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

JacK was not n not tempered man, Dut
1t cost him n 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 the day, and u
sure sign Of mental perturbation and
after an hours cogitation he rose from his
seat with an air of desperation.
" 1t can't be helped. must dissomblo,
as they say on the stage" he muttored to
himself. ut is dovilish unpleasant to
have to shake hands with q man one is
longing to kick. But I've undertaken
tho job, and 1 must carry it through for
Amy's sake. though It isn't in my line
at ALL"
So saying, no seized his hat and started
to call upon Marmaduko Carruthers Mt his
chambers, which were near at hand.
Marmaduke Carruthers welcomed him
with a frank appearance Of cordially,
which he could always assume NJ o
moments notice. In this particular in
stance, perhaps, he did no great violence
to his feelings, for he and Jack were old
club acquaintance of many years stand.
ing, and tho latter had the great recon-
mendation in tho eyes of an impocunious
younger son of being the heir TO fine
estate.
Have some breakfast ~ said the Hon.
Marmaduke, when they had exchanged
greetings.
mo, thanks; have just had my lunch"
replied Jack, with forced laugh. ~
will take cigarette, IL you don't mind. !"
by all means. Light up" said the
Hon. Marmaduke, resuming his seat Mt
tho breakfast table. II have been up late
the last few nights"
Lost some money, hear 2" said Jack,
putting furiously ut his cigar.
We'll, Pm about square again now"
returned the Hon. Marmaduke. ~ had
luck at tho Phoenix yesterday, so / shall
swear off for awhile. What brings you
hereY" he added, evidently noting jack
embarrassment.
"a very unpleasant business, Carruth-
ers," said Jack, unable altogether to re.
press his temper. i've heard something
about my cousin, Mrs. Ainslie, which has
rather upset mo. know have no right
to interfere between you and her; that is
her husbands business. At the same time
| should be awfully cut up If anything
happened"
"My dear fellow, you needn't be afraid"
sold Hon. Marmaduke, roassuringly.
Nothing will happen. thought matters
were going trifle too far, so | considered
Tiny duty TOTO terminate the acquaint-
ance."
"WhatW exclaimed Jack. with an in
voluntary start.
well, you know, was in an awkward
fix. 1t turned out that the lady took our
innocent Irritation au grand serietr," said
the Hon. Marmaduke, smiling. 81 had
not bargained for anything more than a
Platonic friendship. 1 had always borne
in my mind that was friend of yours"
Very honorable of you," said Jack,
with peculiar intonation of his voice
that might pass for emotion. II should
never have thought that my cousin was
capable of grand passion"
The Hon. Marmaduke glanced at Jack,
whose expressive face manifested SUI
preme contempt, apparently at his cous-
in's conduct.
"of course, you will understand that ]
am not Boosting, but only defending
myself against your suspicious" said tho
Hon. Marmaduke, after pause. IF you
doubt what say can prove my words"
"Howp demanded Jack, quickly.
The Hon. Marmaduke hesitated a
moment, and then produced from his
pocket dainty cigarette case, from
which he extracted letter.
Read thatw he said. throwing it on
the table toward Jack. and resuming his
meal with rather ostentatious careless
ness.
Jack opened the letter with the air of q
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 htQ hvao Il OF 80, "a
indifference.
II say, Carruthers! Will you give me
this? said Jack, advancing suddenly
with the letter in his hand.
II don't think you can ask that" re-
turned the Hon. Marmaduke, rather
hastily. ut is the sort of letter which
only the lady's husband could claim, and,
of course, he knows nothing about it,"
81 should have thought you would
have destroyed it," said Jack, looking
his companion straight in the face.
"Pm afraid you don't know the world
as we'll as l do, my FRIEND" responded
the Hon. Marmaduke. coolly as he re-
placed the letter in his cigarette case.
l wish Mrs. Ainslie no harm, of course,
but l must protect myself. When q
woman imagines her affections have
been slighted, she becomes dangerous
enemy. This letter is my safeguard,
and 80 long as it exists-or, rather, SO
long as it remains in my possession-sho
will not attempt to harm me-"
"But you say you will give il up to her
husband ?" suggested Jack.
$50 l would If no should hear of it.
In that case, from what know of Mr..
Ainslie, l imagine madam's wings would
be clipped" said the Hon. Marmaduke,
with laugh which betrayed his vindic-
tiveness.
"Will you authorize me to use my dis
erection about telling my cousins hus-
band Of this wretched letter."
"You can please yourself; but for
goodness sake don't imagine suggest
such q course" said the Hon. Marina
duke, with CLEAN Of triumph in his
eyes.
"Of course not. / cannot sufficiently
thank you for this interview" returned
Jack, with faint attempt at heartiness.
shall you look in at the Blenheim to-
night in case | want to see you?"
"As likely as not. AT all events, you
know my address," siad the Hon. Mar
maduke, laughingly.
The same evening Jack Harwood on
tered the smoking room at the Blenheim
in company with Mr.. Ainslie. Several
members were present, including the
Hon. Marmaduke, who, as usual was the
center of an admiring circle of young
sters. The appearance of Mr.. Ainsle
caused some little stir among tho youth
full coterie, from which it was evident
that some of them, at all events, had
heard of the scandal about that gentle
mans wife. Jack nodded to tho Hon.
Marmaduke, and modestly took seat in
the background; but Mr.. Ainslie, who
looked very pale ana determined, stepped
into tho center of the circle which was
formed in front of tho fire. aud said in q
tone of voice which was audible IN every
part of the room:
Gentlemen, may l beg your attention
for one minute? l am about to take q
very unusual course, but, as most of you
know. am one of the Oldest members of
this club, and you may, therefore, feel
assured that | am acting under careful
deliberaton."
-. L.