Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-04-18

Ihe day after to-morrow-and you?"
i am invited for the Goth, and l pro-
pose to arrive that afternoon. The bah
is fixed, believe for Wednesday,"
lis there any one-any men, l mean
you would like Clifford to ask? l can
send the invitations before l leave this
afternoon"
you are really too kind. I should not
dream of eXacting-"
"Oh! there is no Obligation" interrupt
ed Lady Darlington. I'VE want a mum.
Der of dancing men, and you know some"
The only person can think of is Cap
tain Shirley"
VERY well; what is his address, and
who is hep
"Mr. Marsden knows him already. He
was in my husbands regiment. He is a
good dancer and presentable person. He
has left the army, l believe, and his ad-
dress is The Doric Club"
VERY well. Now tell me what you did
and whom you saw at Cowes? How do
you like English life so far, and have any
of our brilliant youths impressed your
widowed hearth"
Mrs. Ruthven laughed low and softly.
Life in England is very livable so far
as l have seen it. With few ingredients
it would be delightful, and these"
Captain Shirley" said waiter, throw
Ing open the door.
There is an end of our gossip, my
DEAR" said Lady Darlington, land
cannot wait"
Mrs. Ruthven did not leave her seat
She held out a slim hand, which was
somewhat darker in tint than her face
and throat, and received the newcomers
profoundly respectful greeting with a
quiet smile.
Lady Darlington, let me present Cap,
tain Shirley to YOU"
1--WE have just been speaking of you,
Captain Shirley" said her ladyship, bland
ly. "My brother, Clifford Marsden, is
gathering his forces for ball on the 23d,
and if you are disengaged and inclined to
spend a few days at Evesleigh, vel
speak as temporary mistress of the house
shall be delighted to see you. There is
good shooting, some pleasant people, and
Mrs. Ruthven."
'Such attract are not to be resisted.
l gladly accept" returned Shirley, with
low bow.
you must take the Oldbridge and An,
chester line" added Lady Darlington.
"NVe will send carriages to meet the six
o'clock train on the DIST. Now l must
run away, dear Mrs. Ruthvcn."
The ladies kissed and parted, Shirley
escorting Lady Darlington to her car
rage.
When he returned Mrs. Ruthven had re-
sumed her seat on the sofa, and did not
speak for o moment. He stood looking
at her in silence also.
CAPTAIN Shirley was below middle
all h,,t ;rhf Ia with
dark. keen face the features small and
we'll cut, piercing black eyes. the express
sion of which was in general carefully
guarded He wore small thick mus
tache the rest of his face was clean shaw
Ell, the blue black of naturally strong
beard showing clearly through the skin.
From head to heel he was perfectly, fresh
ly dressed, and had an air of extreme
neatness.
"Well," said Mrs. Ruthven at last. rails
Ing her eyes slowly to his, you see look
after your interests! | have managed this
very pleasant invitation for you, and
imagine we shall meet a very good set at
Mr.. Marsden's."
"You are extremely good to me in all
minor Matters said Shirley, drawing
chair near her sofa.
with which you must be satisfied"
she said calmly, adding after an instant's
pause, land thankful"
81 am thankful! am very thankful for
the little note in which you warned me
vou would be in town for two or three
DAYS. and would talk over the suggestion
made, instead of refusing it at once"
'sTo appoint you my trustee in the place
of my fathers old ally, the late Mr.. Bur
peso No. my dear friend! Not ut pres.
ent, at least"
But you do not entirely reject me!
Won must feel sure no one could be so
devoted to your interests as | am"
81 am quite sure no interest would come
hofore mine. save one and that is your
own"
Shirley showed all his white teeth in a
nle,snnt SMILE "You are very keen, but
Won do me injustice" he said, land believe
mo vour interests need looking after; |
have been making quiet inquiries III va
rio,,s quarters and find your present sole
trustee. Clifford Marsden, has been in
rery shaky condition for some time, but
hos lately been evidently flush of cash
cash which I suspect is yours
"Oh! nonsense" carelessly; "Marsden
may be spendthrift, which after all is
only suspected, but he is man OF un-
blcmished honor" =.
81 don't believe in unblemished honor.
observed Shirley calmly.
..Probably not" she returned. Il am
in no hurry, and / should like to consult
Mn Marsden as to a second trustee. 1t
s,,;ts me to stand we'll and on confidential
terms with my late husbands relatives"
NO doubt; and" with a keen glance
SHOULD this especial relative become MS
:, Iolov in naming the second
+rusfee might save trouble in case new
settlement is required"
precisely said Mrs. Ruthven' with
n,rch composure. 81 should certainly ac-
cont Clifford Marsden, were he to ask me.
The position as his wife would suit me
axactly. But do not think he will; I'M
less. indeed. he wants my, money very
much. He is not bit in love with me-
nor with him; but it might do In.
deed. I am now old enough to feel that
marriage is too important matter 10 Dc Dc
"a. law of the subject in my school days;
h,,+ s+nnidly allowed a whim to blind me