The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-15

"Of course, you will understand that 1 am not boosting, but only defending myself against your suspicious" said the Hon. Marmaduke, after a pause. "lf you doubt what say can prove my words"
 !" How " demanded lack, quickly.
 The Hon. Marmaduke hesitated mo- ment and then produced from his pocket a dainty cigarette case, from which he extracted letter.
 Read that he said, throwing it on the table towards Jack, and resuming his meal with rather ostentatious careless ness.
 Jack opened the letter with the air of a man who could hardly believe the evil dence of his eyes and ears. After glanc- ing quickly through it he withdrew to one of the windows and read it very de liberately, while the Hon. Marmaduke continued his breakfast with supreme in- difference.
 Il say, Carruthers. Will you give me this " said lack advancing suddenly with the letter in his hand
 Il don't think you can ask that" re- turned the Hon. MarmadL se, rather l hastily. 1t is the sort of letter which only the lady husband could claim, and ] of course, he knows nothing about it. Il should have thought you would i have destroyed Ii" said Jack, looking his companion straight in the face.
 m afraid you don't know the world so we'll as do my friend. responded the Hon. Marmaduke, coolly. as he re- placed the letter Tn his cigarette case. wish Mrs. Ainslie no harm. of course, but must protect myself. When woman imagines her affections have been sighted she becomes dangerous enemy. This letter IS my safeguard, and so long as it exists-or rather so long as il remains in my possession-sh she will not attempt 10 harm me-
 '' But you say you would give it up to her husband suggested Jack.
 :" So would, if he should hear of it. In that case. from what know Of Mir Ainslie. l imagine madam's wings would be clipped said the Hon. Marmaduke, with a laugh which betray.d his vindic- tiveness.
 Will you authorize me to use my dis cretion about telling my cousins husband of this wretohed letter.
 You can please yourself: but for good- ness sake don't imagine that sugges, such a course, sad the Hon. Marma- duke, with a gleam of triumph in his eyes
 of course not. cannot sufficiently thank you for this interview returned lack. with faint attempt at heartlness = Shall you look in a, the Blenhem to- night Tn case want 10 see you:'
 \ l. I.ai. Ill know my address, said the Hon. Mar madnke. laushlngly.
 The same evening lack Harwood en- tered the smoking room at the Blenhelm in company with NIT. Ainslie Several members were present. including the Hon. Marmaduke. wso. as usual. was the centre of an admirlng circle of young sters. The appearance of NIT. Ainslie caused some little stir among ,he youth- ful oo,eIie, from which II was evident that some of them. al all events. had heard of the scandal abou, that gentle mans wife. lack nodded 10 the Hon. Marmaduke. and modestly took seat in the background, bu, Mr. Ainslie, who looked very pale and determined. step- ped into the centre of the circle which was formed in front of the fire, and said. Tn a tone of voice which was audible in every part ot the room:
 Gentlemen, may beg your attention for one minute: am about to take most unusual course, but. as most of you know, am one of the oldest members of this club. and you may therefore feel as- sured that am acting after careful de- liberation
 Every one inA the room started up in astonishment. and one migkt have heard a pin drop the moment afterwards. The Hon. Marmaduke raised his eyebrows and glanced towards lack, who was severely cri,cising the end of d cigar which he had jus, lighted
 |" regret very much having to in,rude my private affairs upon you resumed Mir. Anslie, :" bu, my object Is to put an end ,o painful scandal which has been circulated in the club regarding my wife It is rumored. believe. that a member of the club, who Is now present, has Tn his possession letter of a very com promising nature written 10 him by Mrs Ainslie.
 All eyes were immediately turned to- wards the Hon. Marmaduke. who seemed not little disconnected. and sought to hide his confusion in cloud ot tobacco smoke.
 Assuming such letter ever to have been written" continued Mir. Ainslie. :" think all of us will agree that the reoipi- ent was in honor bound to keep the fac, secret. In this unhappy instance the gentleman refer 10 has been so wanting in good feeling as to talk freely of the letter and its contents in this club to sew eral persons.
 Shame" cried an old gentleman. en- ergetically, who probably heard of the affair for the hrst time. whereas the rest of the company looked a, one another significantly.
 Il refrain from charac;erizins such conduct as i, deserves" said NIT Ainslie. soornfully, but call upon the gentle man to produce here. before us all, the letter he has been hragging about.
 The Hon. Marmaduke shifted uneasily in his chair, and glanced appealingly at