The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-08-24
CIIApTER NV

The baImy air of Torquay did wonders
for Mrs. Ruthven. and her own resolutc
cagcrness to regain health and strength
still more.
The attentions and inquiries of various
noble and distinguished invalds, sojourn-
ing, like herself, in that famous resort.
soothcd and satisfied her Lady Dorring-
( ton h:tf written f>f~T,iue cuI,s-irp,.. -
Recommendations of her friend and guest.
and all things promised fair for the en-
suing spring campaign. But though
sweet and placid to those few favored
visitors who were admitted to her pres
cnce. the real vivifyiug influence which
was bringing back energy to hcr system
was the hope, the prospect of revenge.
To lose Clifford Marsdcn. by whom she
had been 50 fascinated, was bad enough
to lose the lord of EvesIeigh. the hero of
a hundred conquests. was worse: to lose
him to a simple. inexperienced girl. whom
she had herself praised and patronized,
was worst Of all.
Already society had begun to talk of
/ Clifford AIarsden being about to marry
some country nobody; but as yet there was
no certainty in the report, and, deep in
her heart. Mrs. iuthven swore the mar
riaGe should never take place
1t was part of her scheme to prevent
( EveSlcigh from going into strange hands.
even for a season. She was determined
Ia rule there herself Captain Shirley 5
visit was a stimulating tonic: but she
vas not too confidential with her right
hand man.
She listened to his accounts Of Mars
den's devotion to Nora, the stcadiness
aud sobriety Of his life in consequence
of the early date fixed for their marriage
the rumorS that he intended to settle all
he possibly could upon his brde-elect. etc,
10 all Of which Mrs. Ruthyen listened al
most in silence, with downcast eyes, and
Il slight. inscrutahlc smile.
In vain, Shirley tried to drnw some OBJ
servations from her which might indicate
in what direction the current Of her feel
iugs was setting lie could not even
make up his mind if she had resolved tc
renOuncc Marsden The only sentence
4 which escaped her lips on the subject was
/ when Shirley reiterated the report that
the marriage was 10 take place immediate
ly: then Mrs. Ruthven said, IanCuidly:
If il does not take place soon ii vii
probably not take place at all
May | ask your reason for saying 50 =
"Wrll. chiefly because Mr. Marsden j.
not a man of very fixed purpose and
something may occur 10 change his views
Talking of change did | tell You that
have got rid of that place nj Twickenham
1t seems that Il rich stock-hrukcr took f,
violent fancy 10 it. and he has given ne
a thousand pounds for my bargain.
Did you tire of il SO soon asked sShir
ley. in surprise.
wrought n radical change in me | now
feel must be in London and in the com
plete country, alternately
Il am afraid Mrs. Ruthven. that
have unconsciouSly done something ol
left uudonc something. that has induce,
You u withdraw the confidence you one,
placed in me. said shirley with wound
ed air, looking straight into her eyes.
Then You are mistaken; give You ex
acrly the same amount Of confidence | al
ways did-a good deal. but 10y no mean
all. You have been useful To me. and
have been useful to- You. | am still dis
posed ~ be Your friend. but do not sup
pose Won have the smallest power 10 iujur
me. The day is long gone 10y for that"
"luiurc y"u, Do You suppos" that sucl
an idea ever crossed my mind? Ny in
rIination is only to be your best devote,
servant moro. if YOU would accept me-.
Mrs. Ruthvcn laughed softly.
Il quite believe you, she said
"stiH
You have never been quite the sam
since You were robbed of your rubics. b
interrupted. You seem To have grow,
doubtful Of every one"
4 am" she exclaimed. with sudde
tire. Utterly. completely distrusrful
anil YOU mutter feeble complaints becaus
| Will not tell YOU the vague hope l hav
If recovering them. Leave that alone
| may eonfidc even that to YOU one day
let never if / find you Presuming To IT
discovery on your own account. | alon
have u slight cIew, and l will have no ON
myti,c"
Shirley looked At her 50 completed
startled and surprised that she laughe
= strange. almost hysterical. laugh.
"You must not excite yourself" b
eNciaimed; you might bring on anothe
relapse
That would never do she returned !
IN altered voice. 4 want 10 be we