Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-08-29

he possibly could upon his ride-elect, etc.,
to all of which Mrs. Ruthven listened al
most in silence, with downcast eyes, and
a slight, inscrutable smile.
In vain, Shirley tried to draw some OBJ
servations from her, which might indicate
in what direction the current of her feel
ings was setting. He could not even
make up his mind if she had resolved to
renounce Marsden. The only sentence
which escaped her lips on the subject was
when Shirley reiterated the report that
the marriage was to take place immediate
ly; then Mrs. Ruthven said, languidly:
IF it does not take place soon it will
probably not take place at all"
MAY I ask your reason for saying soy
"Well chiefly because Mr.. Marsden is
not man of very fixed purpose and
something may occur to change his views.
Talking of change, did tell you that
have got rid of that place at Twickenham!
1t seems that rich stock-broker took a
violent fancy to it, and he has given me
a thousand pounds for my bargain"
''Did you tire of it SO soon?" asked Shir-
ley, in surprise.
''Yes; sickness and seclusion have
wrought a radical change in me. l now
feel must be in London and in the COM
plete country, alternately
Il am afraid, Mrs. Ruthven, that
have unconsciously done something, or
left undone something, that has induced
you to withdraw the confidence you once
placed in me- said Shirley, with wound
ed air, looking straight into her eyes.
''Then you are mistaken; l give you ex-
actly the same amount of confidence al
ways did-a good deal, but by no means
cof, NJ fn |
have been useful to you. l am still dis
posed to be your friend, but do not sup
pose you have the smallest power to injure
me. The day is long gone by for that"
'Injure you! Do you suppose that such
an idea ever crossed my mind? My in
clination is only to be your best devoted
servant-more, if you would accept me-!
Mrs Ruthvcn laughed softly.
81 quite believe you," she said;
'still-"
you have never been quite the same
since YOU were robbed of your rubies,' he
interrupted. ''You seem to have grown
doubtful of every one"
81 am" she exclaimed, with sudden
fire. utterly, completely distrustful;
and YOU mutter feeble complaints because
| will not tell you the vague hope l have
of recovering them. Leave that alone;
I may confide even that to you one day,
but never if l find you presuming to try
discovery on your own account. l alone
have a slight clew, and will have no one
meddle.'
Shirley looked ut her so completely
startled and surprised that she laughed
strange, almost hysterical, laugh.
..You must not excite yourself, he
excl,imed: ''you might bring on another
relapse
"That would never do" she returned, in
an altered voice. Il want to DE well
soon; have good deal to do. Tell me,
Shirley" she went on, "why did you not
make love to Nora L'Estrange! she
would have been a suitable wife for you.
81 was quite willing to do so, but some
how it was impossible. could never
Get beyond the weather, or the last new
waltz. with her.
"What is there different in her from
other women?' she asked, scornfully;
"you have been tolerably successful with
other women
81 don't know; Miss L'Estrange is
frank and pleasant, and all that sort of
thing, but she is the most inaccessible
woman I ever came across
Shirley, you are fool! A young
creature fresh from the school room and
educational irons, is the easiest game of
all! Man. have you so little experience
as not to know you can always count on
Mt least one traitor within the trenches?'
perhaps the game was not sufficiently
exciting; anyhow, Winton did not give
a follow a chance"
"Winton! Yes. that is man l should
enjoy notifying. think he was fond
of Nora L'Estrange, and l suspect she
liked him. But who would refuse Mars
den of Eyesleigh:
'He is not so great Il CATCH
"Listen to me-" cried Mrs. Ruthven,
not needing him. Il want to go to Lon
don-let me see-I think could bear the
tourney next week. l want you to take
rooms for me at the Alexandria Hotel;
| shall keep them for awhile. l like this
place, and can go up to town as | like.
You must secure good rooms, and have
everything made comfortable and warm
above all things, warm"
Captain Shirley took her directions with
profound attention, and then their talk
flowed in ordinary channels. Mrs. Ruth
ven, was quiet, ard in rather more cheer
full mood; she was more civil and friendly
than usual. Yet Shirley left her with an
impression that there was danger in the
air.
Go be continued.)