Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-08-08

shall consider you mine in spite Of all the
Mai Arburtons in the world. If not-do you
understand the alternative, Leilap
She bent her head. Could she avoid under
standing its
sIt lies with you," he went on steadily.
'You know my horse, you know the race
course, you know me. If tomorrow before
starting you bid me ride to win, very good;
if not The music has begun again. Shall
l take you back to your elderly future bar.
| onetF'
"Mv dear Leila, what nonsenser cried
Mrs Anstruthers "Rub your cheeks, child,
and drink this wine You look as white as a
ghost, and about as unhappy. Not go to the
races! You viii have every one saying it is
all off again just as it is all on. 1t is too ag-
gravating of you, really"
1t was the day following the ball Leila,
in her sisters room, was utterly refusing to
accompany her to the race course, and equal
ly positive in her refusal to see Maj. Arbur-
ton.
~ know what 1t is" Mrs. Anstruther went
on angrily; that boy has been talking nom
sense to you. 1t was too foolish Of you to
give him dance last night. If had known
of it should have taken you home, most GER
tainly."
''He did not talk nonsense, and he Is not
foolish, nor is he boy" cried Leila vebe-
mently; and then she gave way and relapsed
into copious weeping.
'tAt any rate he is only a sub-lieutenant,
and cannot possibly have mere than five hun
dred a year. And what is more, he doesn't
mean it seriously with you. If you throw
over Maj. Arburton now you will be throw
ing him over for a mere shadow. Everybody
knows what a firt Charlie Willoughby is.
He makes love to every girl he meets"
'eThat isn't true.' exclaimed Leila, with an
effort at drying her tears.
''H'ml How about Fanny Hope, and one
or two others l could mentiong' Silence.
"And how about his debtsr' Silence "And
his gambling-and that actress, and'-
Leila sprang to her feet. Il won't listen
any morel" she cried. 81 do care for him, and
1 hate Maj. Arburton, and 1 won't marry
him, and 1 will not go to the races today"
Mrs. Anstruther grew pale. She felt her
last chance was going. "Then shall have
to remind you," she said firmly, that can
not support all my brothers and sisters all
their lives did my best for Nell, and am
doing my best for you. You seem to forget
that I have children of my own to be brought
up. I counted on your marrying as soon as
possible / did not count on your throwing
up reasonable chance"
1t was cruel, but it had its effect. Leila
turned very white, then she moved to the
door. 81 will so with YOU" she said, scarcely
above whisper.
The ladies' prize race was the next on the
programme Considerable excitement pre-
vailed among the fair sex as to who would
win il. Leila alone sat calm and unmoved
among the spectators She did not seem to
hear or see anything till suddenly there was
little stir and hustle, and murmurs OF
"Of course he'll win" "He's sure of the
race" II feel inclined to congratulate you
already, Mr. Willoughby; you look so like
winning" etc.
The hero of the race took little notice OF
such like remarks. He made his way to
Leila and bent low over hes.
(Which is it to beg' he asked.
For an instant earth and sky reeled round
her, then her brain cleared, and she saw his
face, resoiute, handsome, desperate. She
hesitated for one instant, then she spoke:
ride to win"
The words were so low he could scarcely
hear them, but when he turned away there
was s. smile in his eyes.
The horses and their riders were drawn up
in line. Leila strained her eyes to watch
every movement of blacS and white, Mr..
Wiloughby's colors. Mazeppa fdgeted and
caught at the bit There was some little de.
lay, then the flag was dropped; they were
Off AT first breathless silence, then growing
excitement The course was a small one, and
the race was to be run twice round.
Maj. Arburton, who had not taken part in
it, uttered THANK Godl' as Mazeppa
cr%, frv.
first time. blues to the 'front.' no, yellow's
pushing up; no, that's Meldon. Stick to it,
Meldon. Willoughby's passed him. By Jovel
he's got his work cut out for him with that
horse. Now they're neck and neck. Good
race. No, Willoughby's gaining; no. Meldoni
no-by heavenr'
A scream from one of the ladies, a general
CONSERVATION in the grand stand, sudden
cessation of interest in the race. Charlie
Willoughby rode TO win, but the providence
he had dared revenged itself on him. Ma
zeppa had forced the bit between his teeth,
SHE'D away from the course and, leapfng the
frail protection of hedge which separated it
from the side of the hill had disappeared
with his rider.
sit was a narrow shave, and no mistake
said Charlie Willoughby, going over the story
for the hundredth time with his wife the SEQ
ond month of their marriage
''But the best part of it all was when
knelt down beside you and would not leave
you,n laughed Leila. 81 shall never forget
Mai Arburtons face, nor his words next day
when he told me ell was over between us, and
that the best thing l could do, after having
made such an exhibition of myself, was te
marry that young puppy"
caiI har hrsbo md tandp.lr- ba huaSd
part of it all was that rode 10 win, and that
did win-what most wanted-rny wife,
London World.