Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1891-10-10

ty as Willoughoy Dockrel. Il shall
have some NICE people staying with me at
the beginning Of the month. Could you
come on the Sd2 We shall be able TO dis
cuss- Bourget-and lots Of things! Ever
sincerely yours,
Lefty Rashleigh."
Well, he had come ON the third, and
here he meant to stay-to stay until he
had made himself master of the situa-
ton.
But the day dragged on, and he had
never found himself alone with his host
ess. The young sister-a girl of Is, with
red hands and a stolid stare, was present
at lunch, went out with them in the
wagonette and faced him at the dinner
table, and not long, after dinner Mrs.
Rashleigh retired to bed The next day
it was so much better, but early in the
afternoon he did find her alone Willough-
by Dockreli was too much of "A diplomat
list to show his hand before he saw what
his adversary was likely to play, but still
the time was short, his opportunities few,
while the advent of fresh batch of
visitors might spoil the game completely.
At the end of quarter of an hours talk
Mrs Rashleigh began to feel uncomfort-
able, and more than ever was she re-
solved to tell Major Champion the whole
story directly he arrived She got away
and shut herself up in her room until
the first batch of new guests were an
nounced
what in heavens name is that fellow
doing down here2' was Champions first
question, when he found himself at last
alone with his hostess before dress
ing. She was silent for moment, but
she aid not pretend net to know what he
meant.
"Well, you see, he goes everywhere;
he's very clever and a sort of celebrity
in his way, and Il wish | hadn't asked
him!"
80 do /, said Champion feryently.
"But it is not only his coming that 8
the matter, said Lefty, incoherently;
but m sure he meant to stay. He will
never, never go,
oh yes he will; he viii 20 tomorrow
morning
"Oh, Jack, can't have it. won t
have a row in this house Why the news
papers will get hold of it, and-I shall
never forgive you if you do anything
horrid.
I'm not going to do anything horrid.
| shall Just mention in the smoking room
tonight that Jobson, the editor of the
Evening Telephone is coming down here
tomorrow for day or two"
But, my dear Jack, Jobson isn't com
ing! | don't even know him. How on
earth will that help us2'
"Wait and see. Ii the thing works, ! II
tell you all about il. you re ridiculous
little person, you know, and utterly unfit
to take care of yourself. You'd much bet
ter let"
There's the dressing bell, Jack.
You're getting impossible. shall send
you away tomorrow too.
And when the same evening, as the
ladies were going to their room, Mrs.
Rashleigh saw Jack Champion walking off
with Dockrell in the direction of the
smoking room, she felt pang Of COM
junction at the innocent plot she had as
scented to in order to get rid Of her bril-
liant guest
There were lotSof letters by the morn
ing post which came in while they were
at breakfast, but only one for Willoughby
Doclrel. He Ie5 it lie by his plate for
some minutes, and then, asking permis-
sion OF his hostess, with his rather ever
elaborate manner, he slowly broke the
seal
"What bore, he said, presently,
when he laid down the note and dehber-
ately resumed his breakfast. 81 shall have
to 20 TO town this morning 10y an early
train, Some bothering business which
can't get out OF,
Mrs. Rasbleigh dared not look at Cham
pjon, whose triumph was now complete.
Both had seen Mr. Willoughby Dockrell s
letter was walet-shaped adorned with a
pretty monogram and addressed in bold
feminine hand. The business, then iwas
a myth. And yet woman-like, she felt al
most guilty when the dog cart was at the
door and the last good byes were being
said. Dockrell, WIN for once looked red
and hustered, seemed to avoid speaking 70
her alone she murmured something
about having the pleasure of seeing him
down there on some future occasion. Ana
yet az they looked straight at each other
with the final hand shake, Lefty knew
that in all probability she would never see
him again.
What does it an mean?' SAID Mrs.
hashlelgh sternly, a few minutes later.
1t was in the sanctum and there was no
there but Jack 1t was a mere trifle but
it struck her that Major Champion did
not lounge in her favorite chair, but stood
tentatively at the FIRE place, playing nerv-
ously with some tin bronze cats clashinR
cymbals, which she had brought from
Vienna.
"Ibe magic name Of Jobson worked
the miracle, said Champion smiling
"Jobscn knew something about your
poet which makes it--well inconvenient
for them TO meet : told you he would 90.
Although the mar mas never been con-
vic,cd, there's no moral doubt Jnat he's
well a fOrger
Great heaveas! murmured Lefty as
he thought of intimate little notes she
had written him, of the con6detial talks
in London. Of the still more compromis-
ing interviews down here. And here was
j tez, who, whatever his fault, mad clearly
never committed forgery, but VIII ON she
had always snubbed! Mrs Rashleigh
crossed he room to his side
How can ever thank you?' she
Whispered gazing at the half moons on
bis necktie.
Lettie gave it w9nderinZly and he held
it gHuly IN his strong grip.
.ssi IN er.iurr ~ baaF, ~ Fnr al wa ~ "a VI.