" "As I'm sure she will notâ€" yes," said Norah. "\cry welL then." said Lady Forn- da!.'?, very much amused and puzzled. "Now, you go upstairs â€" of course you'll remain with us. I'm going to send 'o that hotel for your luggage directlyâ€" and Mr. Burne shall persuade me. if he can. that there is any r'-yiae or reason in his absurd propo.sal." Norah left the room, and Cyril sprang the truth upon Lady Ferndale as if 'i. had be\;n a bombshell. "You see. Lady Femdale," he said, wilh a half smile, "I'm Lord .\rrowdale. and I naturally v.ant to marry Norali before she knows who 1 am." Lady Femdale did jump tliis time. "Yoiiâ€" you are ' Then she bui-st out laughing. "Well, of all the stupid people, I have been the stupidest. I lold Norah the first time I saw youâ€" you re- member tiie day she and I were driving together?â€" I told her that I was certain I had seen your face before; and so I had, or something very like it, in th-? portrait gallery at the Court! .\nd to you are the new earl! .\nd you have been hiding il from her, and from all of us. all this time! And its to you all this money of ihe poor girl's will go!" "Just for a day or two," he said, with a smile. "I am going to make il over I'S a deetl of gift to'her, of course." "Of course! " said Lady Ftrndalo. "An J wiial you arc afraid of is " "That Norah's priSe, if .she learns wh 1 and whet I am. will be aroused, and siv; may put all .sorts of ohsuicles in Ihe way of our niarriago. .\iid I can't run even the slightest risk ol that. Lady Forn- dale," ho said, wilh a shake of the head. "So. if y«u"ll please lo regard mo as C.yril ISurne. the not altogellier luisuc- cfc-sfu! artist, and let her continue to so reg-ml ir.e. I think she will marry u.e out of hand." "Well, I think she will," admitied Lady Ferndale, with a naive smile. "But, " she said, with sudden gravity, "have you thought of what the world will say when il heai-s that you and .she have married so soon after the death of the late e:'r!, vour uncle, and her supposed father ? Have you thought of that. Mr. Burne?" "No. I haven't,'" he said, quietly and c<"iolly. "You see, since we met. yester- day, and- and were reconciled, I havtr not had lime to tliink of anyliiing or anyboity. but herself; but if you'll stand by mo and get her to cpjist-nt. I don't care one btuss farthing what the woili Si»ys." and as he> controuled Lady Fem- dale, liis (aco lit up with a smile which won that Udy's heart over lo tus side in a inoincnt. "You sl'.uU have her, Mr, Burneâ€" Lord Arrow.Ialeâ€" oh, deer!" ".Mr. Bum>\ pleasfr!' he said, laugh- ing warningly. So it h:ippenod thai when Norah can:o in, and going up to Lady Femdale, said, wilh downcast face: "Well, dear, have you explained '.o him how inipo.!ksil)lc it isj" Lady Ferndalo r»>plie<l demureli': ".Mr. Burne has conviiictxl nic that lh>» marriage .should take place within the week, di«r, and I've promist\l him il shalll" an I to Norah's Uttlo cry of dis- may slio vouchsafe-d nothing but .1 laugh. li w?.s u.sole.s.s for Nornh to atlompt to argue or protest. "Slie was one against tlmv. ftir Jai'k. to wlwm she appeal* d to Itelp hor fight against Lady Ferndalo and Cyril, b;i.sety dosortod hor and wjnt over to the enemy, and at la.st Nora'i gave ill, only stipulaliiis! that tlw wi\l- ding should bo as quiet as it could legally bo. "We'll be nLirricd in the coal cellar and swear tho chrgxnisn to secrecy, if you like," said Cyril. "As for me, I can ilispeasc Willi 'oriilestimids and best man â€"no, 1 csui't, I must have Jack; but I'll lot tho cake anil tho cards go." ".\nd I must have the cake," said Lady Ferndalo, "And now, Mr. Burne, rs Norah and I will have to wvirk n^ally hard for tho next fcv,- days, 1 shall te glad if you will go down to your club, andâ€" «tay Iherc as much as you can. Stop, though," she addcil, .suddenly, as It .something had oocurrctl lo her; "now 1 think of il, Norah will have to do some Oraod Prize CompetitioD A FOUR YtAI DaiVERSmr CMRSC A Tftif ARMNS THE WOBtS, or «IJL,000 IM OOLO. A cboiea of which w« uOar I* lh« iadlTldiul Mcariac Um Ut{iii( aiuibar <t «abacrtp«iuu duriax I9M ti> The Busy lafl's la^aziiie from .^*lif' J ?*"'• •**«*«'« " ""lik* ">.' <>«&«. It. conunt. u. »a«ful »j«cti« WTiO^^^^^' â- "" '^ «- -cu«-, b»:Ji cierk in Oulariu t^ tt i« .„ „« t, '• THK BUST MA.VS MAP. VZI-YB W the b«it I IwT. ,T.r Iu4 Um TM MMUM MtUtMM CB., t^lt.* tt^tr^t, Jonrnto. Wl«-,.d»», ^ imutm. â- >«• Farms and Blocks of Land In Vx90 t»8<tit puroliaMr}, from 169 aarsa uj w a rga . titiiatad OR er naar railways In Um faiTious wtiaat growing aisTKU o' WAHiTOBA, SASKATCHEWAN and ALBERTA TERMS •• •"•^"'•»' *"• "J •FW. Uia? unn lniliMtr:oa* man iniy cMi a noriTASU and SOMfOVTAJvl Farm Nmm Tht thtrmsitr an* P-jrpoi* •' ow Oaitpu,', wliiai la orcanm^ 0H9E1I THI ^aanees or tm mgi^aocNT csisa or fojuTKas, au/ k* Maaartbaii aa «T3aN:. BILriUU, KELPrUL. PkTKOTK, Far lofocBaUtia .uJ Pricjj, appl:r t J |> . VV HODSON The Union Trust Company. Limited, TEMPLE BUILOINQ, TORONTO. Wh«a Wrttiai M*ati ^n fhij l»ap»r ASiHTS WAHTEO EVCBTKHEKE. Western Assurance Co. FIFTY-FIFTH ANNU<\L STATEMENT. 31st December, ises. ASSBTS. Caitwt Steto and SteM n.Ml3....t ti7,tll;,M OomioiuQ at Canada Stuck «,SM.« Baak. Uian Cumpauj aad otiut Stocki 4SS,aM.U Con pan T s Baltdiafi* iia,geaoe l.US,MI(.ll EailtvaJ Boada 4aa,>XAM Cull on Uxad and ua Oapuait Sn.I79.W Bi!l< iUc<.iTatila M.MUlW Mortfa^M ^uw.oa aMaraaoa*) u^Mo.as lataratt l>t» anJ Aoerasl . . ti.Tati.M INOn rumrtare, VUp., Maas. •*». S*,UIJ.i7 Aosti' a^UuKai aad Audrj Ao- OMUua US.n4.M t>.Ml.a77.SS 1 ULVBIUTUS. Capital Stock Lo<«,u aad»r A4«itia«at DiTiUud psTiitls Jaa. sah, IMt. , &MTf riiod , .»i,»oa.«».r>i ^7i.»^B.M <i.ae:.vi nMi.ar7.a Capital $1.50«,e«fl.»0 Reserve Fund 1.742.9M.i3 9s<Tirity to PolM-ybolders X.Si&K».U Loe.«rs paid trum the onjaniza lion oX the Company to date «i»12.887.t5 DIRECr ORATE: Hon. Geo. A. Cox, Presiaenl; J. J. Kennv, Vice-President and Managing nirwtor; Hon. S. C. Wood. H. N. Biud, ' Geo. U. H. Cockbum. \V. B. Brock, Ceo. McMurnch. J. K. Osborne, E. R. '\\ood. OSLER, HAM.MOND and NAVrON. Winnipeg. Man.. Genl. Agts for Mani- toba and N. W. Territories. D. C McGregor, Vancouver, B. C... General Agent for British ColuiaWa. .\3enLs wanted in all towns not already represented. shoppinp, and U you will promL^e to bring her back to dumer. you shall i»o wilh her. I'll pive you till dumer lime. ' A more delightful proposal for boUi i.f the intatuah'Hl joung persojis she could not have made, and very soon they had gone off in one of Norah's beloved han- soms. CI'o be contiuufcd). \ Most Attractive and Patriotic l*ulicy. Wo pulilishiM in another secUon of Ihis paper Ihe advertisement of tho Union 'rrust t'oinpany. ThLi Company has large holdings of land along the lino of the Grand Trunk Paciflo in our Nortlnvcst. The i;nion Tnist Company has secur- ca for tho managenienl of its Lands De- [artment tho c.voepUonaliy able services tMr. r. W. Hodson. fomierly live !!tock commissioner of Canada and organizer o' farmers' instibatcs. The Union Trust Company i's to te congratulated on securing Mr. Ihxlson 'or this position, as his mere conneoliin with their land business will undoubte<l- I\ secure the coiifldenco of tho entire farming community of the country. Tho plans of the Union Tru.'t Ltom- f.any for sale of lands, colonization, set- iicmeiil. etc., are most unusually helpful especially to the settlor with small cap- iUil. Their scheme is a general and far- reaching one and it \Nill ct'rtainly pay lui.vone contemplating taking lands up in the Norlhwast to communicate wilh them. H.\D TO IK^ IT. Mai-yâ€" "Oh, you dirly boy! Look at this coi'fiv all over your new suit. Wtiai will your mamma iwiyt" Tonmiy (hopeIe&slyy~"l don't know ; but she won't lot n^e have ;u\y fun in these clothes until I get 'eiu spoilt. " l'N.Ml.>T\KABLE SVMrrO.Mj;. Mr. Tylc-Fhislâ€" Jagway was trying lo borrow money from jnc a littlo wliilo ago. lie .=;eonu-d to Ih> drunk. Mr. .\rdfaxâ€" -If he was trying to bor- row money from you he wasn't dnmk. H« was crasiy. Most mon who are wiUiug to do jjood arc not in a position !o make gooti, Happinpss has been described in so many different wa..'s thai a number of people have douWs rs to its c.\is!onco. AN EXTR.VOUDINARY PRIZE COMPE- TITION. In the usual run of prize compcUUons only two or three lucky persons j^et any- thing for their efforts. The best featura about the prize competition which Uio Maclean Pub'iishing Company have in- augurated in connection with TUB BUSY MAN'S MAGAZINE, is that every- body geU a rewai'd for his or her work. To him or her will be oflered one cl three unique prizes.â€" a four years' cnursa ;>; any Canadian universily or educa- tional irLstilution with all expenses paid; a free trip around tho world, or on« thousand dollars in gold. In addition, Ihere wlH be a great many more prizes, which can easily be won by any com- potitor. These are over and at>ove s reward, in the shape of money pa^'- Btent. to everyboily who enters the com- petition. The MacLean l*ul>li.--hing Company, through who-s^ entcrpnsa THE BUSY MANS MAGA/.INK U being ni'chn<1 rnfidiv to thf> front anion;! pre- tent-day periodical.'!, aro perhaps belter known lo Uio public as the publishers o' Canadian trade nowspaners. All ir.toreste^l in this comivtilion slioulil write for particulars lo the nearest of- fice of tho MacLean Cublishing Co., Lunited. WESTERN .%SSi;a\NCE REPORT. Annual Statement Shows Company la be Enjoying l*rusperily, Tho annual slatemenl of the Woslern Assurance Copipany will bo found in another part of to-day's iiwue, and will be seen to bo one lliat does much credit lo Ihis progressive company. Tht» years Iransaclions resulted in $8iS..''.W.I2 "l>oinj; devoted to dividends, and s!lXl,2St.G9 ad- ded to tho nservc fund, which now amounts to $l,7K,(KO.;2. The liability for unearnc.i premiiuns on unexpirxl risks is estimated at $t,32i,lS3.l«>. By deducting this sum from the reserve it is f.Ct'n that there is a surplus over capi- tal and all liabilities aniounling lo SW'.i,- MG.06. The liiv premiumo during llt.> year amounted to $2.Sj*.s.5;Hi.3t, and lli'o innrino premiums to Sf7iO,76L Tho firu losses weiv *l,.M7,',iu'..S0. and Ihe marine !a<ses *66.'>,l.'')7..'i7. Tlio excellent li.^t ot assets which is puhlished in the annu- .1I statement .shows that aim>v-t oni^tbird 0' Ihom consist of municipal bonds and dobcnlurcs.