The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-04-14
CHAPTER XIII.
DINING ALONE.

that Audley lnSSUei VI ieOut HlilS W AAoo'N-
t,rt the same afternoon. He went back to
tbs dining room, where Frances and her
husband and father were still lettering, and
announced that to his great regret he found
he must be in Headfort early tomorrow
morning, as there were some military du-
tias he was compelled to see after.
"Well leave Ruth here then, and come
hack tomorrow afternoon" at once sug-
gested Frances.
But Audley refused.
"You are very good, - he said, "but Ruth
will go back with me in an hour and he
looked at his watch.
"You must bring her here tomorrow
then. Just think, asked young Beaton on
purpose, because you and Ruth were with
rs: so, indeed you must be here"
Il am perfectly certain that Beaton will
he quite content with your society"
ooh. now don't be disagreeable, Maj.
Audley, when l thought you were going to
be so nicei What has happened? Have you
and Ruth had lovers quarrelp
Audey gave a short, harsh laugh
"That would be impossible, he said.
Then why are you going to take her
away! Do let her stay, at any rate over to-
morrow"
But Audrey was vi OUSbluolO6.
This man, so cold and cynical as a rule, had
been stung by Ruth's taunt that he abused
her sister, and yet was ready to partake of
her hospitality, as no one else's words could
sting him. He felt indeed for Ruth what
he had never felt for any woman before,
though he sometimes asked himself whether
it was love or hate he gave to the pale,
handsome girl whose heart was as stone to
him.
He lit a cigar and went out on the ter
race. and tried not to feel worried, for he
knew very well he had only himself to
blame for the discomforts of his life. As
he walked up and down he remembered
Ruth's vain and passionate appeals to him
before their marriage, as we remember
things we would often fam forget. The
memory of these pricked him afresh now
when he began to realize their bi ter truth
She had told him no happiness could come to
them. and he knew we'll that it was so. And
as he walked up and down he began telling
himself there must be some cause for her
c nduct that it was against the nature of
things, this cold Indifference, or, rather,
dislike. Could she still care for Kenard
SeaforJhs And as this thought flashed
through hIs brain he muttered an oath, and
impatlentty stamped his foot on the gray
el4dW1As
He was a vain man, though he tried to
hide this, for he was too cynical not to know
that vaaitE exposed other people to ridicule
in hisfeyes, and that he. therefore, in turn,
would seem ridiculous if he showed this
weakness. But all the same, he had a verv
god opiEion of himself aud had believed
himself attractive, al spbt Irresistible, to
women.
Yet there was a woman--his wife-who
avoided his presence whenever she c uld,
and scarcely gave him,1a civil, certainly
never a kfiid, word. IT fnfuriated him t.
think Of it, wounding .hiS vanity and, his
bis love alike. Bat she Eshould not taunt
him amy more with hanging on Mrs. Ken
yon,i he Mentally resolved; and though he
knew Ruth's attachment to her sister was
one of-thestrongest feelings of her heart,
he determined in his hard way to punish her
for herWords by:making her leave Sudley
Immediately
Presently he flung away his cigar, and
once more went up to Ruth's bedroom. He
found her sitting idly by the window, with
far-swaY look in her gray and pensive
eyes, and as he entered he saw her brow
contract 81 's'.@-.A '..-
Will you get readyF he said, in cool,
quiet tone. "Pve ordered the trap to be
round in half an hour, as [ want to be back
in Headfort by o'clock"
Il did not even know you were going to-
day, answered Ruth, surprised.
"H on know now, then. | shall not in
trude any longer on Mrs. Kenyon's hospI-
tality."
What is the matterl Has she offend ed
youT
No; but you have. But it's no matter. "
Il meant nothing, except L wish you
would not abuse Frances. 1t can do no
good"
Possibly not; but am not going to be
dictated to by you on what 1 choose to say
or leave unsaid. Therefore, if you Will
Off"
Very well" said Ruth, quietly; 81 shall
go down and tell Frances we are going"
I've already told her, SO you can spare
yourself the trouble"
still, think had better CO."
Please yourself answered Audley, and
he strobe out of the room again with his
heavy step, feeling half ashamed of him
sen Tor being 50 rude, and yet SO angry that
he could not control his temper.
Mean while, down stairs Frances was abus-
ing nln to her hearts content.
Is 1t not odious of him!" she said, look
ing at her husband. why can't be let
Ruth stay and come back for her, if he
must gop
u fancy something has put him out" an
swered Col. Kenyon
He'' beastly temper" growled Forth,
VINO had never cared much for Audley.
mes most selfish, and it's 50 nice to have
RUIN hgre-don't you think so, Hughr
a Frances vent up aud laid her hand
on her husbands shoulder, who bent down
and kissed it.
Indeed do, daarest; she's a sweet girl,
anu Il IL makes you happy to have her. you
know it makes me-"
never could understand what she mar
RED him for" said Col. Forth; doesn't
seem much love lost between them, in my
"oh, I think he is fond of her. an
S"ered Col. Kenyon; "but / think per-
laps ne does not quite understand her
nature-the nature of a Shy young girl.r
shall up aud see if he has really told
1eT she must go, said Frances, now turning
10 leave the room.
D9n say anything against him to her,
III, SAID Kenyon, gently OBTAINING
! RANGES hand, I'VE must all try to make the
OesL Oh him. you know, to her,"
Very well.n
But Frances did not exactly obey her hus-
Danu IN TINS matter. She went up to Ruth's
room, and found her with her hat on; aud at
SroaI commenced to speak her mind pretty
freely about Audley
80 he is going to take you away at amo-
inenPs notice." she's said, Indignantly.
W natever is he doing it for, Ruthg'
de has got some duty in the morning.
wa the quiet answer.
but why can't he leave you and come
pack again' am perfectly disguised with
l.. ~ IS no use saying anything, Frances;
!. Is pest to say nothing" said Ruth, almost
b.. Frances understood her meaning, and be-
rVa al l.