The morning news., 1889-04-21
forth yesterday, suppose. Did you talk to

..
like him, you know; ne has certainly not
improved since he went away"
He was not likely to improve" said
Ruth, with some bitterness.
"Why9 Oh, you mean because your love
affair with him was broken off. My dear,
don't fatter yourself; men can bear a
wound or two of that kind without showing
a.scar."
AZ daresay."
Frances did not speak for a moment or
two, then sac went up to Ruth, and laid her
hand lightly on her shoulder.
You know I'm not giveu to preaching.
yet feel very much inclined to read you a
lecture, Ruth. NV dear, you are not be-
having wisely to Audley; you are letting
him see too plainly you do not care for him !;
not that | wonder at it, though"
"He knows very well | do not care for
him; that l never shall care for him."
'But why let other people s.e it so plainlyl
l overheard remarks yesterday made about
you, and one lady said she had never seen
such an unhappy-looking bride. If Audley
had heard that he would have been awfully
angry, and, you know"
"I am1 unhappy, most unhappy" said
Ruth, rising excitedly 81 asked him yes
terday to let me go back to my fathers
house"
Was that wise, RutbF'
bodI Ills, COuLluutu u,
walking up and down the room with
clasped hands; you do not know all l suf-
fer"
but why not make the best of it, as
doa know YOU did not care for Audley
when you married him, nor did | care for
Hugh; yet yop see l make Hugh content,
though may have my own feelings, too,
on the subject
Hugh is quite different man; he is
honorable, he is high-minded; he did not
force you to marry him by unworthy
threats"
mo" and Frances face flushed. "But
is that generous speech"
For moment Ruth was silent; then with
sudden penitence and love. she went up and
laid her head on Frances shoulder.
Forgive me" she half whisper ID; "I did
not mean to say anything; but he drives me
half wild"
81 know; he is selfish, and bad to get on
with sometimes; | see all that--but, Ruth,
try to look little happier for my sake; it
makes me miserable to think your life has
been sacrificed"
These words went straight to Ruth's
heart
Il will try" she said; ''it pnt me out see
ing Ke ard Seafortl Yesterday, and
broke down-yes, l know am very fool
ish. "
That's dear childl Try to make the
best of An Hey; he's a vain man, and other
women flatter him, and you could manage
him if you flattereS hin too Look how
Lady Hastings runs after himw
"She is quite welcome" said Ruth, and
Frances laughed.
You are not a bit jealous of her, the1p'
"Je llous! No.n
"Yet l have known women who did not
care one straw for their husbands t. be very
jealous of them. 1t is a feeling of vanity,
/ suppose"
4" hen 1 have none; but don't let us
talk about 1t any more, will try to look
brighter.n
YES. do, dear; and NOW will you come
over to Su lie and stay with us day or
two? l fancy the change will do you good,
and then we shall have all the arrangements
to make for the l5t, and no end of things to
do. Where is Audlayr
"At the fort, | suppose, but he will be in
to lunca,"
"Then I'll stay to lunch and see him,
and persuade him, if l can, to let you come
to us"
And Frances did this. Presently Audley
came into the house, and Frances received
him in her most winning fashion.
Don't turn me out, " she said, 'for have
invited myself to lunch"
"Only too charmsd to see you, of
course" smiled Audley. "Where is Col.
Ke lyonp
"fe has gone over to see one of his ten
ants, who wants some repairs to the farm
buildings, and Hugh likes to look after these
Things himself"
"Quite right"
as oppose it is; so came to inquire after
Ruths headache, and do youknow | think
she wants little change. If she came TO
US for a day or two, | am sure it would do
her good, and you could come whenever
you could get over, of course. What do
you thinkp
"You are very good, said Audley, glanc-
ing at Ruth.
He knew very well that his marriage had
been Il foolish, willful act. of which he had
begun heartily to repent, and that last quar-
rel had made him feel very bitter to her.
Why not let her 60 for day or two, he
thought, glancing at her again; but Ruth
never raised her eyes.
Would YOU ike to go to your sister for Il
day or soP he said.
Yes answered Ruth and after a few
more words they settled it; Frances pressing
Audley to 60 over to Sudley every day.
Hugh will be delighted to see you she
said; "and Ruth and | shall have heaps to
do about Hugh's birthday party; and you
must help us, Maj Audley. Imean to have
colored lamps, and all sorts of pre- ty things.
By-the-by. talking of pretty things, what a
very pretty woman your friend Lady Hast
ings is. If were Ruth, sh Juld be fright
fully Jealous Of her."
Audley laughed, not dispeased.
Ruth condescends to be jealous of no
one" he said.
well, if you were my husband, | should
be jealous; hands me man always has so
much love made to him."
Again Audley laughed, yet he was vain
enough to be pleased by the open fiattery.
"Tnen | should have no chaIce of making
you jealous" he said.
"Oh, yes, yes, you would Just as If a
man didn't know when be was good-lookingl 2
Women let them know the pleasing fact
quickly enough"
Audley stroked his heavy mustache with
no small satisfaction.
II am not so Fortunate" he said; but
Frances knew very we'll with whom she
had to deal, and smiled, well-satisfiod, few
minutes later when they we're alone Ruth
having left the room to make some prepara-
tions for her visit to Sudley.
II only wish - he said, half !" Joe. N"'' in
earnest, THAT Ruth had a little Of your
charming manner
Ruth mas something more charming than
manner" answered Frances, gaily, "ex-
treme youth; do not forge, pray, that
have had Ave years longer experience Of
the wiles an1 ways Of the wicked world.
"Then 1t has improved, not spoiled you. ="
Frances made acoquettish little courtesy.
"For my part she SAID, ~ like worldly
people, and those who do not pretend to be
above the foibles Of our race; for we are all
tainted you know
Yes" answered Audley, looking at her