The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-15
fACKS DIPLOMACY.
kron, BetgraNIs.


 When lack Harwood heard the story waioh his cousin, pretty Mrs. Ainslie, un- folded to himit seemed almost incredible, ;hough he knew what a foolish, impet- .ous girl she was. But his evident dis .ress convinced him that she was in earnest.
 Do you really mean to say that Car ra;hers is bad enough to refuse to re- ;4rn the letter :r he exclaimed, in amaze meni.
 Il assure you l almost went on my knees 10 him the other night at the Beres- lords ball." returned Mrs Ainslie, ex- ttedly. But he only laughed in his sneering way and said he should keep it IS curiosity.
 Was that after you explained the cir instances - asked lack.
 Oh, yes made clean breas, of " foolishness. It was huniliating, bu, i was the only thing to do.'
 What did you say 10 him:"
 Il was perfectly outspoken. said Lad had a quarrel with my husband, who lad insisted on my writing to request him = discontinue his attentions. fully in- :enGed ,o do so, bu, when sa, down W.;A he pen in my hand for the purpose was seized with a foolish desire to to en; ny iil-humor by dangerous prao- .seai ose. meant no harm and no,h = was further fiom my mind than 10 era osi the letter wrote
 wonder leG thought your husband .pable ot reading letter addressed . ,hiId person, sad lack, rather s.arply.
 I'm perfectly sure ,ha, II had been i. ais ealous mood and had seen an -Esealed letter addressed by my wife 10 n admlIer lyins abou, should have eaG |. sand Mrs. Ainslie with cenvic- .-on.
 Anyhow. your husband did nothing tt he klnd, remarked aok, with a ssras.
 No; discovered afterwards. ,o my horror. tha; he simply sealed up the let er and posted II, thinking il was the let Ter had promised to write said Mrs. Alnslie.
 Then why on earth didn, you unde- e;ve him when you found out wha, he had done ~ inquired lack, a little con- iemp,uously.
 Beoause-b because well, the truth IS. fell ashamed of myself He had trusted me and couldn't bring myself to con- tess my littleness, said Mrs Ainsle. with embarrassment Besides. l thought | should have no difficulty in getting the let,er back from Mir. Carruthers. l knew should meet him the next evening at inc Beresfords."
 ." suppose he was disagreeably sur prised a, your explanation, said lack. Wl;h laugh
 Well. l found myself in a very difficult fasi,ion.' answered little Mrs. Ainslie. .' lie declined to believe me and and ire.ended 10 think really iel, towards Inn all l had said in the Geiter. had 10 speak very plainly-in fac, we quarreled and he almost threatened to make use Il ,he letter
 " The hule cad" exclaimed lack, igofously. " Do you reoollect what yoa wrote was l, very compromising ?" = lam afraid so," sald Mrs. Ainslie. rising in grea, agitation and unlocking her writins-desk. !" have endeavored 70 recall word for word wha, l said. l think this is correct"
 ack Harwood took the letter which his cousin handed him and read as follows My DEAREST MARNN Ef.-Mv husband las ordered me to write and forbid you the hasse. Since he refuses to tEus, Me l '. III nc longer endeaNor 10 siife my feelings, hutwill asoN myself new and forever
 Your own AAv.
 lack had no occasion 10 express his GIsmay and disgus, a, this wantonly fool. lsh lacuhraron, for his expression caused h's cousin 10 break into d ,otren, of eN- uses and lamentations, which eliminated ia flood of tears.
 There. there it's no use crying" he said. good naturedly. What IS ,ha, other paper you have in your hand :''
 l. IS the letter really intended to send ; but. of course, 1t was no use send. ns l, after the other had gone." returned Mrs. Ainslie.
 May see il: Yes. That letter is s:raigh, enough" said Jack. after glancine through II,
 Il really intended to carry out John $ wishes" added little Mrs. Ainslie, again having recourse to her pocket-handker- chief
 Well, now, why did you send fo, me-" inquired lack, in matter-of-fac, tone.
 want your advice and assistance Jack" returned his cousin, brightening up. did not know who else to apply 10, and have always regarded you as brother. am dreadiully afraid Mir. Carruthers has been bragging about the letter."
 Surely not. No man calling himself gentleman could behave so snobbishly. What makes you think so?' inquired Jack, sternly.
 hope Il IS not the case, but Mrs Richardson hinsei to me las, night that her husband had heard something un- pleas sant about me asd Mir. Carru,hers at