The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-15

"What. al the Blenheim ~ said Jack, frowning.
 "Yes. Mir Carruthers is a member, you know. But, at all events. it is desir- able to get the letter back and you know what my husband is, lack. really dare not to tell him anything about the letter, or he would fly at Mir. Carruthers' throat and create scandal" said Mrs. Ainslie. Besides, of course, l would prefer to keep the matter secret from him."
 "l will try what can do, Amy, and need not say will be careful to avoid a scandal,' said Jack Harwood, rising to his feet. !" "You had better burn the draft of that unhappy letter. It has done enough mischief already. will keep the other one," he added, putting it in his pocket.
 "Oh, Jack, how can thank you! ?" ex- claimed his cousin, seizing both hands in her impulsive fashion.
 In the first place, have done noth- ing at present, and in the next, am going to give you a parting piece of ad- vice which will probably diminish the warmth of your feelings towards me" said lack, grimly. hope thls scrape you have got into, Amy, will be lesson 10 you and will make you more discreet in your conduct. People have talked about you and Carruihers in manner which was deuced unpleasant for me to listen to, can tell you"
 With regard to the task he had under taken, the young man felt considerable doubt how 10 act for the best. For a , subaltern in the guards lack Harwood was more than gifted with shrewd com mon sense and business-like capacity His impulse was to call upon Mir Mar maduke Carruthers and insist upon his giving up the letter. But Marmaduke Carruthers was one of those men who in- splre more candid natures with whole some distrust and somewhat exagger- ated notion of their cleverness. He had a very doubtful reputation, and though entitled to the courtesy title of "honor- able,' by virtue of his father being a peer. he had the smallest pretensions to that desirable epithet. Jack Harwood imagined that Marmaduke Cauu,hers was not the least likely to par, with his cousins letter simply for the asking It would have suited lacks humor to back up his demand by physical force, but by this means he might only create sean- dal without obtaining his object. Be- sides. If his cousins suspicious were cor rect. and MarmadGke Carruthers had been base enough to boast abou, the let ter the mischief would not be cured by merely getting Ii back asaln.
 In order 10 satisfy himself upon the lat ter point. he first turned his steps toward ha hett itth nf ko ,ir d member. He soon dicovered, to his gEea, disgus, and indignation, tha, rumors were a,ioa, which seriously affected his cousins reputation. Her filtration with Marmaduke Carru,hers had been a sub- rect of comment for some time, and lat teIly Il had been whispered tha, the lady was quite willing to elope with her ad- mirer. So far as lack could ascertain, Marmaduke Carru;hers had dropped hints which had caused this shameful re- port 10 get about, and though he had not apparently gone so far as 10 show the let ter. he made no secret of having received II.
 ack was not a hot-,empered man. but l, cost him srea, effort to control his rage and indignation and 10 refec, calmly
 
 favored cigars-a very unusual thing for him to do in the middle of the day, and sure sign of mental perturbation and after m hours cogtation he rose from his seat with an air of desperation.
 It can't be helped. mus, dissem- ble. as they say on the stage" he nut tered 10 himself 1t IS devilish unpcas- ant to have to shake hands with d man one IS longing to kick. But I've under taken the job and mus, carry il through for Amys sake, though i, ism, in my line at all.
 So saying, he slezed his ha, and started to call upon Marmaduke Carruthers at his chambers, which were near d, hand. Marmaduke Carruthers welcomed him with the frank appearance of oordali,y which he could always assume al mo- ment's notice. In this particular instance. perhaps, he did no great violence to his feelings. for he and lack were old club aoquain,ances of many years standing. and the latter had the great recommend auon in the eyes ot an impecunious younger son oi being the heir 10 a fine estate.
 Have some breakfas, :" said the Hon. Marmaduke, when they had exchanged greetings.
 Ns, thanks. have rus, had my lunch, replied lack. with forced laugh. Il will take d cigarette. if you don't mind"
 :" By all means. Light up said the Hon. Marmaduke. resuming his seat at the breakfast table. = have been up late the last few nights
 " Lost some money. hear" said lack. putting furiously a, his cigarette.
 Well, I'm about square again now" returned the Hon. Marmaduke. II had luck at the phrniN yesterday. so shall swear of for awhile. Wha, brings you here." he added. evidently remarking Jack embarrassment.
 :" X very unpleasant business. Carru,h- CTS, answered lack, unable altogether to repress his temper. I've heard some thing about my cousin. Mrs. Ainslie. which has rather upset me. know l have no right to interfere between you T l sL \ |