Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-07-18

CHAPTER X.-(Continued.)
Il have been thinking, my dear Mrs.
Ruthven," said Marsden, as he pulled in
the ponies to make them walk quietly up
long hill, II have been thinking that
bennington would not make bad trustee
for you. He is really an excellent fell
low, and not at all bad man of business,
though bovine air hangs round him still. I"
He might not like the trouble, and /
am really in no hurry
but 1t is quite necessary that you
should have another trustee begin to
feel the responsibility rather too much
for me. l should prefer a colleague, be-
cause-Oh, for several reasons"
docs he wish this matter to be settled
before he offers himself to me?" thought
Mrs. Ruthven, looking into the dark-blue
eyes admiringly fixed upon her; and smil-
ing responsibility, she said: IF you think
we'll, pray ask Lord Darlington"
1T would come better from yourself.
You know my brother-in-law is one of
your many devoted admirers. He will be
fattered by the request"
"As | shall be If he accepts
(Which of course he will. often wish
ed l were better man of business, for
your sake. I am, or have been, too great
lover of pleasure. I suppose l must
turn to gravity and ambition some day"
"Were l man, should certainly be
! ambitious. l should not like to be second
to any one"
'What an awful vista of toll and trou-
bic you conjure up; still, you make me
ashamed of myself. If had some one
near to inspire me. might do something.
begin to think have drifted about long
enough"
''Is it coming?" thought Mrs. Ruthven
for the twentieth time, as she twisted the
tassel of her parasol round it's handle in
painful anxiety.
twill you drive with me tomorrow
| resumed Marsden earnestly. II want you
to trust yourself to me for a longer expe-
dition than usual; to a charming village
about ten or twelve miles off. Let us
start early and have luncheon at a primi-
tive little hostelry called the Three Pig
cons. Wen let the ponies rest, and be
back in time for afternoon tea"
To this arrangement Mrs. Ruthven
agreed, and after pause, said sudden
ly, rs if speaking out of her thoughts:
"Do you remember that evening, six
years ago, when we were all in the veran-
da of my fathers bungalow, and my hus-
band brought you in, and said, This will
be a cousin of yours tomorrow"
Eyes, l do-well. What lucky beggar
l thought poor Charliev
"And do you remember my father show
ing my ruby and diamond necklace and
earrings, and saying it would puzzle any
jeweler in London or Paris to show the
like?"
II do, indeed They were superb"
"He little thought" she said, with a
hysterical laugh, 'that l should bring
them to Christian, law-abiding, well-or-
dered England, only to be robbed of them.
All! Mr. Marsden, there is little to choose
between the idolatrous East and the truth
telling, spiritually minded West"
''Too true! So l have always thought.
But, dear Mrs. Ruthven, if you knew how
painful the very mention of those unfor-
tunate jewels is to me, I am sure you
would avoid the subject. If you had not
put them on with the gracious intention
of doing honor to my ball, they would be
now safely reposing. in your jewel case"
perhaps SO, though I am inclined to
thing that so ingenious and daring thief
would have got at them anywhere"
HE might. Now try and adopt my phi
losophy, let the dead past bury its dead,
and enjoy the living present. l think we
shall have fine day tomorrow, and, for
my part, l look forward to our little expe-
dition with the keenest pleasure
Mrs Ruthven smiled graciously, and
they talked and laughed gayly for the re-
mainder of their drive.
The morrow rose bright and clear, but
the projected excursion never came off.
y VOr v01 ~,
the forenoon for Marsden, and when he
ought to have been entertaining Mrs.
Ruthven at tete-a-t ete luncheon he was
steaming away to London.
y
Marsden's summons was reremptory.
He could only send message of fare
well to Mrs. Ruthver, who usually break
tasted in her own room, and assure his
sister that he should return the first mo-
ment he could With this glimmer of
hope she was forced to be content.
.sIf he finds anything more interesting
or amusing in or near London we shall
see no more of him for many day.
know what Clifford is said Lady Dor
rinston to her husband. Il begin to sus-
pect he does not intend to marry Mrs.
Ruthyen, or matters would not drag as
they do.
."Then he is bit of blackguard,
though he is your brother; every one be-
lieves he is paying his addresses to her; I
do not see how they could think other
wise: and he is bound to give her her OPP
ton; indeed
Nonsense, Lord Darlington; my broth
ar is no worse than other men; tried by
your standard. there are rev VINO; at one
coarse appellation you are pleased to con-
for ON Clifford. Still, wish he had more
sense and taste; Mrs. Ruthven is very
| charming woman in my opinion"
"And in mine, too; why, it is extraordi-
nary luck to find money and fascination
| Joined together. The man who gets Mrs.
| Ruthven will be a lucky beggar-a deuced
| lucky beggar.'
"Why. Darlington! | believe you are
capable of giving me cup OF cold poi
| son.' and trying your own luck IN that
"