Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-08-15

believe me, we only care to see you
we'll. There is not the slightest need to
hurry away"
81 know you are all goodness, but there
are matters to be attended to that no one
can do for me. have been scribbling a
few lines to my lawyer. Will you write
for me to Sir Harley?"
Certainly. But you know when be
was here last he said"
eyes, yes, that could not move for
three weeks. But one has passed, and If
he sees what progress l have made l am
sure he will let me go on Wednesday or
Thursday next. Wherever go ultimate
~, must take London on the way"
Cali beg, dear Mrs. Ruthven, is that
you will not hasten your departure on our
account. You know we are to spend our
Christmas with Aunt minister, so there
will be no party here! I am sure you are
not equal to write. you look so weary"
Mrs. Ruthven lay back in her chair, and
let her maid unfasten and remove the
desk. When they were alone she said, as
she lay back, her eyes closed, her figure
very still:
Il had message from Mr.. Marsden
just now"
'Indeedv' cried Lady Darlington, feel
ing exceedingly uncomfortable. "He had
no business to disturb you"
''He did not disturb me. I would not
be disturbed He asked to see me-" There
was a silence of nearly two minutes, while
Lady Darlington sought in vain for some
wise and cautious words with which to
reply before she found them. Mrs. Ruth
ven resumed very languidly, but opening
her eyes and settling them on her hostess:
Il suppose he wished to announce his en-
gagement to Miss L'Estrange, if it is
true. Is it true, Lady Dorrington?"
What question! What would she not
have given to be able to deny the fact
with scorn and Indignation? AS it was,
| ought she not to be thankfuL the ice was
| broken?
''Why. my dear Mrs. Ruthven, who in
| the world told you?"
"Some one mentioned it in one of the
| letters have been reading"
Shirley" thought Lady Darlington
! "Viper!'
''But is it true?" persisted Mrs. Ruth.
| ven.
ooh! I don't know what to think; | an
| afraid there is something in it. Indeed,
! have been infinitely annoyed" Lady Dor
rington paused abruptly, feeling mex
| pressibly awkward.
"You are not inclined for this marriage
then ?" said Mrs Ruthven, a peculiar an6
not very amiable smile passing over hel
| face.
Inclined for it! Why, it is the bitterest
disappointment to me! You must know
that, my dear Mrs. Ruthven!'
| I,,%
fortune, and it will take more than ar
ordinary one to put your brothers affairs
| in order"
''Besides that" cried Lady Darlington
'there are other considerations! More
L'Estrange is quite unfit to be Clifford's
wife. He will tire of her in six months"
''That is very probable. He is no
WISE"
Sand he actually talks of letting Ewes
leigh on a lease for years, and sinking
into a continentalized dilettant English
| man."
Mrs. Ruthven compressed her lips, ani
| her pale cheeks flushed as she answered
in a low, clear tone:
''Your brother is changeable and i'm
! pulsive. After all, it is quite probable tn
marriage may never take place"
"He appears to have committed himsel
fully" said Lady Darlington, who, nov
that the ice was broken found it a relic
to talk on this vexatious subject. Mrs
Ruthven was silent, leaning her elbows OF
the arms of her chair, and pressing he
finger tips together, while her face, whicl
had grown deadly white again, expressed
cold, implacable displeasure
Go be continued)