The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-06-02

Ah-SUt luefSluTe, 10 leave heGQlOCS at
once, and told Ruth she must be ready to
go IN less than week after her return from
Sudley.
Ruth had thus many arrangements to
make. and had s. restless desire also to soc
kenard Seaforth. Hs had called three
DAYS after he knew she was at hons again,
for be had heard from Mai. Cary that the
Audieys were talking of leaving Head
fort, and he wished - see her before she
left, and felt hurt and heartsore when he
was refused admission.
But the next day he accidentally met her
while he was walking down the village.
Ruth was III black, and wore thick gauza
veil, and was on her way to her fathers
house to see after some packing cases. but
when she saw SeafortE sac az once stopped
aud held out her hand
Il was sorry you would not see me when
called yesterday" hs said, as he c!asGed
1t. II hear you are leaving Headfort
soon.n
IN two days; we go on Thursday" an
swered Ruth, in low tone; and then she
looked straight up in Seaforth's face, and
something IN her expression half startled
him. 1t was so earnest, so intense.
You have something to say to me-to
tell mep he said, as if he had read her
thoughts.
Yes, l wished to see you"
May turn with you now, them"
II was going to my fathers; he is not
there. he is at Sudley; but will you go in
with me for few minutesgn
YES" and Seaforth knew by her man
ner that though Ruth spoke so quietly, she
was really in state of strong excitement.
He unattached the little gate for her when
they reached Gil. Forth's house, and to-
gether they walked through the garden,
and Seaforth looked round and sighed
81 seems changed somehow" he said,
thinking of the sunny days aad ewes when
he bad fingered here by the side Of his young
love.
ut was summer then" answered Ruth,
and nothing more, for there was no need of
words.
A neglected garden lay around them; the
weeds had grown apace after Ruth left
home, and now lay prone upon the damp
ground, dead and half-frozsn, amid l4aflass
stalks af fuchsias and rose tree. This very
strings with which Ruth had trained her
naSturtslms and sweetpeas hung dangling
in the wintry air, and the whole place
had forlorn appearance which struck them
both.
But Ruth did not pause to talk of it. She
rang the door bell, and when the servant
opened it she led Seaforth into the little
dining room in which there was no fire, as
the colonel was not expected home until the
next day.
"How cold it is" she said, with shiver',
and she babe tine maid light the fire; and ss
the feeble flames began to rise, she told
her to 90, and thus Seaforth and Ruth were
alone.
Then Ruth looked in his face, and she saw
he had grown very pale
81 have something to say to you" she
said, abruptly, nervously, as though she
were forcing the words from her quivering
lips. "Do you remember asking me, urging
me, to tell you why was forced to let you
know our marriage could not beF"
''You may be sure I remember"
81 could not tell you them" went on
Ruth, her voice vibrating with the strong
feelings of her heart. "My lips were sealed
then by love-a love that is gonep
And she clasped her hands together.
s'You mean for your sister?" said Seaforth
| in a low tone, casting down his eyes.
Yes, for Frances, for whom had given
more than lifel You know how she has re-
paid US; how she has brought shame on us,
and broken her husbands heart"
do not pain yourself by speaking of
her,"
"But must-Kenard. Until knew you
had loved no one in all my life but her;
her wrongs were mine, and to save her good
name l risked my own"
81 do not understand you"
Ruth began to walk up and down the
| room in state of violent agitation.
"Spare me part of a shameful story" she
said in broken voice; "let 1t be enough for
me to tell you that to screen Frances did
what never should have done-and-and
Mai. Audley discovered this, and his price
for keeping the secret was"
"You mean he forced you to marry him?
The brute! the cowardn interrupted Sea-
forth.
''He forced me to marry him. went on
Ruth, in low concentrated tone, ''though
went down on my knees and prayed for
mercy-but he had none. He knew we
were engaged; he knew I cared for you,
but he held to his bargain; unless married
him he would disgrace Frances; and Frances
prayed me for her sake to do what was
worse than deathw
"Oh! my poor grip said Seaforth, deeply
moved, AID going near her and laying his
hand on her arm. Now undersa and, Ruth
this was why You gave me up"
| "Do you remember when sent for you
| to say goodbye said Ruth, tears rushing
| into her eyes. 81 told you / had no choice.
and had none, for Frances said she would
| die if this were known, and I knew Audley
! had no pityl 1t was cruel, too cruel-and
after did this-after l married him and
| wrecked my whole life to save her, you
| know what she has done?"
''She is enthusiastically worthless
said Seaforth, with strong indignation.
81 meant to keep the secret till / died
| but she has broken all ties, all honor, and
| the bitterest thing of all to me was what
you must have thought-how you must
have scorned and dispised me--yet | was
forced to bear thisl"
II suffered very much, Ruth" said Sea-
forth, turning away his head.
81 saw your face was changed when we
| met that day at Lady Hastings, just as
suppose you saw the change in mine. But
YOU know now--I could not 60 away with
out telling you'll am glad you know"
Seaforth made no ans yer; he went to the
window and stood looking vaguely out at
the neglected garden, his heart throbbing
with contending emotions.
''If Audley had not been as he is" he
presently said, savagely, II should have
shot him"
81 have been sorry for him since his
dreadful ACCIDENT answered Ruth, with
| some pity in her tone; che mas SUI
fered so much-but it was cruel wrong.
warned him before our marriage that only
misery could come of it, and Only misery
| has come"
And what are you going to DOR
Ruth hesitate /, and her fair face flushed.
~ shall try to arrange to live with my
father shortly" she said. II am not afraid
| of Maj Audley now"
And your whole life is wrecked!' said
Seaforth, inpetuously.
Ruth smiled sadly.
| 90 %<,t hot Nd 7 oil