Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-05-02

ASe' iooAS tonight, SAID MIS-. Ruth
ven' as soon as she took breath, when
they paused after the first two CT three
turns. why has she such a fancy for
Ihat cold, hard, gigantic Mr.. Wintonw
"A fancy for Winton!' said Marsden,
turning sharply to look at Nora, who was
standing nearly opposite, her arm through
her partners, but her head half turned
and raised in a pretty attitude to speak
to Winton, who stood behind. There was
an indescribable expression of pleasure
and liking in her pose, which somewhat
justified Mrs. Ruthven's remark ooh,
no. continued Marsden, ''she has better
taste than to care for such piece of
petrifaction! Besides, he is an old flame
Of the step-mother's, and u.s. fancy, pay
ing court in that quarter. No matter,
these refrigerated machines are not in our
line; you and l are children of the sun,
though chance has made us English. Are
you rested? Let us have another turn
When next they stopped Marsden bent
over her and said, with an air of tender
interest:
II am afraid you are fatigued, you
tremble! Come, there is a charming re-
treat at the end of the conservatory,
where you can rest and be quiet; you look
pale. The waltz will not be over just yet,
and I can bring you an ice there" Draw
ing her hand through his arm, Marsden
led her out into the cool conservatory.
Mrs. Ruthven was unusually disturb
ed. Her prominent thought was: 'He has
made this opportunity to propose for me.
Tomorrow | shall be the mistress of
Evesleigh Manor" so, leaning slightly
toward her host, as if needing his sup
port, she willingly accepted his guidance.
The dance finished, Nora, escorted by
her partner, an officer of the regiment
CHARTERED at Oldbridge, mingled with the
stream of guests thronging to the buffet,
and while talking together over their ices
and lemon squash with Mrs. LEstrange
and Winton, she noticed Marsden break
ing away from q prosy master of fox
hounds, who had buttonholed him.
II really cannot stay" he said, loudly
and impatiently. Il want to take an ice
to Mrs. Ruthven, who is feeling faint.
He went on to the buffet, and spoke to
one of the walters.
''No, I will take it myself" he replied
to something the man said.
Nora thought he looked really anxious
and disturbed.
us Mrs. Ruthven feeling unwell?" she
asked, as Marsden passed.
He shook his head, with d smiling glance
toward the bore from whom he had just
escaped, as if to intimate it was an eX-
cuse for leaving his guest, and went Oh
quickly into the next room.
Winton looked after him.
'The rooms are not hot enough for
fainting," he said "You have not seen
the tent yet, Mrs. L'Estrange; come and
inspect it"
He offered her his arm, Nora and Lord
Alfred Harcourt following. AS soon as
they entered the morning room they saw
a group of men around the door leading
into the conservatory.
Next to it stood Marsden, a look of puz-
zled surprise on his face.
'"The lock ust have shut Of ITSELF"
Captain Lethbridge was saying, as Mrs.
L'Estrange and Winton drew near. 1T
is unaccountable.'
''What is the matter?" asked the lat
ter.
THE door is mysteriousy locked, though
I passed through it only now," said Mars
den, shaking it violently.
ct looks as if the fair widow did not
want you back" cried Lord Alfred with
foolish laugh.
Marsden gave him an angry look.
''See if the key is in the door,"
"Break it open.
"Cut out pane" were some Of the sug-
gestions rapidly offered.
'Is there not some other way into the
conservatory?" asked Winton.
Eyes. of course; through the east CORR
dor" cried Marsden. He rushed away.
In another moment they saw him pass
the door and disappear, only to return
more rapidly, and burst into the room,
exclaiming: 'Where is Lady Darlington
Mrs. L'Estrange, come, for Gods sake!
The key is gone, and Mrs Ruthven is ~
inc insensible! Call her maid! Look for
Lady Darlington" he cried to the ser
wants who were about. Bring some
water. Come. Mrs. L'Estrange," and
in evident agitation he led the way,
through a part of the house not thrown
open to the general company, through Tie
conservatory to the tent.
Winton, Nora and one or two of the
others followed to see if they could be of
any use.
Mrs Ruthven lay apparently Gfeless,
stretched on the divan, one arm hanging
down inertly her deadly pallor contrast
ing with her splendid dress and gay sur
roundings.
as she dead? Oh, is she dead?" wbis-
nered Nora in awe and terror.
.No. no." returned Mrs. L'Estrenge,
taking the hand which hung so helplessly
..sha is not cold-she breathes-give me
vonr fan-she must have air-do not
come too close-send for DR.. Weldon; l
saw him just now.
81 will go for him. said Winton, 'but
look Marsden. her jewels are gone
.What can have happened?' cried Mars
don HAS she been robbed? Good God.
and perhaps injured? Call Weldon.
Turning toward the door, he met Lady
Dorrincton coming in. and with her the
chief doctor of Oldbridge, one OF the
guests. n.
"Well. well, what's the matter? Hot
rooms: too much dancing?" exclaimed DIR.
weldon. a short, stout, authoritative man.
..pooh. pooh! don't look frightened. TO
Nora. MS he took Mrs. L Estrange's place.
..That's right; all she wants is air, ne
,oid his hand on her side. Heart beats;
It's inst a swoon; keep tanning. please
-,o+ bor clothes iOOSpneu all