The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-05-12

II shall carry the news to Ruth to-mor-
row" she said, as she parted with him;
perhaps shall see you"
Yes" he answered, briefly, for there
were times when he struggled with this
master feeling in his heart, when he told
himself 1t was a mean thing to accept Col.
kenyon's hospitality and try all the time to
win the affections of his wife. But Frances
held him very securely in her
tolls, and knew how to vile him back when
his conscience or sense Of honor gave him
passing pang.
And he watched for her next day from
the windows Of the fort, and saw her drive
up to Ruth's house without her husband,
and his heart felt glad. He never was
quite happy in Col. Kenyon's presence, and
did not care to look often into the honest
kindly eyes Of the man. he felt he was de-
ceiv1 6. There was shout this yonug man,
indeed. many high and uoble instincts, all
OF which, unhappily, were over-shadowed
by the love which Frances was for ever fan
ming in his heart.
and while he was waiting until he
thought he could with decency follow her
to Ruth's, Frances was tell e tina news Of
their fathers engagement, to which Ruth
was listening with dosWncast eyes and
troubled heart
For she always secretly hoped some day
to return to her fathers house Sne had
dOuc hci uuGJ 10 AuQleY since
the dreadful accident which had SO nearly
destroyed his life, but there had been no
change in her feelings toward him, except
that she had felt the deepest pity for the
strong man struck down in his prime. And
Audley, lying there sick and suff ering,
knew that it was not love which made her
touch SO gentle. and her eyes so sad. She
was as far away from him as ever, while
she bent over his bed, and tried to soothe
ipriy-a ND IL y,
sometimes to bid her go and leave him,
and not act part she did not feel; but he
never absolutely said this Perhaps he
hoped against hope that some day she might
learn to care for him, for he knew that in
spite of everything he lovei her still.
At least he felt for her that selfish, jeal-
Gus emotion which some men dignity by
that name. Aud this even grew stronger
when he had nothing else to divert his mind
no batteries from Lady Hastings; IL
smiles from women who arc ever ready to
let every goo1-lOoking man see that they
admire them. Audley had nothing now to
console his vanity, nor comfort his heart.
He used to lie Watching Ruth moving
about the room-a slender, giTlish figure
and his thoughts sometimes We're very Bit
ter ones.
He could not accuse her of not being at
tent.ve to him, for, unless when her sister
an uneasy jealousy which never quilted
him. How did he know w0at was going on
downstairs, he told himself. The servants
used to come up tell Ruth Mrs. Kenyon
was below, and she would leave HIM for
half an hour or So He asked Beaton this
question quite suddenly one day, when the
young nau was sitting BESIDE him doing
his best to make the time seem less heavy.
us Seaforth down stairs.n he said; a I'd
BeaJon, without ssupicion of his motive,
replied truthfully that he was not.
81 have not seen HIM for a day or two, "
continued Audlev, ashamed of his query
and that made me ask.
SeafOr5h got his company during these
days, and was very restless aud i'll at ease.
He was sure now that Ruth had not changed
to him, and that their separation had been
caused by something he could not under
stand. A feeling of deiicacy prevented his
going often to High street. because he knew
Ruth was constantly in attendance on the
suff ri g man VII Sc name she bore. He
heard this from DIR. Murray, and he heard
also of Ruth's gentienes patience and ul-
selfisnne,s.
"Yet " said the young Scotch doctor one
day, wno VS. shrewd, 81 don't believe she
really cares for tae poor fellow a bit.
notice she scarcely ever looks at him,
though he watches nor; but women are
queer things
Very" answered Seaforth, modify, and
ne turned away.
His hghr-heartedness was indeed all gone.
Though something of MS former omen and
trussful EXPIRE son had stolen ack to his
eyes since he had again met Ruth, and
seen on her face the shadow of an unspoken
pain.
Baaton had told him that Audley had
asked about him, and said ehet he had not
seen him for some days; and seltortn had,
therefore, decided to call on the very after
n ION on whicl Frances bad gone 10 tell
Ruth of Col Forths proposed marriage.
Frances went into all the to herr anus
ing de ais of their father expanding his
shilling or eighteen pence al Somerset
House IN his researches to assure himself Of
the reality of the widows mo ley.
'It was awfully meanm said Ruth, in
dignantly.
"Awfully prudent, my dear, you mean,n
laughed France. 81 think he is very silly
to marry at all, with his temper, and at his
age: but I should have Thought him rnuca
sillier If he had not made sure of the money
befo he committed himseif. But it is a
bore for US; fancy having that vulgar, boast
ing woman for step-mOtherW
Il am very sorry"
Goa, well YOU know we can as good
as cut her if we like. Still it's bore;
sne's so pushing and flttering; she will be
ba to keep in the blckg. ound.n
A ring ca ne to the house door bell at this
moment and Frances rose and looked out
of the window.
1T is our friend. Sir Arthur" she said,
lightly. and a few moments later Sir Ar
thur vas ushered iGto the dining room.
where all visitors were now received, for
the doctors thought the murmur OF voices
in he awning room might chance TO reach
Mai. Audley's ears, who was lying in the
room above.
well, Ruth is furious about the step
mother" said Frances, as she shook hands
with Bsaton.
II am sure she is never furious about
ANYTHING" he answered. smiling.
81 don'u like it at all, at least, said Ruth.
"Nol She is ia her gushing sort OF
person, isn't shot But the colonel may keep
her well in hand. -
THAT sort Of woman is not 50 easy TO
keep in hand, as you call IL, said Frances,
archly, las you will fad, Sir Arthur, whoI
you try
He looked at her and smiled.
"What a teaze you are he said and he
took up one Of her driving gloves as he
spoke, VIII CD Frances hal pulled of and
thrown on the dining room table.
"Who owns this pretty thlngT he asked,
tn ug in truth ne knew.
Again the door-beil rang, and this time
Seatortn was usnered into tie dining
room.
81 congratulate you on your promotion"
aid Frances, graciously, for she had not
seen him since he nad got his mpany.