Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-08-14

and latterly it had been whispered that the
lady was quite willing to elope with her ad-
mirer So far as Jack could ascertain, Mar
naduke Carruthers had dropped hints which
had caused this shameful report to get about,
and though he had not apparently gone SO
far as to show the letter, he made no secret
of having secured it.
Jack was not a hot-tempered man, but II
cost him a great effort to control his rage
and indignation and to reflect calmly over
the situation. He smoked two full-favored
cigars-a very unusual thing for him to do in
the middle Of day, and a sure sign Of men,
tai perturbation-and after an hours cogita
ton he rose from his scat with an air Of dcs-
peration.
at can't be helped. must dissemblc, as
they say on the STAGE" he muttered to him
self. ut * devilish unpleasant to have to
shake hands with a man one is longing To
kick. But I've undertaken the Job and I
must carry it through for Amy sake, though
it isn't in my line at ALL"
So saying he seized his hat and started to
call upon Marmaduke Carruthers at his
chambers, which we're near at hand. Mar
maduke Carruthers welcomed him with
frank appearance Of cortlialty which he
In this particular instance, perhaps, he did
no great violencs to his feelings, for be and
Jack were old club acquaintances Of many
years standing, and the latter had the g eat
recommendation in the eyes of nh impecu-
Nous younger son Of being the heir to fine
estate.
"IIave some breakfast" said the Hon.
Marmaduke, when they had exchanged
greetings.
mo, thanks, have just had my lunch,"
replied Jack, with forced laugh. II will
take cigarette, if you don't Mind"
"By oil means, Light up" said the Hon.
Mnmaduke, resuming his seat at the break
fast table. II have been up late tho last few
nights"
"Lost some money heart" said Jack, puff
ing furiously at his cigarette.
"Well, I'm about square again now" re-
turned tho Hon. Marmaduke. II had luck Mt
the Phoenix yesterday, SO I shall swear of for
awhile. What brings you herer he added,
evidently noting Jacks embarrassment.
"A very unpleasant business, Carruthers,"
said Jack, unable altogether to repress his
temper "Ive heard something about my
cousin, Mrs. Anslie, which has rathor upset
me. know have no right to interfere be-
tween you and her; that is her husbands
business. At the same time should be nw-
fully cut up if anything happened"
MY dear fellow. you needn't he afraid"
said Hon. Marmaduke reassuringly. "NotE.
ing will happen. thought matters we're go
ing trfe too far, SO l considered it my duty
Toto terminate the acquaintance"
"Whatw exclaimed Jack, with Oh involun
tary start.
"Well you know, was in an awkward fix
1t turned out that the lady took our Innocent
Irritation au grand serieux," sold the Hon.
Marmaduke, smiling II had not bargaincd
for anything moro than a Platonic friend
ship had always borne in mind that was
friend of yours
-Very honorable Of you" said Jack, with
peculiar ntonation of his voice that might
pass for emotion. II should never have
thought that my cousin was capable Of
grande passion
The Hon. Marmaduke glanced at Jack,
whose expressive face manifested supreme
contempt apparently ut his cousins conduct.
"Of course, you will understand that am
not boasting, but only defending myself
against your suspicious" said the Hon. Mar
naduke, after pause. "lf you doubt what
l say can prove my words"
"Howr demanded Jack, quickly.
The Hon Marmaduke hesitated a moment,
and then produced from his pocket a dainty
cigarette casc, from which he extracted
letter.
Read that" he said, throwing it on tho
table toward Jack, and resuming his meal
with rather ostcntatious carelessness.
Jack opened the letter with the air Of
man who could hardly believe the evidence
of his eyes and ears. After glancing quickly
through it he withdrew to one of the windows
and read it very deliberately, while the Hon.
Marmaduke continued his breakfast with the
utmost Indifference.
al say, Carruthers! VIII you give me this"
said Jack, advancing suddenly with tho lotter
in his hand.
II don't think you can ask that" returned
the Hon. Marmaduke, rather hastily. ut is
the sort of letter which only the lady's hus-
band could claim and, of course, he knows
nothing about it"
"I should have thought you would have
destroyed it," said Jack, looking his COM
rnnion straight In the face.
I'm afraid you don't know the world as
well as do, my FRIEND" responded the Hon.
Marmaduke, coolly, as he replaced the letter
in his cigarette case. II wish Mrs. Ainslie no
harm, of course, but must protect myself.
When q woman imagines her affections have
been slighted she becomes u dangerous enemy.
This letter Is my safeguard, and so long as
it exists--or rather SO long as 1t romans in
my possession-she will not attempt to
harm me-"
"But you say you will give It up to her
husbands" suggested Jack.
so would if he should hear of II Tn that
case, from what know of Mr.. Ainslie, I'M
agina madam's wings would he clipped
said tho Hon Marmaduke, with laugh
which betrayed his vindictivencss
"Will you authorize me to use my dscre-
tion about telling my cousins husband Of
this wretched letter."
You can please yourself: but for goodness
sake don't imagine suggest such course"
said the Hon. Marmaduke, with glenn of
triumph in his eyes
"Of course not cannot sufficiently
thank you for this interview" returned Jack,
with a faint attempt at hcartincss. "Shall
want to see you!"
"As likely rs not At all events you know
my address," said the Hon. Marma,luke
laughingly.
The same evening Jack Harwood entered
the smt king room at the Blenheim in COM
pany with Mr. Ainslle. Several members
were present, including the Hon Marina
duke, who, as usual, was the center of an ad-
miring circle of youngsters. The appearance
of MI Ainslie caused some little stir among
the youthful coteric, from which it was evil
dent that some of them, at all events, had
heard of the scandal about that gentleman's
wife. Jack nodded to the Hon. Marmaduke,
and modestly took seat in the background;
but Mr. Ainsio, who looked very pale and
determined, stepped into the center OF the
circle which was formed i'll front of the fire,
and said III q tone of voice which was audible
in every part OF the room:
"Gentlemon may beg your attention for