Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-05-16


difference. 1t may be attractive. How
ever, if she cares for Winton-ah! my
difficulties are growing complicated. [
must think. If the faint vile suspicious
that have come to me prove correct, how
shall l act? Oh, | will punish, punish
bitterly! But l will secure my object,
tool"
Then she sprung up and rang for her
maid.
''Take away the tea things. Ask if
Captain Shirley is in the house; if so,
ask him to come to me-"
Captain Shirley has not returned,
| madame Mr. Marsden had just asked
to see you, but Miss l. Estrange was going
out and he went out with her"
''Mr. Marsden asked for me?''
"Yes, madame; he said he would be
back directly.
''Take away those things, them" re-
turned her mistress in a sharp voice.
land I will dress; I shall go down to din
ner. 1t does me no good to be shut up
here"
Half an hour after the lamps in the
boudoir were lighted, and Mrs. Ruthven,
in black silk and jet, wrapped in soft
Indian mantle of blue and gold, beneath
which she shivered occasionally, was sit
ting by the fire. She had scarce taken her
place when Virginie ushered in Captain
Shirley.
excuse my dusty boots" he said COM
ing quickly to her. Hearing you wished
to see me I came at once. / am glad to
see you are looking better than I ex-
pected."
eyes; I am nearly myself" she re-
turned, smiling graciously, and motioning
him to sit down. "When do you return
to town."
''By an early train tomorrow"
'And /, in the afternoon. Shall I see
you on my arrival"
eff you need my services, yes; but I
had intended running over to Ostend to
see my sister, who has been seriously ill.
l ought to have gone before"
''To Ostend?" repeated Mrs. Ruthven,
as if to herself.
''But if can be of any use"
"Yes, you cam" she interrupted abrupt
ly. "Do you remember a wonderful de-
tective who was employed by Lady Dart
rey to obtain evidence against her hus
band in that famous case"
Il do, at least / recOllect hearing of
him." Shirley rose as he spoke, and rest
ed his arm on the mantel piece, his face
deep in shadow, as the lamp was behind
him.
eff you will get me this mans address,
l should be glad"
Il have not the faintest idea where to
find him.
Lady Dartrey's solicitors would tell
you. He is a private detective, you
know, and I do not want any creature
to know that 1 am employing one on my
own account. You must undertake this
for me, Shirley"
II will, if you are so anxious for it.
But l must warn you that he will be
costly machine, and, unfortunately, you
have not the faintest cleW to guide him;
wait until"
Until all chance of discovery has
passed by? No, Captain Shirley, have
too much common sense Find me this
man, or shall do it myself"
81 will look for him and bring him to
YOU Mrs. Ruthven."
II shall be quite content with his adj
dress
"You will hear what the police de-
tective Marsden has sent for has to
say?"
Il shall follow my own line. No mat
ter! But hush, I will speak to you later"
The door opened to admit Lady Dorring
ton and her brother.
81 have sent for one of the best detec-
tives in their employment to Scotland
Yard" said Marsden to Mrs. Ruthven,
after they had exchanged few words
"And | must beg you not to leave until
you have given him your own version of
the story and show him the position in
which the thief surprised you. The tent
remains as it is until he comes! we will
keep his coming dark, as the thief, or
hn cpI
they think the local Dogberries only are
concerned"
"But, Mr.. Marsden, I really do not
think / could bear to enter that horrible
tent again! You do not know"
II can we'll imagine your condition of
mind. Yet, my dear Mrs. Ruthven, you
must not shrink from anything which
may tend to discover the scoundrel who
not only robbed you, but endangered your
life. Let me entreat you to stay couple
of days longer. | expect the detective
officer tonight. I ought to tell you, that
in the road outside the Oldbridge gate
you know it?"-to Lady Darlington
''there was a slight mark, as if two
wheeled conveyance had turned sharply
round; but on such night when vehicles
Of all kinds were coming and going, it
proves nothing"
"You really must not go, Mrs. Ruth
venv' said Lady Darlington, impress
sively.
81 will not oppose you, them" said the
fair widow, Though 1 begin to fear it is
but lost labor, the search for my jewels"
mo, no. | do not give up hope yet"
cried Shirley. Detectives do wonderful
things"
'"There goes the gong. I must run
away and dress. You will join us at din
ner, will you not, Mrs. Ruthyen?"
''Thank you, will"
Lady Darlington and Shirley went off
to their respective rooms, and Marsden,
pushing low ottoman close to Mrs.
Ruthven, sat down, almost at her feet.
you are shade less pallid than you
were,' he said, taking her hand. LET
me see if your pulse is steadier,' and he
proceeded deliberately to manipulate her
wrist 81 cannot say how awfully cut
up l am about this frightful business! If