National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-09-06
JACKS DIPLOMACY.

When JhCk hhrWOou heatu VINO eS'iJ
which his cousin, pretty Mrs. Ainsle,
unfolded to him, IL seemed almost in
credible, though no knew what a foolish,
impetuous girl sho was. But her evident
distress convinced him that she was in
earnest
"Do you really mean to say that Car
ruthers is bad enough to refuse to re-
turn tho letter ~ he exclaimed in amaze
ment.
81 assure you that almost went on my
knees to him the other evening Mt the
Beresfords' BALL" returned Mrs. Ainsle,
excitedly, 'but he only laughed in his
sneering way, and said he should keep 1t
as curiosity"
was that after you had explained the
circumstances" asked Jack.
"Oh, yes made clean breast Of my
\ foolshness. 1t was humiliating, but it
was the only thing to do"
What did you say to himP"
II was perfectly outspoken. said that
had had a quarrel with my husba nd,
who had insisted on my writing to re-
quest him TO discontinue his attentio MS.
/ fully intended to do 80, but when l sat
down with my pen in my hand for the
purpose was seized with foolish i'm
pulse to vent my ill humor by danger
GUS practical joke. L meant no harm,
and nothing was further from my mind
than to send off the letter 1 wrote"
II wonder that you thought your hus-
band capable of reading letter add ressed
to third person." said Jack, rather
sharply.
81 am perfectly sure that IL 1 had been
in his jealous mood and had seen an un-
sealed letter addressed by my wife to an
admirer lying about l should have read
it," said Mr.. Ainslie, with conviction.
Anyhow, your husband did nothing of
the kind" remarked Jack, with q shrug.
mo, / discovered afterwsrd, to my
horror, that he simply sealed up the let
ter and posted It, thinking IL was the
letter had promised to WRITE" said Mrs.
Ainslie.
"Then, why on earth didn't you unde-
ceive him when you had found out what
he had done?' inquired Jack, little
sontemptuously.
Because -because--well, the truth Is,
] felt ashamed Of myself He had trusted
me, and / couldn't bring myself to confess
my littleness," said Mrs. Ainslie with
embarrassment. Besides, / thought l
should have no difficulty in getting tho
letter back from Mr.. Carruthers. knew
/ should meet him the next evening at
the Berefords."
II suppose he was disagreeably sur
,rised at your explanation" said Jack,
With laugh.
well, found myself in a very difficult
position" answered the little Mrs. Aims
lie. He declined to believe me and
and pretended to think i really felt
toward him all had said in the letter. l
had to speak very plainly-in fact, We
quarreled-and he almost threatened to
mako use of the letter."
"The little cad !" exclaimed Jack, Wig
orously. do you recollect what you
wrote-was it very compromising?
II am afraid So" said Mrs. Ainslie,
rising in great agitation and unlocking
her writing desk. 81 have underworld
to recall word for word what said.
think this is correct"
Jack HARDWOOD took the letter which
his cousin handed him, and read as fol-
lows:
My Dearest Marin aduke: My husband
has ordered me to write and forbid you
to the house. Since he refuse to trust me
will no longer endeavor to stitle my
feelings, but will avow myself now and
ever, your own AMY.
Jack blid no occasion to express his
dismay and disgust at this wsntonly
foolish lucubrator, for this expression
caused his cousin to break into torrent
Of excuses and lamentations, which cul.
minated in flood of tears.
There. there; it's no use crying" he
said, good naturally. What is that
other paper you have in your hand ?"
ut 10 the letter L really intended to
send, but of course it was no use sending
1t after the other had gone" returned
Mrs. Ainslie.
MAY 1 see it? Yes; the letter is
straight enough" said Jack, after glanc-
tng through it.
II really intended to carry out Johns
Wishes" added little Mrs. Ainslie, again
having recourse to her pocket handker-
.hief.
"Well, now, why did you send for
ne% inquired Jack. in matter-of-fact
zone.
az want your advice and assistance,
lack" returned his cousin, Frightening
Up. II did not know who else to 20 to,
lnd / have always regarded you as a
brother. am dreadfully afraid Mr.. Car
ruthers has been Dragging about the let
ter"
"Surely not. No man calling himself
sgentleman could behave SO snobbishly.
What makes you think SOP" inquired
Jack sternly.
II hope it is not the case, but Mrs.
Richardson limited to me last night that
her husband had heard something I'M
pleasant about me and Mr.. Carruthers ut
his club" said Mrs Ainslie, plucking
nervously at her dress.
what! at the Blenheimp said Jack,
frowning.
Eyes Mr.. Carruthers is q member, you
know. But, at all events, it is desirable
to get the letter back. and you know
what my husband is, Jack. / really dare
not tell him anything about the letter, or
he would fly at Mr. Carruthers's throat
and create scandal" said Mrs. Ainslie
Besides, of course, would prefer to keep
the matter secret from him"
II will try what can do, Amy. aud l
need not say will be careful to avoid
scandal" said Jack HARDWOOD, rising to
his feet. "You had better burn the draft
of that unhappy letter. 1t has done
enough mischief already. / will keep
the other one" he added, putting it in
his pocket.
40, Jack, how can thank you ?" ex-
claimed his cousin, seizing both his hands
in her impulsive fashion.
I'm the first place, have done nothing
ut present. and in the next, am going to
give you a parting piece of advice which
will probably diminish the warmth of
your feelings toward me-" said Jack,
grimly. 81 hope this scrape you have got
into, Amy, will be q lesson to you, and
will make you discreet in your conduct.
People have talked about you and Car
ruthers 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 to act for tho best. For sub
altern in tho Guards, Jack HARDWOOD was
more than gifted with shrewd common
sense and business-like capacity. His
impulse was to call upon Mr.. Marmaduke
LII L.. IL.